Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has announced that Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Andy Stuart will step down from his role on December 31, 2019.
Harry Sommer, current President, International for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, will take over as Stuart's successor. Stuart, who joined Norwegian more than three decades ago, will remain with the company as a senior advisor through March 31, 2020, to ensure a smooth transition.
"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," Stuart said in a statement accompanying Thursday's announcement. "I am honored 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."
In his current role as President, International for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Sommer 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 U.S. and Canada.
"Andy and I have worked closely together over the last several years and I am humbled and honored to follow in his footsteps and lead this renowned brand," said Sommer, in a statement of his own. "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."
Norwegian credited Stuart for playing a key role in many of the cruise line's biggest achievements, including the rollout of its popular Freestyle Cruising offering giving guests the freedom and flexibility to dine where and when they like. The company also recently announced plans to replace all single-use plastic bottles across its fleet by January 1, 2020.
Vicky Garcia, COO and co-owner of Cruise Planners, called Thursday's news "a major shock."
"The cruise industry will surely miss him, his support, wit and charm. I've worked with Andy since 1998 so professionally I'm devastated," she told TravelPulse. "He is a trailblazer and true industry icon, and an all-around great guy-he revolutionized cruising to appeal to the new generation of travelers and pioneered many innovations including freestyle cruising where it offers cruisers the flexibility to dine whenever, wherever and with whoever they want. Andy is truly authentic and a brilliant leader, as well as an inspiring speaker who shared his gifts with the industry. Personally, I'm thrilled that Andy and his beautiful family are transitioning to new beginnings and future adventures-it's well deserved."
The leadership change will come just over one month after the launch of Norwegian Encore, which Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. President and CEO Frank Del Rio called "the last ship in the most successful ship class in the company's history."
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