John Chernesky is to succeed Todd Hamilton as Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Senior Vice President of Sales for North America.
Hamilton will step into a new strategic role as Senior Vice President of New Ventures, at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), the parent company of NCL, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands.
Chernesky (pictured), who has a reputation of championing the role travel partners play in the success of the cruise industry, as well as the guest experience, according to NCL, will be responsible for the Brand’s overall trade sales strategy across US and Canada, under the leadership of newly appointed NCL President, David Herrera.
“We are thrilled to welcome John to the NCL family and to infuse his dynamic energy into our business,” Herrera said. “His reputation of taking an innovative approach to fostering and strengthening relationships with travel partners equally aligns to our Partners First philosophy, and we look forward to him continuing our legacy of commitment to this community which is critical to our overall success.”
In his new role, Chernesky will reinforce NCL’s legacy Partners First philosophy of investing in and supporting the travel partner community through educational tools, marketing support and access to programmes and opportunities to empower travel advisors to maximise their earning potential.
Last year, the Brand made history as the first major contemporary cruise company to pay commission on non-commissionable fares. In addition, NCL recently updated its commission tier structure offering advisors the opportunity to advance commission tiers more quickly based on net bookings or booked revenue.
Chernesky’s 30-year career spans multiple disciplines and various leadership roles across the cruise industry from sales and trade marketing to hotel operations, on board revenue, business development, newbuilding design development and passenger programmes.
“Norwegian Cruise Line has a history of delivering exceptional experiences and putting partners first,” added Chernesky. “I am a huge advocate for the trade community, who play such a critical role in the success of this industry that I love and am continuously inspired by the passion they bring to what they do. I am thrilled to be back in the game and to join the incredible and dedicated team at NCL.”
In his new role, Hamilton will be responsible for new strategic business developments and will work closely with the NCLH executive team to deliver on the company’s priorities.
Herrera continued: “Todd was instrumental in leading the sales team and supporting the trade community during a critical point in our history, our great cruise comeback. We are grateful for his efforts and congratulate him on his new role.”
