Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced a leadership change, with CEO Harry Sommer stepping down and board member John Chidsey taking over the top role.
Chidsey, who joined the company’s board in February 2025 and previously served as a director from 2013 to 2022, brings extensive experience from outside the cruise sector. He was CEO of Subway Restaurants from 2019 to 2024 and earlier led Burger King Holdings. He also held senior executive roles at Cendant Corp., which at the time owned rental car brands Avis and Budget.
The company did not provide a reason for Sommer’s departure. Sommer became CEO in 2023, succeeding Frank Del Rio, and previously served as president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, the group’s flagship brand.
In a statement, Chidsey said his priority would be to partner with the board and management team to sharpen execution, improve performance and continue delivering strong vacation experiences while creating long-term value for shareholders.
The leadership shift comes as cruise operators continue focusing on operational efficiency, revenue growth and balance sheet strength following the industry’s post-pandemic recovery phase. For travelers and advisors, the change signals a renewed emphasis on performance and strategic direction at one of the world’s largest cruise companies.
