Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, one of the world's top-5 cruise shipowners and the parent company of NCL-Norwegian, Oceania, and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas, announced that Frank J. Del Rio had decided to retire and step down from his position as NCLH’s President & CEO, and from its Board of Directors, effective June 30th, 2023.
Del Rio is due to serve as a Senior Advisor to the Board through 2025.
Harry J. Sommer, who has served as NCL's President & CEO since 2020, was appointed to succeed Del Rio and will join the Company's Board of Directors, effective July 1st, 2023.
David J. Herrera, who has served as NCL's Chief Consumer Sales & Marketing Officer since 2021, will succeed Sommer as President of NCL, effective April 1st, 2023.
Del Rio’s retirement is the culmination of a remarkable career spanning 3 decades in the cruising industry. Del Rio has led NCLH since 2015 and before that led Prestige Cruise International, or its predecessor, which operated Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, from 2002 until its acquisition by NCL. He founded Oceania Cruises back in 2002, creating a new “upper premium” market in the cruise industry. Del Rio successfully led the Company in welcoming 8 new ships since 2015, introducing the brand’s second private island (Harvest Caye Belize), as well as achieving industry-leading financial results.
Sommer (aged 55) has 30+ years of cruise industry experience across marketing, revenue management, itinerary development, sales, passenger services, and international business development/operations. In addition to his role as NCL's President & CEO, he expanded his responsibilities to include oversight for all of the brand’s other revenue-generating functional areas. Previously, he served as President, International, and throughout his career held executive roles at a variety of cruise operators.
Frank Del Rio, president & chief executive officer of NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. said that leading Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings had been one of the most rewarding experiences of his professional career.
“My heartfelt gratitude goes out to our 39,000 team members around the globe whose innovation, tenacity and collaboration have strengthened this Company and built the industry’s most passionate and loyal base of cruisers. With the Company solidly positioned for 2023 and beyond, I am confident that now is the right time to pass the baton to Harry. Having worked closely with Harry for decades, I know firsthand that his talent and skills are ideally suited to take this Company into its next era. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Harry, the Board and our management team during the coming months to ensure a seamless transition and I am delighted to continue to serve as a Senior Advisor to the Board after the transition.”