NCLH creates new luxury role ahead of fleet expansion

06 Jan 2025by Emma Dooney

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has appointed Jason Montague as its chief luxury officer as part of a new leadership structure that will support fleet expansion for its ultra-premium and luxury cruise brands.

Emma Dooney

Luxury Travel Reporter

Emma Dooney

Luxury Travel Reporter

NCLH has appointed Jason Montague as chief luxury officer

Montague has been a special advisor to NCLH since January 2023 and the position, which comes into effect on 17 February, will see Montague oversee both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.

The appointment aligns with NCLH’s “Charting the Course” strategy, which was launched last May to accelerate the financial growth of its three brands. The business plan includes the addition of five new builds to its upscale brands’ fleets and a refurbishment of nearly all its existing vessels.

“With over 20 years of expertise in luxury hospitality and a strong track record of driving excellence, Jason brings exceptional strategic expertise to our company and to our executive team,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer at NCLH.

“Having already led Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises in the past, Jason is uniquely positioned to shape their future,” Sommer added.

“His unwavering passion for these brands, coupled with his financial acumen, alignment with our corporate culture and strong focus on executing our Charting the Course strategy, make him the ideal leader for this next phase of growth.”

Sommer said he is confident Montague’s leadership “will propel our brands forward” and “set new standards in upscale travel”.

President of Oceania Cruises, Frank A. Del Rio, will report to Montague. President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Andrea DeMarco, will step down after creating a new brand strategy that will “lay the foundation for a banner year in 2025” the brand said.

Montague added: “I am deeply honoured to once again lead Regent Seven Seas Cruises and collaborate with Frank in leading Oceania Cruises. This is an exciting time for these two award-winning brands, as we are ready to execute on our commitment to delivering sophisticated mid-sized, upscale and luxurious ships with elegant designs and state-of-the-art offerings.”

Over the next five years, NCLH plans to execute its previously announced multibillion-dollar investment in its upscale brands.

Oceania Cruises is set to introduce three new ships by 2029, beginning with Allura later this year. The brand’s vessels Marina and Riviera are also scheduled for refurbishments in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

Meanwhile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will launch two new ships by 2029, along with planned upgrades to Seven Seas Mariner in 2025 and Seven Seas Voyager in 2026.