NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE WELCOMES FRANK WEBER AS
VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
MIAMI – February 17, 2014– Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Frank Weber, a seasoned cruise industry executive, rejoined the company as vice president, product development. In this new role, Weber will lead various product development and enhancement projects on the hotel operations team, including the development and implementation of new menus, food upgrades, service and culinary training for Norwegian’s complimentary dining venues; development of new restaurant, bar and entertainment concepts; and expansion of existing brand partner relationships.
Norwegian’s unique Freestyle Cruising proposition has been at the forefront of the industry for more than a decade; and in his new role, Weber will be responsible for ensuring Norwegian’s legacy is taken to the next level. Weber plans to introduce a variety of new innovative dining concepts, enhanced menus and distinct culinary alliances in a strong effort to enhance the on-board experience and increase guest satisfaction.
“Frank Weber brings a wealth of experience, entrepreneurial spirit and drive for innovation to our team,” said Michael Flesch, senior vice president, hotel operations. “He has rejoined our team at the right time and will fully support our growth and drive business and product improvements moving forward.”
“I am very excited to be a ‘Norwegian’ again,” Weber said. “Norwegian Cruise Line is truly the most exciting and most progressive cruise company in the industry.”
For the past 10 years, Weber served as Vice President Food & Beverage Operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., where he built an award-winning Food & Beverage operation. In addition, he was responsible for developing many new, innovative dining concepts. Weber also built significant brand relationships including the first fully licensed ‘Starbucks at Sea’ in the cruise industry.
Weber began his cruise line career at Norwegian Cruise Line in 1992, serving shipboard and shore side as Executive Chef and Hotel Director, through 1999. From there, he held a variety of hotel operations positions at Radisson Seven Seas and Pan Hotel Services.
Weber has been recognized in the hospitality industry for his dedication to quality and innovation and has received several awards including the Ivy Award in 2010 and the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) Silver Plate Award in 2012 in the Hotel and Lodging category, the first time that the IFMA recognized a cruise line executive.
About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 47-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which revolutionized the industry by giving guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian invites guests to “Cruise Like a Norwegian” on one of 13 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed, resort style cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. Recently, the line was named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” for the sixth consecutive year, as well as “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Line” and “World’s Leading Large Ship Cruise Line” by the World Travel Awards.
The Company recently took delivery of its most innovative ship to date, the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Getaway on January 10, 2014. The largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami, Norwegian Getaway boasts 27 dining venues, including seafood restaurant Ocean Blue by famed New York Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and a branch of Carlo’s Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss.” The entertainment lineup includes Broadway shows Legally Blonde and Burn the Floor and the unique dining and magic venue, the Illusionarium. Norwegian Getaway’s sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, was named “Best New Ship of 2013” by the editors of Cruise Critic and “Best Rookie Cruise Ship” by the readers of Travel Weekly. Known as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway is the largest vessel to homeport year-round in the city.
The Company has two 4,200-passenger vessels on order at Meyer Werft: Norwegian Escape with delivery scheduled in the fall of 2015; and Norwegian Bliss with delivery in the spring of 2017.
Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of the Miami Dolphins/Sun Life Stadium, The New York Knicks, Blue Man Group and Legends in Concert; and the official cruise line partner of The GRAMMY Awards and is an official partner of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall.
High resolution, downloadable images are available at www.ncl.com/pressroom. For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line, visit www.ncl.com, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @Norwegiancruiseline, Pin us on Pinterest, watch us on YouTube, or contact us in the U.S. and Canada at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784).
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