Norwegian Cruise Lines showed a profit in the second quarter — up from a loss during the same period a year earlier — helped in part by cost savings achieved by moving two of three Hawai'i-based cruise ships to its international fleet.

The company cited the lower crew costs of running the Pride of Hawaii and the Pride of Aloha with international crews rather than operating under a U.S. flag.

NCL reported net income of $15.4 million in the second quarter, compared with a loss of $27 million in the same quarter a year earlier.

In addition to paying less for fuel across the fleet, the company cited other cost-saving measures.

The Pride of Hawaii departed in February 2008, and the Pride of Aloha left last May. NCL continues to operate the Pride of America in Hawai'i.