Sommer: New NCLH Leadership Brings ‘Fresh Perspective and Energy’

Sommer: New NCLH Leadership Brings ‘Fresh Perspective and Energy’

“With new leadership not only in my seat but in all three of our award-winning brands and most recently for our vessel operation function, there is a possible feeling of reinvigoration and excitement about the future across the entire company,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), speaking on the company’s second-quarter earnings call.

Sommer took over as president and CEO of the company earlier this year, following Frank Del Rio’s retirement.

“We are approaching every decision with fresh perspective and new energy, challenging the status quo at every level and encouraging our entire team to think outside of the box and come to the table with new ideas, however big or small,” Sommer said, noting his focus is on the future and how to refine and enhance our strategy to optimize the company’s existing fleet of high-quality assets, further differentiate the business model, build resiliency, advance efforts to drive a positive impact on society in the environment and ultimately drive more value.

“Our executive team has an average of over 20 years in the cruise industry and nearly all have been with NCLH for a decade plus,” he continued.

“I have the unlost confidence that this team is the right one to take the company to even greater heights.”

Norwegian Cruise Line to Debut The Evolution of Innovation Series

Norwegian Cruise Line to Debut The Evolution of Innovation Series

Following the release of season two of Norwegian Cruise Line's "Embark with NCL," the company will now air "The Evolution of Innovation" on August 11, 2022, according to a press release.

The three-part series will highlight the history of cruising as well as the company's legacy, according to a statement by the cruise company.

It will also chronicle the company's most notable moments up until the launch of the new Prima Class of ships in August of this year.

"Since 1966, Norwegian Cruise Line has set industry-leading standards for the ultimate vacation experience. ‘The Evolution of Innovation’ documents the Company’s pioneering heritage and provides a look into the future, one built on creativity, style and an uncompromising commitment to our guests," commented Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer, Norwegian Cruise Line.

The three episodes include "History of Innovation," "The Evolution of Entertainment" and "The Future of the Cruise Experience." 

The first episode airs on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at 8 p.m. ET both on the company's website and Facebook page.

Executives from the company will appear in all three episodes, assisting viewers in better understanding the company's history and impact on the cruise industry. Viewers will also get a glimpse into the brand's history, with never-before-seen interviews and archived footage, as well as an early look into the next generation of vessels that will define the company's future.

When Cruise Ships Turn Into Canvas: Norwegian’s Hull Artwork Guide

As another Norwegian Cruise Line new build nears completion, Cruise Industry News digs into the company’s traditional hull artworks.

Norwegian introduced the hull art trend in 2002 with the Norwegian Dawn. Through 2013, Norwegian cruise vessels received simpler design patterns related to their names, the artwork evolved significantly in recent years. 

Starting with the Norwegian Breakaway, the company decided to commission famous artists for the jobs, which now present several different styles, inspirations and motifs.

Here are all the artists hired by Norwegian through the years and their artworks: 

Norwegian Prima
Year: 2022

Artist: Manuel “Peeta” Di Rita

The recently floated out Norwegian Prima (pictured above) will feature the company’s largest hull art yet, with elements going up to the ship’s superstructure.

Inspired by Italian graffiti art, the piece is signed by the Venice-based spray can artist Manuel Di Rita, better known as “Peeta.”