Sunday, March 31, 2024

Harry Sommer succeed Frank Del Rio as CEO, NCLH David Herrera NCL pres

president of norwegian cruise line

The hidden enclave will feature a comprehensive wine-by-the-glass menu, and an extensive list of rare and premium vintages. Designed by the Miami-based Studio DADO firm, the venue’s architecture is inspired by the captivating beauty and curvature of the geologically stunning Antelope Canyon in Arizona, with warm color hues complemented by cascading horizontal lines and serene blue touches create a perfectly inviting and enchanting space for guests to unwind. Brand-New Culinary and Bar Experiences Making its debut on the all-new Norwegian Aqua is Sukhothai, the Company’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant, featuring an eclectic menu with authentic, traditional offerings with creative, dynamic flavors. Guests can look forward to a new spin on traditional staples, such as Thai Cashew Chicken; Salt and Pepper Prawns; Thai Grilled Steak Salad; a variety of complementing curries and so much more. Décor imagined by the London-based SMC Design firm, the upscale dining venue will boast a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary Thai design elements.

Sun Class

He will be entitled to a $9m cash incentive bonus for achieving a successful transition of responsibilities to Sommer and the company’s achievement of targeted adjusted EBITDA performance levels through June 30. He has been overseeing the Oceania and Regent brands ever since their new presidents (Frank A. Del Rio and Andrea DeMarco, respectively) took over at the start of 2023. Oceania Cruises currently has six ships with 5,240 total berths and is due to add Vista in a month, with sister Allura to follow in 2025.

Dawn Class

He assumes responsibility for the Brand’s business outside of North America, overseeing the company's 11 international offices in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin-America, and Brazil. With a special focus on expanding the Brand's international footprint by optimizing collaboration between regions, surfacing new sales opportunities, and driving impactful through-the-line campaigns. Beginning April 2025, Norwegian Aqua will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., featuring calls to the tropical island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. Following the ship’s Caribbean season, Norwegian Aqua will offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025 and then cruise five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World,” beginning October 2025 through April 2026. The Commodore Room, one of Norwegian Aqua’s complimentary main dining venues, is being reimagined with a sophisticated design paying homage to the luxury maritime aesthetic of the past with antique wood furnishings, leather banquettes and stone accents. Sukhothai, Norwegian Cruise Line’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant will debut on board Norwegian Aqua and will boast authentic dishes including Nam Tok Neua, a traditional Thai grilled steak salad.

Weekend Cruises

While retiring as NCLH's President and CEO, Del Rio will continue to serve as a senior advisor to NCLH until 2025. The appointment — which was expected — sees the current president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line take the top spot at NCLH, which also includes Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive. Before joining the company, David was the founder of Eastside Financial Group, a private investment firm.

Breakaway Plus Class

Sommer, 56, becomes president and CEO-elect effective April 1 before officially assuming the role July 1. As Norwegian Cruise Line’s new President, Herrera will be responsible for the overall strategic vision and business plan execution for the brand. As Norwegian Cruise Line’s President, David Herrera will be responsible for the overall strategic vision and business plan execution for the brand.

The dynamic Del Rio has led NCLH since January 2015, most recently guiding it through the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and restart. Under Del Rio, the company significantly expanded its fleet, introducing new ships and ship classes, private destination Harvest Caye in Belize and investments in Alaska and much more. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. In addition to these leadership changes, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also announced a 9% reduction in its shoreside workforce at the time, which the company called a “rightsizing” to align with its strategic priorities.

Del Rio’s well-deserved retirement is the culmination of a remarkable career spanning three decades in the cruise industry. Del Rio has led the Company since 2015 and prior to that led Prestige Cruise International, Inc., or its predecessor, which operated Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, from 2002 until its acquisition by Norwegian. Del Rio founded Oceania Cruises in 2002, creating a new “upper premium” market space in the cruise industry.

Norwegian Cruise Line Aqua Ship Has a Fully Vegetarian Bistro - Food & Wine

Norwegian Cruise Line Aqua Ship Has a Fully Vegetarian Bistro.

Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:00:00 GMT [source]

Previously, she was director of Consumer Sales, managing Inbound and Outbound Remote Consumer Sales as well as Sales Training and Development. In November 2022, the Company succeeded in having its best booked month ever, ending 2022 at record booking levels for 2023, therefore starting this year in a better-booked position than ever before and setting another new record in January. As a U.S. veteran, he is also proud to have co-sponsored the development of the Brand’s first-ever Military Appreciation Program in November 2022. Harry Curtis is the former Managing Director of Instinet, a Nomura subsidiary focused on research, trading, and data analytics for institutional investors and securities traders, and brings his approximately 30 years of experience in equity research specializing in the gaming, lodging and leisure industry to NCLH’s Board of Directors.

Cruise lines 'New Presidents' hammer home need to keep brands unique - Seatrade Cruise News

Cruise lines 'New Presidents' hammer home need to keep brands unique.

Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Transatlantic Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced significant changes to its executive leadership team, with Harry J. Sommer set to become the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective July 1, 2023. Adam Malone is the Chief Marketing Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, responsible for leading the organization’s multi-channel marketing and advertising strategy. Malone oversees all digital marketing, e-commerce, consumer insights, promotional efforts plus partnerships and brand initiatives. Most recently he served as the Brand’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Norwegian Cruise Line, responsible for driving demand and global market share across the Company’s key global source markets. In this role, he oversaw the organization’s consumer advertising and promotional strategy as well as direct outbound and online sales channels. With so many culinary options to choose from, NCL’s Free at Sea program delivers guests more value with vacation enhancing benefits including specialty dining credits, unlimited beverage package, shore excursion credits, Wi-Fi minutes and more.

In his previous positions within the organization, he served as Senior Vice President of Brand Finance, Strategy, and Consumer Research, President of NCLH China, and was behind the military appreciation program. Harry J. Sommer, the current President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, will become the next President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, effective July 1, 2023. David J. Herrera, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer, will be the cruise line’s new President, effective April 1, 2023. Before joining the company, Daniel served as assistant State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami- Dade County under both Janet Reno and Katherine Fernandez Rundle.

Byrd also played a key leadership role in the global implementation of the Company’s “Follow the Sun” initiative to provide Norwegian Cruise Line guests consistent superior customer service worldwide 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Previously he was SVP finance and strategy for NCL and led corporate development for NCLH, after an earlier stint as president of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings China in Shanghai. Herrera, who currently serves as NCL’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer, has been with NCLH since 2015 and has served as a Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Prestige Holdings from 2012 through 2015.

Demonstrating outstanding resilience and strategic foresight, Sommer spearheaded a successful resurgence post a 500-day pause in operations. This period not only showcased the brand's robust recovery but also its innovation with the launch of the Norwegian Prima - the first of six vessels in a new class of ships, setting the stage for record bookings in 2022. In 2008, he started his career with NCL as a personal cruise consultant, but quickly stepped into leadership roles within the sales organization, including Sales Team Leader, Sales Manager, and Sales Director, where he was responsible for leading 150 team members in Sawgrass, Fla.

The company also launched the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island destination in the Bahamas and its Caribbean port of call. Del Rio leaves behind a thriving industry, a revitalized NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises positioned in the upper premium market segment, and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas Cruises as a leading ultra-luxury travel brand. Frank Del Rio, a prominent figure in the cruise industry, retires from his position as President and CEO of NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings on June 30th.

president of norwegian cruise line

The changes come as Norwegian announced that its current President and CEO, Frank Del Rio, has decided to retire. This news surprised many since Del Rio had spent three decades in the cruise business and successfully led the company since 2015. In one of his most recent roles prior to the current appointment, he served as Vice President of International Marketing and Global Creative Strategy, where he amongst others successfully led NCL’s Break Free campaign – the Brand’s most extensive international marketing campaign to date, with TV integrations worldwide.

During his tenure, Del Rio successfully led the Company in welcoming eight new and innovative ships since 2015, introducing the Company’s second private island destination, Harvest Caye, and achieving industry-leading yields and financial results. Del Rio also led the Company through the COVID-19 pandemic, the most tumultuous time in its 56-year history, and was a vocal leader and advocate for the entire cruise industry through unprecedented times as it worked to resume cruise operations globally. In November 2022, the Company succeeded in having its best booked month ever, ending 2022 at record booking levels for 2023, therefore starting this year in a better booked position than ever before and setting another new record in January.

As a U.S. veteran himself, he is also proud to have co-sponsored the development of the Brand’s first-ever Military Appreciation Program in November 2022, the landmark initiative that honors U.S. military members with an exclusive offer and onboard experiences. He began his career with Princess Cruises, where he developed a diverse skillset through a vast range of positions across sales, hotel operations, trade marketing, onboard revenue, newbuild design, and passenger programs. She is a seasoned manager focused on driving operational excellence with a proven record for developing talent at the senior level, and brings extensive experience in the technology sector, spanning specialty areas such as online gaming, digital media and e-commerce to NCLH’s Board of Directors. She also previously served as the interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Trader Media Group (owner of AutoTrader), Commercial Director and Chief Financial Officer of Fitness First and the Chief Financial Officer at Thresher Group. She also has extensive experience as a board member and currently serves as Chairperson of TrustPilot Group plc and Executive Chair of M&C Saatchi Group. She is a former member of the board of directors of Future plc, Flutter Entertainment plc, THG plc and GoCo Group plc.

Management Team :: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd NCLH

president of norwegian cruise line

Effective April 1, 2023, David J. Herrera will become the new President of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). On July 1, 2023, the brand’s current president, Harry J. Sommer, will transition to be the next President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Del Rio co-founded Oceania Cruises in 2002 with one ship, building up the brand with additional former R-class ships built for the defunct Renaissance Cruises, where he had also been a leader (but left before its 9/11 collapse) and ordering larger, new ships Marina and Riviera. Since January 2020, Sommer has been helming the 18-ship NCL brand, which has 47,735 lower berths and carries about 2.2m passengers a year. “I am incredibly humbled to succeed Frank as this iconic Company’s next President and CEO, and I’m grateful to have the unwavering support of him and the Board to lead the Company as we embark on the next chapter for our storied brands,” Sommer said.

Construction on Second Chinese-Built Cruise Ship Well Underway

Our award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose while cruising to the most beautiful destinations around the world. Our award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose while cruising to beautiful destinations around the world. Add a wide range of superb dining options and spectacular entertainment and you’ll experience your best vacation ever. When you sail with Norwegian Cruise Line, you are cruising on the most innovative and accommodating fleet on the high seas. Del Rio's vision and passion for ship décor, art, and experience also benefited Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Both brands introduced new ships, with RSSC set to launch Seven Seas Grandeur in November 2023, and Oceania unveiling its first new ship in ten years.

Get More with Free At Sea

In November 2014, Chad Berkshire assumed the role of senior vice president of revenue management, leading Norwegian Cruise Line’s global cruise revenue, product pricing and yield management. During this time, he was instrumental in leading the Company’s strategy of focusing on value over price with the introduction and growth of Norwegian’s highly successful Free at Sea promotion. Previously, Sommer served as President, International for the Company’s portfolio of award-winning brands including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. In this role, he was responsible for sales, marketing, public relations, business development, and office operations for all markets outside of the United States and Canada. Sommer led efforts to expand the Company’s global footprint with the opening of several offices around the world and significantly strengthened its international presence..

Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils New Culinary Experiences for Next New Ship - Travel Market Report

Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils New Culinary Experiences for Next New Ship.

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 02:51:14 GMT [source]

Northern Europe Cruises

This recent announcement of executive leadership changes at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is not the first time the company has undergone significant organizational changes. In December of last year, the company announced the appointment of new presidents for its Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises brands. Del Rio guided Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings through the global operations pause between 2020 and 2021. I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the passionate and incredible team at NCL, as well as to continue to work alongside Harry and our stellar leadership group to build on our strong momentum,” said David Herrera, Incoming President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “It is going to be another milestone year for us as we continue the Prima Class rollout, and I am looking forward to leading our team and guests along this exciting journey. Metropolitan, NCL’s modern Sail & Sustain cocktail bar, which won the 2024 Vibe Vista Award for “Best Beverage Program,” will return aboard Norwegian Aqua and boast a distinct new design from other Prima Class vessels.

Our Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils New Culinary Experiences on Aqua - Cruise Industry News

Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils New Culinary Experiences on Aqua.

Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:53:03 GMT [source]

Relocating from mid-ship to the aft of deck seven, the innovative bar will now feature a grand piano and a small entertainment space for guests to enjoy live music with their Sail & Sustain cocktails, biodynamic wines and sustainably produced liquors. Inspired by the art deco and mid-century modern areas of New York City, Studio DADO crafted an intimate enclave with dark hues, eye-catching motifs and fresh greenery offering an easy-going ambience for guests engaging in a nightly beverage. Elevated, Redesigned Venues From new designs to expanded seating, the all-new Norwegian Aqua will feature enhanced restaurants and lounges previously debuted on the Prima Class. From the creative minds of Studio DADO, one of the ship’s main complimentary dining rooms, the Commodore Room, will now feature a rustic yet luxurious design inspired by its sea-faring namesake. Paying homage to the imaginative narrative of the captain’s room, the venue will transport guests to the past times of maritime sophistication with antique wood furnishings; leather banquettes; floors that mimic the lines of a pier; and incredible stone accents, all with a delicate, modern touch. Also premiering aboard Norwegian Aqua is Swirl Wine Bar, a contemporary wine lounge that strikes the perfect balance between exclusivity and approachability for a unique, intimate experience tucked away on deck six between the popular Whiskey Bar and Hasuki, the hibachi-style restaurant.

Africa Cruises

Stella also previously held various senior-level positions at Bacardi Ltd., including Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer and as the Chief Executive Officer of Bacardi’s U.K., Irish, Dutch & African business. With decades of experience, Stella holds profound understanding of the premium and luxury market, corporate governance and risk management. She also previously served on the boards of Domino’s Pizza Group plc, Vue International, HomeServe Plc, C&J Clark Limited and Nationwide Building Society. Prior to joining NCLH, Andrea held multiple roles in the cruise industry including revenue management, corporate financial planning, and charter sales. Jason Krimmel will take the newly created role of chief international sales and marketing officer, working closely with Herrera to expand the brand’s international footprint. Before joining Norwegian Cruise Line in 2017, Malone held positions at JPMorgan Chase and Capital One, including managing a number of co-branded credit card and private label programs for a variety of name-brand accounts.

president of norwegian cruise line

Meet The Fleet Built for Freestyle Cruising

Aboard Norwegian Aqua, Whiskey Bar will relocate to deck six near the brand-new Swirl Wine Bar, while Belvedere Bar will move to deck eight at the heart of the atrium, where guests can revel in night caps and nightly entertainment. With a historically smaller fleet, the company has been building new ships more aggressively versus peers in order to enter/serve certain markets. “This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said President and CEO Harry Sommer. Finally, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029.

Chernesky’s multifaceted experience in the industry and passion for the trade community is instrumental in his role as he is dedicated to prioritizing Norwegian’s Partner’s First philosophy, which is the Company’s long-standing commitment to travel advisors. Previously, Berkshire oversaw strategic planning and analysis for Onboard Media, a subsidiary of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH), which provides customized integrated media to the cruise and hotel industry. New to the Prima Class, the contemporary Swirl Wine Bar aboard Norwegian Aqua is being designed by Miami-based Studio DADO, and draws architectural inspiration from the cascading horizontal lines of Antelope Canyon in Arizona. The new lounge creates an atmosphere that exudes exclusivity yet approachability and is perfect for enjoying intimate conversations over rare vintages. The company has obtained export credit financing with favorable terms to fund 80% of the contract price of each of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships.

Frank A. Del Rio

The cruise line broke two records for bookings in November 2022 and January 2023 in part to his skills. Herrera, a U.S. veteran, also helped co-sponsored the development of the Military Appreciation Program, a first for the brand. Before his latest stretch with NCL, Sommer was with Prestige Cruise Holdings, prior to its acquisition by NCL, in positions including chief marketing officer, SVP finance and chief information officer and SVP accounting/chief accounting officer and controller. Prior to joining shoreside management, Patrik spent over a decade at sea, including serving as Captain across a range of cruise ships, giving him firsthand knowledge of the ins and outs of ship operations.

Having been active in the urban mixed-use real estate sector for more than 35 years, Russell has led development in more than 15 markets across the United States and has developed more than 50,000 residential units, including pioneering the condo hotel concept. Currently, Russell serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board at Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. He has also previously served on multiple company boards, including Black Spade Acquisition Co, New Beginnings Acquisition Corp., Prestige, Capital Bank, and Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust Company.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced some major changes in its executive leadership team. Sommer will replace the current CEO and President, Frank Del Rio, who has decided to retire and step down from his position and the board of directors effective June 30. The company also announced that David J. Herrera would be Norwegian Cruise Line’s new President, effective April 1, 2023.

Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests in 2027 and 2029. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment you will never forget while witnessing the icy-blue glaciers and unique wildlife of Alaska. Walk through Greece's enchanting, sun-bleached streets, or find your own paradise in a secret beach in The Caribbean.

Our honest review of the new Shark FlexStyle

Table Of Content SHIPS SAME OR NEXT DAY What does the Shark FlexStyle come with? Deep-Moisturizing Conditioner Bar for Dry Damaged Hair Sham...