Editors’ Note

Jason Montague is Chief Luxury Officer for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), overseeing both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. Before this appointment, Montague served as a Special Advisor to NCLH for two years after leading the Regent Seven Seas Cruises brand as President and Chief Executive Officer until 2022. Before that, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer for both the Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, where he successfully oversaw the launch of Sirena for Oceania Cruises and the Seven Seas Explorer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Before NCLH’s acquisition of Prestige, Montague was Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President at Prestige, where he played a key role in launching Oceania Cruises, overseeing the purchase of its initial R-class vessels, securing an investment from Apollo Global Management, and acquiring Regent Seven Seas Cruises. He also led the financing and delivery of Oceania Cruises’ new ships, Marina and Riviera. Prior to that, he served as Oceania Cruises’ Vice President and Treasurer and Senior Vice President of Finance. Earlier, he ran a consulting practice focused on strategic planning for SMEs and was Vice President of Finance at Alton Entertainment Corporation. Montague holds a B.B.A. in accounting from the University of Miami.

Company Brief

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (nclhltd.com) is a leading global cruise company which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With a combined fleet of 34 ships and more than 71,000 Berths, NCLH offers itineraries to approximately 700 destinations worldwide. NCLH expects to add 13 additional ships across its three brands through 2036, which will add over 38,400 Berths to its fleet.

Will you discuss your career journey?

I’ve been fortunate to spend more than 20 years in an industry I truly love – luxury cruising. I started out in 2002 with a small but passionate team launching Oceania Cruises. Those early days were very exciting – we secured our first R-class ships and some years later introduced Oceania Marina and Oceania Riviera. I also had the privilege of helping welcome Regent Seven Seas Cruises into the family while holding various titles at Prestige Cruise Holdings including CFO and EVP. When Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings acquired Prestige, I continued that path by serving as President & COO of Oceania Cruises and Regent, and then as President & CEO of Regent until 2022. After taking a short step back, I quickly realized how much I missed the industry. In February 2025, I returned as Chief Luxury Officer – now overseeing Regent and Oceania Cruises with a focus on their next stage of growth.

What inspired your return to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings?

Two things: the people and the possibilities. I missed the incredible teams – the collective expertise across Regent and Oceania Cruises is unmatched – and I also saw an extraordinary chance to build on that foundation. With new ships, major refurbishments, and sharper brand positioning ahead, it felt like the perfect moment to come back. The industry is evolving quickly, and having two complementary brands at the top of the market gives us a real edge. Being part of shaping that future was simply too good to pass up.

Will you provide an overview of your role and key areas of focus as Chief Luxury Officer?

In my role, I look after both Regent and Oceania Cruises with one goal in mind: to make sure our luxury brands keep setting the bar higher. That includes leading our new-build program – we have a number of new-build luxury and ultra-luxury ships on the horizon – as well as refurbishing existing ships so they feel fresh and world-class. But it’s not just about hardware. It’s equally about people, culture, and making sure each brand stays true to its DNA: Regent as the most all-inclusive ultra-luxury experience, and Oceania Cruises as the brand where culinary excellence and luxury by choice defines the journey.

What have been the major drivers of industry leadership for Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises?

At Regent, our leadership comes from being consistently true to our promise of space and all-inclusiveness – industry-leading space-to-guest ratios, nearly one-to-one service, immersive shore excursions, gourmet dining, WiFi and valet laundry all included. Add to that innovations like the Skyview Regent Suite, and it’s a truly unrivaled experience. At Oceania Cruises, guests have the luxury of choice, whether it’s sampling The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, enrichment, or exploration.

Together, Regent and Oceania Cruises give travelers two distinct but equally compelling ways to experience luxury.

How challenging is it to differentiate in the luxury cruise sector today?

The landscape is more exciting than ever, with new players coming in and long-established brands stepping up their game. That rising attention is good for the category. What sets us apart is clarity: Regent is the most inclusive ultra-luxury experience, while Oceania Cruises is luxury defined by choice and cuisine. That distinction, backed by our scale and investment, makes us stand out even in a crowded market.

Will you highlight the significance of NCLH’s multibillion-dollar Charting the Course strategy?

Charting the Course is our vision for the future – it’s about elevating the guest experience while building a platform for sustainable growth. It rests on four pillars: People Excellence, Guest-Centric Product, Long-term Growth, and Exceptional Performance. What makes it significant is the tangible commitment behind it: thirteen transformational new-builds across NCLH, six of them dedicated to our luxury brands, plus fleetwide refurbishments. It’s also tied to disciplined goals, from financial performance to sustainability under our Sail & Sustain program.

What makes the cruise industry so special to you?

What makes this industry special is how many disciplines it brings together – hospitality, interior design, food, and immersive exploration – into one unforgettable experience. I’ve had the privilege of helping bring ships from concept to christening, and then seeing our teams deliver magic every day once they’re sailing. At its heart, this work is about creating memories people carry with them for life. That’s both a privilege and a responsibility – and it’s what drew me back.