A combination of cost-cutting and higher onboard spending has pushed Norwegian Cruise Lines’ income up 19 per cent for the third quarter of financial 2012.

In the three months to September 31st, net income for the Miami-based cruise operator reached to $128 million.

This comes despite a 13.5 per cent increase in the cost of fuel.

The cruise line said, however, it was able to reduce its cost per capacity day by 3.3 per cent.

This was largely due to the timing of maintenance and repair costs and lower operating expenses on ships.

Norwegian Cruise Lines chief executive Kevin Sheehan said business was expected to be good next year.

Norwegian – which is recognised as Europe’s Leading Cruise Line by the World Travel Awards - will add a new 4,000 passenger ship Norwegian Breakaway, to be based in New York to its fleet next year.