Norwegian Cruise LIne Holdings announced that David J. Herrera, who began serving as president of Norwegian Cruise Line in April 2023, has exited the company as part of a “strategic leadership change.” As the company searches for a new president, Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ president and CEO, will act as interim president of the cruise line. Sommer is a former president of the cruise line before being promoted to his current position at NCLH.
“Aligned with our continued strategic evolution and focus on our Charting the Course Strategy and 2026 targets, NCL is entering a transformative chapter in its nearly 60-year history that will elevate the guest experience even further,” said Harry Sommer, interim president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “I am excited to work closer with the team at NCL to capitalize on the many opportunities ahead as we embark on our search for the next leader who will guide the brand into the future.”
During Herrera’s tenure as president of Norwegian Cruise Line, the cruise line introduced two mega-ships–Norwegian Viva in 2023 and Norwegian Aqua in 2025. While the next president will take the lead in the debut of the cruise line’s next mega-ship–Norwegian Luna–Herrera was certainly involved in the beginning construction of the newbuild which will debut in 2026.
Also under Herrera’s watch, the company began the expansion and enhancement of its private destination Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. In 2026, the island will feature a 6-acre waterpark, Great Tides Waterpark. The waterpark will feature 19 waterslides, an 800-foot lazy river, tube slides and, in an industry first, two cliff jumps standing 10 and 15 feet tall.
Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line has four more cruise ships on order. The four ships, which will be delivered in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036, will be part of the cruise line’s Prima Plus-class with a capacity of approximately 5,000 guests.