NCL Corporation today announced it is the first cruise line to participate in the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program.  Representatives of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) and NCL signed an agreement at the company’s Miami headquarters to provide priority hiring status on the company’s U.S.-flagged NCL America ships to qualified soldiers participating in PaYS.

“Our participation in this program allows us the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with quality candidates for our NCL America ships in Hawai`i,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO.  “These men and women have the values, leadership qualities, discipline and other traits that will be an asset to our fleet.”

PaYS is a strategic partnership program between the Army and a cross section of approximately 500 U.S. corporations and public sector agencies across the country, including Pepsi, BellSouth, Citicorp, Dell and Sears. The program was developed to help the Army attract, train and deploy talented young people who want to serve their country, but also want to help secure their future success once their Army service is complete.

"Welcome aboard Norwegian Cruise Line, our latest PaYS partner.  They are among the leaders of the cruise ship industry,” said Brigadier General Joseph E. Orr, Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Recruiting Command. “NCL will provide our Army's highly motivated, dedicated and trained soldiers great employment opportunities upon their completion of service to their country."

Under terms of the agreement between USAREC and NCL Corporation, enlistees interested in gaining specific job training and qualifications will receive that training while in the U.S. Army. As part of the enlistment process, recruits sign a statement of understanding of intent to interview for one of approximately 50 positions on NCL America ships upon completion of their term of service.

To date, close to 30 enlisted soldiers have expressed interest in working for NCL America once they finish their terms beginning in 2009. They have applied for a variety of on-board positions including cook, bar manager, bell person, deck steward, provision master, manifest administrator, printer and youth counselor.

NCL Corporation Ltd. is an innovative cruise company headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a fleet of 14 ships in service and under construction. The corporation oversees the operations of Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, and Orient Lines.  The company recently took delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Pearl, and is currently building 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 the end of 2007 with the introduction of Norwegian Gem, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

For high resolution, downloadable images, please log onto NCL's website at www.ncl.com/pressroom.  For further information on NCL Corporation, contact a travel agent or NCL in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 327-7030.