In a move that is bound to generate strong support from travel partners, Norwegian Cruise Line has named Marc Kazlauskas as its new president effective Jan. 19, 2026. He joins the company with more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across sales, operations, and innovation in the global travel industry.
While several cruise line presidents have had some retail background, it has been decades since a major brand president for a publicly traded cruise company came directly from the retail side of the business. However, Kazlauskas has gained a stellar reputation over his three decades in the industry from both travel advisors and cruise suppliers, across all sectors, particularly on the premium and luxury side of the business.
Kazlauskas most recently served as CEO of Avoya Travel, one of the largest travel companies in the U.S. and a leading travel platform and host agency. Prior to this, he served as president of FROSCH and managing director of Chase Travel Group, a JP Morgan Chase company, one of the world’s leading travel companies with more than $11 billion in sales and a global footprint, where he led large teams, managed multi-billion-dollar operations and oversaw key partnerships across airlines, tour operators and cruise lines. He has a strong proven track record in driving commercial performance, customer-experience enhancements and major modernization initiatives that align with Norwegian’s continued focus on disciplined pricing, operational efficiency and elevated guest offerings.
“Marc is a proven leader with deep commercial expertise and an unwavering commitment to the guest experience,” Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said in a statement. “His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Norwegian Cruise Line brand as we continue to see healthy demand for cruise, execute on our newbuild program and make significant progress on major initiatives, including enhancements to our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. Marc will be instrumental in further advancing the brand’s long-term performance and growth.”
“I am honored to join Norwegian Cruise Line at such an exciting moment,” Kazlauskas said. “The momentum already underway sets NCL up for continued success, and I look forward to building on the company’s strong performance alongside its incredible team. With robust booking trends, the upcoming debut of Norwegian Luna, as well as the company’s strong pipeline of newbuilds through 2036 and major enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay, the company is well positioned for future success. As I step into this new role, I’m deeply grateful for my time at Avoya Travel and the remarkable people who’ve helped shape my journey leading to this exciting next chapter.”
Before Kazlauskas’ time at Avoya and FROSCH/Chase Travel Group, he held leadership roles at Insight Vacations, where he oversaw U.S. operations and drove triple-digit revenue and profit growth, and at Tauck World Discovery, where he led worldwide sales. He began his travel-industry career at Orient Cruise Line, previously part of the Norwegian Cruise Line portfolio.
He is a former member of the Board of Directors for Signature Travel Network and has served on advisory boards for major global airlines and travel companies.
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