5 Things Norwegian Cruise Line's Leadership Just Confirmed

Norwegian Cruise Line's new leaders say the line has been too cheap, and they want to sell it as a premium cruise line. I go through what they've said and done about it since January, what it changes about your next Norwegian booking, and who's watching to make sure they deliver.

In 2026, Norwegian got a new president, a new CEO, a new head of marketing and five new board members. I've spent 37 nights on six Norwegian ships, so I wanted to know what this shake-up means for you. If Norwegian delivered premium service, would you pay more, or is the deal why you book it? Tell me in the comments.

❓ QUICK ANSWERS

Who is the CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line in 2026?
John W. Chidsey became president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Norwegian's parent company, on February 12, 2026, and chairman in March. Marc Kazlauskas has been president of the Norwegian Cruise Line brand since January 19, 2026. Where the new team came from is in the video.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line trying to become a premium cruise line?
Norwegian's new president told Travel Weekly in April 2026 that the line should get a fair price for a premium product, and named premium families and seasoned travelers as its big focus. What the new marketing chief keeps saying about prices is in the video.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line still have non-commissionable fares?
No. Norwegian eliminated them for cruises departing May 1, 2026 and later, so travel advisors earn commission on the full cruise fare, not counting taxes and fees. Travel Weekly reported Norwegian called the change permanent. Why that word matters is in the video.

What perks did Norwegian change in 2026?
Norwegian changed who can eat at The Haven Restaurant (April 23), who can buy the Starbucks package (July 1) and how many guests per cabin get Free at Sea specialty dining (new bookings from August 26). Who comes out ahead, and the booking-date catch, are in the video.

???? SOURCES
Travel Weekly, Apr 11, 2026: https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Marc-Kazlauskas-Norwegian-Cruise-Line
Seatrade, Sep 4, 2026: https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/people-opinions/-we-re-a-different-company-from-when-i-started-ncl-s-kazlauskas
NCLH, Jun 29, 2026: https://www.nclhltd.com/investors/news-events/press-releases/detail/801/norwegian-cruise-line-names-lee-applbaum-as-chief-marketing
NCLH, Dec 11, 2025: https://www.nclhltd.com/news-media/press-releases/detail/752/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-appoints-marc-kazlauskas-as
Travel Weekly, Dec 23, 2025: https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Norwegian-Cruise-Line-eliminates-NCFs
Travel Weekly, May 12, 2026: https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Insights/NCF-elimination-survive-NCL-shakeup
Travel Market Report, May 15, 2026: https://www.travelmarketreport.com/cruises/articles/a-cruise360-chat-with-norwegian-cruise-lines-marc-kazlauskas
Cruise Critic, Haven Restaurant: https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/norwegian-cruise-line-opens-the-haven-restaurant-to-non-haven-guests
NCL Starbucks terms: https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/content/all-terms-and-conditions-starbucks-package
Cruise Hive, Aug 29, 2026: https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-cruise-line-quietly-updates-popular-dining-perk/216324
NCLH, Feb 12, 2026: https://www.nclhltd.com/investors/news-events/press-releases/detail/765/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-appoints-john-w-chidsey-as
Investor letter, Feb 17, 2026: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elliott-sends-letter-and-presentation-to-board-of-directors-of-norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-ltd-302689540.html
NCLH, Mar 27, 2026: https://www.nclhltd.com/news-media/press-releases/detail/772/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-announces-board-refreshment

▶️ WATCH NEXT
I Tested All 11 Slides at Norwegian's NEW Great Tides Waterpark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rplb5KRENQU

5 Things Royal Caribbean's Leadership Just Confirmed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPWvqUOd0Rc


Timestamps:
0:00 Norwegian's new leadership team in 2026
0:21 A quick guess before we start
0:45 Thing 1: Norwegian's pricing
1:20 Norwegian's new head of marketing
1:43 My take after 37 nights on Norwegian
2:03 Thing 2: Travel advisor commissions
2:23 Why "permanent" matters
2:58 The president's advisor motto
3:23 When an advisor recommends Norwegian
3:35 Thing 3: Free at Sea and perk changes
3:59 The Haven Restaurant change
4:16 Starbucks and specialty dining changes
4:41 What the perks add up to for families
4:56 Thing 4: Who runs Norwegian now
5:23 How the culture changed
5:49 What outsiders mean for your cruise
6:11 Thing 5: The activist investor
6:54 The board deal
7:12 Who joined the board
7:27 What it could mean on board
7:45 The verdict
8:00 My take and what to do before you book
8:19 What to watch next