Lars Ljoen

Lars is the chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation & plc, overseeing all aspects of maritime operations for the corporation and its portfolio of world-class cruise lines. Reporting to the CEO, Lars is also responsible for driving the company’s commitment to health, environment, safety, security and strategic destination development and oversees management of the company’s owned and operated ports.
A 32-year maritime and cruise industry veteran, Lars is a trusted leader with a distinguished tenure of achievement in senior-level sea command and shore management roles. Lars assumed the role of chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation after serving as the chief operations officer for Carnival Cruise Line since 2022 where he oversaw all aspects of Carnival’s marine operations, including nautical and technical operations, environmental compliance and safety protocols. He also led port operations, guest operations, food and beverage services, onboard revenue, entertainment, and crew and travel operations.
Prior to joining Carnival Cruise Line, Lars served in senior roles for Carnival Corporation’s Costa Group since 2015, initially as senior vice president and then executive vice president and managing director in 2016. At Costa Group, which included at the time both Costa Cruises and AIDA, he was responsible for Carnival Maritime, the marine service unit of the group, as well as fleet governance, marine projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
Previously, Lars headed the development of business strategies for Ceres Marine Terminals (NYK Ports) and was director of marine operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. He began his career on supply vessels and shuttle tankers in the North Sea offshore industry.
Roles & Chronology
- 2025 – Present
- Chief Maritime Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc
- 2022 – 2025
- Chief Operations Officer, Carnival Cruise Line
- 2018 – 2022
- Executive Vice President, Carnival Cruise Line
- 2016 – 2018
- Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Carnival Maritime under Costa Group
- 2015 – 2016
- Senior Vice President, Carnival Maritime under Costa Group
- 2014 – 2015
- Vice President, Cruise and Roro Services, NYK Ports, NYK Group Americas
- 2005 – 2014
- Vice President, Business Development, Ceres Terminal, NYK Group Americas
- 2000 – 2005
- Director, Marine Operation, Royal Caribbean International
- 1997 – 2000
- Manager, Nautical and Port Operations, Royal Caribbean International
Corporate & Charitable Leadership
Lars represents Carnival Corporation as a Board Member of Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited (GBSL), which is a world-class ship repair facility and the largest ship repair facility in the Caribbean.
Personal & Educational Background
A native of Norway, Lars earned a Bachelor of Science from Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and completed the London Business School’s Senior Executive Program. He and his family reside in Miami.