NCL names new Chief Sales Officer

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John Chernesky

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has appointed John Chernesky as Chief Sales Officer, marking his promotion from Senior Vice President of North America Sales. The new role expands his responsibilities from regional to global trade and consumer sales operations.

With more than 30 years of cruise industry experience, Chernesky has held leadership positions at several international cruise lines in the US. He began his career with Princess Cruises as a Project Manager before advancing into senior commercial and operational roles within the company. He later served as Vice President of Onboard Revenue and Business Development at Holland America Group before joining NCL in 2023.

As Chief Sales Officer, Chernesky will lead NCL’s global sales organisation, shaping trade strategies and driving the line’s growth trajectory. His appointment comes at a time of expansion for NCL, as the line continues to invest in its private island destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize.

NCL john chernesky appointment Great Stirrup Cay

NCL's Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas

Marc Kazlauskas, President of NCL, described Chernesky as "instrumental" in positioning NCL as the partner of choice, adding that enhanced integration across the line’s sales teams will support long-term growth.

Chernesky will work closely with NCL’s expanded sales leadership team, including Jason Krimmel, Vice President and Chief International Sales and Marketing Officer, and Michael Tomoleoni, Vice President and Chief Consumer Sales Officer. A new head of domestic trade sales will also be appointed in due course.

Reflecting on his promotion, Chernesky said: “As our capacity increases, we have an enormous opportunity to further align our sales efforts across the globe. We want to continue being the easiest cruise line to do business with, and I am energised by what’s ahead.”

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Under Chernesky’s leadership, NCL will mark the 15th anniversary of its Partners First programme, an initiative designed to support travel advisors with essential commercial tools and marketing resources. A major milestone of the programme is the removal of non-commissionable fares (NCFs) for reservations booked on or after 26 December 2025, for sailings departing 1 May 2026.

Additionally, the brand’s popular Free at Sea Plus package will return on 1 Feb 2026, offering guests added value through benefits such as unlimited WiFi and beverages — including premium options such as wine, champagne and Starbucks drinks — creating further sales opportunities for travel advisors.

To partner with NCL, email Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager Middle East, rransom@ncl.com, call/WhatsApp: +44 7961 300 729; for more information, visit www.ncl.com

Discover More About Cruise

Supporting the growth of the cruise industry, Connections Cruise Arabia will return to Dubai in the UAE in 2026, following the success of the inaugural edition in 2025. The two-day event, taking place from 28 to 29 September, will welcome more than 500 travel trade professionals from across the global cruise ecosystem. To register your interest in attending, contact Connections.