Tag Archives: Frank Del Rio

Harry Sommer Named Norwegian Cruise Line CEO; Stuart To Step Down

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Frank Del Rio (left) and Harry Sommer (right)

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) today announced organizational changes at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand as Harry Sommer has been named the successor to Andy Stuart, president and CEO.

Stuart is set to step down following the launch of Norwegian Encore. Sommer is currently president of international for NCLH. 

Stuart will step down from his role on December 31, 2019, and remain with the Company as Senior Advisor through March 31, 2020, to ensure a smooth transition, according to a press release.

Stuart joined Norwegian in 1988 and held several key executive positions during his tenure of more than three decades, including President and Chief Operating Officer; Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Passenger Services; Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer and Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Passenger Services. 

“I could only have dreamed about my journey at Norwegian when I joined the company in 1988 and am extremely fortunate to have witnessed firsthand the incredible evolution of this pioneering brand,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “I am honoured to have played a role in the leadership position Norwegian now holds in this incredible industry and continue to be proud of the commitment, dedication and passion of our team for delivering a best-in-class vacation experience. I have worked closely with Harry and am confident he is the right person to take the helm and continue the journey for Norwegian Cruise Line.” 

“Andy has accomplished everything possible in the cruise industry, including leading its most storied and innovative brand. He will leave on a high note after delivering the brand’s latest ship, Norwegian Encore, the last ship in the most successful ship class in the Company’s history,” said Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We are extremely grateful for his leadership and contributions to Norwegian Cruise Line, our company and the cruise industry.”

Del Rio continued, “Over the last several years, Norwegian’s management and Board of Directors have worked closely on a comprehensive succession plan that leveraged the considerable bench strength across the organization. The Board and I are confident that Harry is the right person to succeed Andy as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Norwegian Cruise Line brand and look forward to him leveraging his breadth of knowledge and extensive experience in the industry and our Company to take the brand to new heights.”

“Andy and I have worked closely together over the last several years and I am humbled and honoured to follow in his footsteps and lead this renowned brand,” said Harry Sommer, President, International for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “I look forward to working with all of our incredible partners worldwide, building off the strong position the brand holds today and charting the strategy for the next phase of Norwegian’s journey.”

Sommer currently serves as President, International for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. where he is responsible for all sales, marketing, public relations and office operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises in all markets outside of the United States and Canada. He previously served as Executive Vice President, International Business Development and Executive Vice President and Chief Integration Officer for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and held various executive positions for Prestige Cruise Holdings including Chief Marketing Officer; Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Information Officer and Chief Accounting Officer. Sommer holds an MBA from Pace University and a BBA from Baruch College.

Andy Stuart to depart Norwegian Cruise Line

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Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Andy Stuart in his office in 2015 with a framed jersey from London's Arsenal Football Club, his favorite soccer team.

Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Andy Stuart in his office in 2015 with a framed jersey from London’s Arsenal Football Club, his favourite soccer team. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst

Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Andy Stuart, a 31-year veteran of the company and long the company’s bridge to the travel trade, will step down at the end of the year following the delivery of the last Breakaway Plus vessel, Norwegian Encore.

Stuart is beloved by agents for his warmth, humanity and deep knowledge of the business. He will stay on with the company as a senior advisor through March 31, 2020.

Norwegian named Harry Sommer, currently president, international for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, as Stuart’s successor.

“I could only have dreamed about my journey at Norwegian when I joined the company in 1988 and am extremely fortunate to have witnessed firsthand the incredible evolution of this pioneering brand,” said Stuart, who is 54 years old.

Stuart became president and chief operating officer in 2015, after the surprise resignation of Drew Madsen, who was in the job only five months. 

“Andy and Norwegian are virtually synonymous,” Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said at the time. “He is very well known and respected by our guests, travel partners, officers, crew, and team members.

Signature Travel Network CEO Alex Sharpe said Stuart’s departure will be a blow not only to Norwegian but to the industry generally. “He’s an incredible ambassador for the cruise industry. He’s an incredible asset to the travel advisor trade. He’s just an incredible man. A good friend, a loyal guy. From that perspective, any time we lose someone of that calibre from the industry, it hurts,” Sharpe said.

Before he was named president in 2015, Stuart had been serving as executive vice president of sales. Prior to that, he had held many positions at Norwegian including global sales, passenger services, revenue management, and marketing and public relations.

Image result for norwegian encore ship

“Andy has accomplished everything possible in the cruise industry, including leading its most storied and innovative brand,” Del Rio said Thursday. “He will leave on a high note after delivering the brand’s latest ship, Norwegian Encore.”

Sommer’s background includes stints at NCLH as executive vice president, international business development and executive vice president and chief integration officer.

He also held various positions at Prestige Cruise Holdings prior to its consolidation with NCLH, including chief marketing officer, senior vice president of finance, chief information officer and chief accounting officer.

Sommer holds an MBA from Pace University and a BBA from Baruch College.

NCLH: Hurricane Relief Underway; Breakaway to Deliver Key Supplies

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Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today announced the relaunch of Hope Starts Here, the company’s hurricane relief campaign in partnership with All Hands and Hearts, and pledged a minimum commitment of $1 million toward immediate short-term relief for those affected by Hurricane Dorian, according to a prepared statement.

The company has also vowed to match donations dollar-for-dollar to assist with rebuilding efforts across the Bahamas, including debris cleanup and removal, and the delivery of supplies and temporary shelters.

“Our hearts are heavy after witnessing the impact and devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian across the Bahamas,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “We have been cruising to these islands for over 50 years and remain committed to its wonderful people during this unprecedented event. Through our partnership with All Hands and Hearts, we vow to match all donations collected to support the country’s rebuilding efforts.”

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is also coordinating with local Bahamian authorities to bring needed provisions to the affected areas, as quickly and as humanly possible. On Sept. 5, Norwegian Breakaway will depart Miami with hurricane relief supplies donated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and its employees, in addition to items collected by the City of Miami, Baptist Health South Florida, the 305 Gives Back foundation, and other Miami-based organizations, to be delivered to Nassau, Great Harbor Cay, the company’s private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

“We are pleased and humbled to again partner with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, to bring both immediate and long-term support to those who have so tragically suffered from Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas,” said Erik Dyson, chief executive officer of All Hands and Hearts. “We partnered, after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, to help respond to and rebuild communities in Key West, St. Thomas, Tortola, Puerto Rico, and Dominica – this resulted in helping literally tens of thousands of people moving forward on their path to recovery. We look forward to continuing this joint impact working with and for the people of the Bahamas.”