Kevin M Sheehan Sees Norwegian Cruise Line Gaining Steam By Catering To Desire Of Passengers To Cruise Their Own Way

Only a year into his tenure at Norwegian Cruise Line, New Yorker Kevin Sheehan has taken the helm as the Miami-based company’s chief executive officer. He began as chief financial officer late in 2007 and became president last summer. In November, he acquired the CEO title.

New to the cruising world, Mr. Sheehan comes from a diverse professional background that includes helping found Spanish-language TV giant Telemundo, taking rental car company Avis public, teaching at Adelphi University and consulting for Apollo Management, now half-owner of NCL.

He brings a business mind to a unique industry and aims to integrate best practices from the business realm to navigate the cruise line through tough economic waters. NCL saw a record third quarter performance after a $1 billion equity investment from Apollo early last year, but it’s still crucial to hold the ship steady, Mr. Sheehan says.

Key now is ensuring the public is aware of NCL and its Freestyle Cruising program, which allows passengers to eat and play whenever they want and wherever they want.

He was interviewed in NCL’s local headquarters by Miami Today staff writer Risa Polansky. This is an excerpt from the weekly profile article published in Miami Today. To read the entire article in full, order this issue or subscribe to the print edition of Miami Today. Advertisement