Sommer to lead NCL
HARRY Sommer will take the reins as Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) new President and Chief Executive Officer from next year, replacing company stalwart Andrew Stuart who has been in the role since March 2015.
Sommer is currently the President, International for the brand’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, a position he has held since January, prior to which he was Executive Vice President, International Business Development.
Stuart, who has been with NCL for more than 30 years, will remain with the company in an advisory capacity to Sommer, to help support his successor during the transition period.
Local RCL head departs after 15 months
Susan Bonner has departed her postition as Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) Managing Director Australia and New Zealand, with Gavin Smith returning to the role previously served in from 2008 to 2013.
Smith returns to Australia from his position as Senior Vice President of International for RCL, where he oversaw the markets of Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. In his new position, Smith will be tasked with delivering further growth for Royal Caribbean International (RCI), Celebrity and Azamara. During her short stint in Australia, Bonner championed the cause of improving Australia’s cruise capacity.
Adventure World and Hurtigruten team up
Hurtigruten has partnered with travel wholesaler Adventure World Travel, allowing the latter to incorporate Hurtigruten expeditions into its own bespoke itineraries.
As part of the new arrangement, Adventure World Travel agents will also have full access to Hurtigruten’s booking system, providing real time availability, pricing and booking services that will include exclusive offers for Australia and New Zealand.
“[Adventure World] are like-minded, have a genuine commitment to sustainability and remain customer and trade partner focused like no other,” said Hurtigruten Asia Pacific Managing Director Damian Perry, “this partnership will benefit the trade enormously.”
