NCL's President & CEO: Maritime Person of the Year

Jason · October 24, 2006

NCL Corporation's President & CEO Colin Veitch Named 2006 Maritime Person Of The Year By The International Propeller Club Of The United States

Source: Norwegian Cruises

Miami - In recognition for his efforts to build a vibrant and successful U.S.-flag cruise fleet, Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation ("NCL") was honored on Friday by the International Propeller Club of the United States as the 2006 Maritime Person of the Year at the organization's 80th Annual International Convention in Norfolk, Virginia. The award is presented annually to a person who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in furthering and promoting the maritime industry.

Under Veitch's leadership, the company's NCL America brand has revitalized the U.S.-flagged large passenger cruise ship industry, operating the only three large U.S.-flagged cruise ships in the world. NCL and NCL America's operations provide substantial economic benefits to the United States generating hundreds of millions of dollars and creating thousands of American jobs. The individuals employed by NCL America help sustain a pool of qualified seafarers who can be called upon to assist the U.S. military in times of need or national emergency.

In July 2004, NCL America christened Pride of Aloha, the first new U.S.-flagged cruise ship in nearly 50 years. In June 2005, Pride of America followed and at the time, became the largest U. S.-flagged passenger ship ever built. NCL America again made U.S. maritime history in May 2006 by christening Pride of Hawai`i, the largest, most luxurious and most expensive U.S.-flagged cruise ship in history. The three ships are estimated to create directly and indirectly 20,000 jobs and generate more than $800 million in economic activity in the United States.

"It is a great honor to be recognized by the International Propeller Club of the United States for my work in the U.S. maritime industry," Veitch said. "Many people have contributed to the success of NCL and NCL America, and I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone on the NCL team, and particularly our partners in maritime labor and in the U.S. government. Without their support, I would not be receiving this award."

"Colin had the vision for a revitalized U.S.-flag cruise industry, said A. Frank Baptista, Sr., the Propeller Club's International President. "And he followed through to make it a reality, investing more than a $1.3 billion dollars in U.S.-flag cruise ships, offering new seagoing opportunities for American seafarers, and providing tremendous economic benefits to Hawaii and the rest of the United States."

Veitch joined NCL in 2000 and has embarked the company on a major new build campaign that has resulted in the company adding eight new ships to the NCL and NCL America brands in six years, with a ninth due for delivery in November. When Norwegian Gem the company's 10th new vessel - is delivered in 2007, over 80 percent of NCL's capacity will be on large, modern ships. NCL's recent order of two 150,000 gross ton ships for delivery in 2009 and 2010 will ensure NCL's goal of having by far the youngest fleet in the industry by 2010.

Veitch holds an MBA degree from the Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of London. Veitch is based in NCL's corporate headquarters in Miami, Florida and is a member of the boards of NCL Holding ASA and of NCL's parent company, Star Cruises, Ltd.

NCL Corporation Ltd. ("NCL") is an innovative cruise company headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a fleet of 15 ships in service and under construction. The corporation oversees the operations of Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, and Orient Lines. The company is currently building two ships, Norwegian Pearl for delivery in November 2006 and Norwegian Gem for delivery in October of 2007.

In addition, NCL plans to build up to three new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery between 2009 and 2011. NCL is on target to have the youngest fleet in the industry by 2010, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.