It started in 2015 with just 20 staff at a Christmas party at Steve Odell’s house. Ten years on, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has opened its brand-new Sydney office, and a home for nearly 200 people, embarking on a bold new chapter in APAC.
What began a decade ago with one employee and three GSA partnerships has grown into a powerhouse portfolio representing Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises across Australia and Asia-Pacific. This week, the NCLH family and industry partners gathered to officially open their new home and reflect on the journey so far.
Speaking at the office opening event on Tuesday evening, Senior Vice President, International & Consumer Sales at Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, Steve Odell, who was employee number one when NCLH entered Australia, remembered those early days vividly. “We hosted a Christmas party that year and there were only 20 people,” he recalled. “This office is going to hold almost 200 people.”
The milestone comes as NCLH prepares to mark its official 10th anniversary in Australia on 1 October. Odell credited the “longevity and consistency of the management team” as a key to success. Many of the original staff remain with the business today.
What does the new Sydney home represent?
For Odell, the new office is more than just desks, meeting rooms and the stunning view over Bangaroo and White Bay. It symbolises NCLH’s place in the region and its long-term commitment to Australia and New Zealand.
“The head office in Miami has really bought into our proposition here,” he said. “We feel very proud to have this new office.”
Echoing Odell’s words, Vice President & Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Ben Angell, described the space as a chance to unite the three brands on one floor again. “We’ve had the last few years with the brands split across individual floors, and to bring them back together really allows us to showcase the power of three.”
What’s next for NCLH?
Odell highlighted big moves for the luxury division. “We’re building six new ships for Oceania and Regent to be delivered up until 2035,” he shared.
Far from reducing its local presence, he emphasised the company’s investment in Australia and New Zealand as both a source market and a destination. “This year we’ll have Oceania Riviera, Regent Seven Seas Explorer, and Regent Seven Seas Mariner, all high quality ships bringing our luxury guests here.”
A special highlight is the upcoming arrival of Oceania Vista, Oceania’s newest ship, which will sail through Sydney Harbour on April 9, 2025 on her 180-day world cruise. “New ships on the harbour always get lots of attention,” Odell said.
Turning to Norwegian Cruise Line, Angell underlined the company’s dual focus: both international “fly-cruise” opportunities and stronger domestic itineraries.
“As much as I love home port cruising, I’ve always wondered why we don’t talk more about fly-cruise in Australia,” he said. “It’s essentially an uncapped growth opportunity.”
At the same time, Angell revealed that Norwegian Spirit will return to Australia in 2026–27, operating a series of Sydney round-trip sailings. “She’s the perfect size for the demographic we’re targeting adult centric and truly unique compared to what else is deployed here.”
Both leaders emphasised the support of the travel trade. “We appreciate our travel partners because it’s about partnership. We don’t get anything done without great relationships,” Odell told the crowd.
With that, the ribbon was cut and the celebrations began, marking not just the opening of a new office, but the opening of a new era for NCLH in Australia.
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