Strategic Leadership Shift: Marc Kazlauskas Takes the Helm at Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH), a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange, has announced the appointment of Marc Kazlauskas as President of Norwegian Cruise Line, effective January 19, 2026. This move marks a significant transition for the cruise industry’s innovator, bringing in a seasoned travel executive with over three decades of senior management experience.

Who Owns Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian Cruise Line operates as a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a publicly held corporation traded on NYSE under ticker symbol NCLH. The company is structured as a leading global cruise operator that manages three distinct brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. As a publicly traded entity, the ownership is distributed among shareholders rather than held by a single individual or private entity. Harry Sommer serves as President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, overseeing the strategic direction of the entire conglomerate.

The New Leadership Era

Kazlauskas brings formidable credentials to this role, having led Avoya Travel as Chief Executive Officer—one of America’s largest travel companies and a prominent travel host agency. His previous positions included leadership at FROSCH and Chase Travel Group (a JP Morgan Chase subsidiary), where he managed expansive operations exceeding $11 billion in annual sales. At Chase Travel Group, he directed substantial teams and oversaw multi-billion-dollar revenue streams while cultivating key collaborations with global airlines, tour operators, and cruise companies.

His earlier career encompassed executive roles at Insight Vacations, where U.S. operations under his supervision achieved triple-digit growth in both revenue and profitability, and at Tauck World Discovery, where he directed international sales initiatives. Kazlauskas began his journey in the cruise sector at Orient Cruise Line, which was historically part of the Norwegian Cruise Line portfolio, providing him with foundational industry knowledge.

A Company Positioned for Expansion

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates a combined fleet of 34 vessels accommodating over 71,000 guests across its three cruise brands. The company’s ambitious expansion roadmap includes the introduction of 14 additional ships through 2036, which will add more than 39,200 berths to its overall capacity. Norwegian Cruise Line’s current fleet comprises 20 contemporary ships servicing approximately 350 global destinations, including the company’s private island retreat in the Bahamas and its Belize resort property.

Strategic Fit and Industry Context

Harry Sommer, NCLH’s President and CEO, underscored Kazlauskas’s credentials: “Marc represents a proven executive with deep commercial acumen and an intrinsic focus on passenger satisfaction. His arrival coincides with a transformative period for the Norwegian brand, as we sustain robust cruise demand, progress through our newbuild delivery schedule, and advance major infrastructure improvements including enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay.”

Kazlauskas acknowledged the opportunity in his statement: “This represents a remarkable moment to join Norwegian Cruise Line. The company benefits from strong booking momentum, the upcoming launch of Norwegian Luna, and an extensive pipeline of new vessels through 2036, positioning us favorably for sustained growth.”

Track Record of Excellence

Throughout his career, Kazlauskas has demonstrated proficiency in enhancing customer experiences, executing operational efficiency initiatives, and driving commercial performance—competencies directly aligned with Norwegian’s priorities around disciplined pricing strategies, streamlined operations, and enhanced guest accommodations. His board experience with Signature Travel Network and advisory roles with major global carriers further illustrate his extensive industry network and strategic influence.

The Norwegian Cruise Line brand, celebrating nearly six decades of innovation, has consistently distinguished itself through operational flexibility—offering passengers unrestricted dining choices, flexible entertainment scheduling, and relaxed dress codes. The introduction of specialized offerings such as solo staterooms, Club Balcony Suites, and The Haven by Norwegian (an exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept) reflects the company’s commitment to diversified guest experiences.

The company’s signature Free at Sea™ program amplifies value delivery through complimentary premium bar service, specialty restaurant credits, enhanced Wi-Fi access, shore excursion packages, and select airfare inclusions—components designed to strengthen competitive positioning in the contemporary cruise segment.