Norwegian Cruise Line Names John Chernesky Chief Sales Officer

Norwegian Cruise Line on Jan. 20, 2026, promoted John Chernesky to senior vice president and chief sales officer, expanding his responsibilities to oversee global trade sales and consumer sales. The company said the move is intended to consolidate leadership across its worldwide sales organizations as it prepares for added capacity and continues rolling out initiatives aimed at travel advisors.

Broader remit to align trade and consumer sales

Norwegian Cruise Line said Chernesky’s expanded role is designed to align the company’s global sales approach across advisor-facing trade channels and direct-to-consumer sales, with an emphasis on unified strategy and streamlined execution across regions. Chernesky joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023 as senior vice president of North America sales.

Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said the promotion builds on Chernesky’s work with travel advisors since joining the company. “John has been pivotal in making NCL the easiest cruise line to do business with and building meaningful partnerships,” Kazlauskas said, adding, “This new role will further accelerate our momentum and creates a powerful foundation for sustainable growth.”

Advisor-focused policy changes tied to earning potential

The promotion comes alongside a set of advisor-facing changes Norwegian Cruise Line has highlighted as part of its broader sales strategy. In December 2025, the line announced it would eliminate non-commissionable fares (NCFs) on bookings made on or after Dec. 26, 2025, for sailings beginning May 1, 2026, a shift it said is aimed at increasing travel advisor earning opportunities.

Another report on the announcement noted Norwegian Cruise Line had removed NCFs temporarily after the pandemic and is now making the approach permanent.

Free at Sea Plus relaunch set for Feb. 1, 2026

Norwegian Cruise Line also confirmed it will relaunch Free at Sea Plus on Feb. 1, 2026, positioning it as a commissionable package that includes prepaid gratuities. The company framed the returning package as another step in supporting trade partners while also offering bundled perks to guests.

• Onboard beverages and connectivity: The package includes unlimited Starbucks beverages and unlimited streaming Wi-Fi.
• Drinks selections and bottled water: Benefits include wine and Champagne from Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature collection, plus bottled water.
• Dining value: Free at Sea Plus includes a 50% discount on additional specialty dining cover charges.
• Private-island bar access: The package provides unlimited open bar access at Great Stirrup Cay.

“The elimination of NCFs and the return of the commissionable Free at Sea Plus package are just a few ways we’re demonstrating the value we see in our partners,” Chernesky said.

Sales leadership structure and an open domestic trade role

Norwegian Cruise Line said Chernesky will lead a global organization that includes leaders for international trade sales and marketing and for consumer sales, with one key domestic trade role still to be filled.

• Jason Krimmel: Vice president and chief international sales and marketing officer, leading trade sales and marketing outside the U.S. and Canada.
• Michael Tomoleoni: Vice president and chief consumer sales officer, leading the consumer sales organization.
• Domestic trade sales leader: Norwegian Cruise Line said it has not yet named the executive who will oversee domestic trade sales.

Capacity growth and private destinations in the commercial plan

Norwegian Cruise Line linked the sales reorganization to near-term commercial priorities, including planned capacity growth and a continued focus on its private destinations, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize.

Chernesky described the capacity increase as a catalyst for greater coordination across markets. “As our capacity grows, we have a tremendous opportunity ahead to align our efforts globally and achieve even greater success,” he said, adding that the goal is to “continue being the easiest cruise line to do business with.”

Chernesky’s background

Norwegian Cruise Line said Chernesky brings more than 30 years of cruise industry experience, with leadership spanning sales and trade marketing as well as operational and revenue-focused roles. The company and other accounts of the promotion have also cited experience tied to hotel operations, onboard revenue, business development, passenger programs, and newbuild design development, and one account said he previously worked at Princess Cruises.

The updated sales leadership structure comes as Norwegian Cruise Line approaches the Feb. 1, 2026, return of Free at Sea Plus and the May 1, 2026, start date for sailings covered by the new non-commissionable fare policy, with the domestic trade sales leadership role still unannounced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did Norwegian Cruise Line promote John Chernesky to chief sales officer?

Norwegian Cruise Line announced the promotion on Jan. 20, 2026, naming Chernesky senior vice president and chief sales officer.

What parts of Norwegian Cruise Line’s sales organization will Chernesky oversee?

In the expanded role, he oversees global trade sales and consumer sales, with responsibility for aligning sales strategy across the line’s worldwide teams.

When does Norwegian Cruise Line’s elimination of non-commissionable fares apply?

The elimination applies to reservations booked on or after Dec. 26, 2025, for sailings beginning May 1, 2026.

What does the Free at Sea Plus program include, and is it commissionable?

Free at Sea Plus returns on Feb. 1, 2026, and Norwegian Cruise Line said it is commissionable and includes prepaid gratuities. The package includes unlimited Starbucks beverages, unlimited streaming Wi-Fi, wine and Champagne from the line’s signature collection, bottled water, a 50% discount on additional specialty dining cover charges, and unlimited open bar at Great Stirrup Cay.

What is the Partners First program?

Partners First is Norwegian Cruise Line’s program focused on supporting travel advisors with tools and initiatives intended to help grow their businesses. The company said it is approaching the program’s 15-year anniversary in 2026 and has announced enhancements tied to its advisor-centric approach.