NCL appoints new Chief Marketing Officer

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has named Lee D Applbaum Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), with the appointment effective 6 July 2026.

With more than 25 years of experience across global consumer brands, Applbaum will lead the line’s marketing organisation, overseeing brand strategy, guest engagement and demand generation. Most recently, he served as Chief Marketing Officer at Wheels Up and Surterra Wellness, and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Patrón Spirits International.

Applbaum specialises in brand-building, integrated global campaigns and team leadership, with a focus on combining creativity and analytical rigour.

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Marc Kazlauskas, President of NCL, said: "Lee’s ability to blend creativity with data-driven insight will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our brand, generate high-yielding demand and inspire even more guests to experience everything NCL has to offer." 

The appointment comes ahead of a major expansion phase for NCL, including the opening of Great Tides Water Park at Great Stirrup Cay on 4 September 2026. Spanning nearly six acres, the attraction will feature 19 slides centred around the 170-foot Tidal Tower and will be available on Norwegian Luna Caribbean sailings from Miami from 29 August 2026.

The cruise line is preparing for its next phase of fleet expansion, with seven new vessels slated for delivery through 2037. The next addition, Norwegian Aura, is set to launch in May 2027 as the line’s largest ship to date.

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 ncl.com