The Former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO, Frank Del Rio, has filed a lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and several former board members, alleging he was denied millions of dollars in consulting compensation promised as part of his retirement agreement.

According to the complaint filed in Miami-Dade County, Del Rio claims he agreed to step down early in 2023 after receiving assurances that he would be paid $1 million per quarter for 4.5 years as a consultant through the end of 2027.

However, Del Rio alleges that the written agreement he was ultimately asked to sign covered only 2.5 years of consulting services, totaling $10 million instead of the $18 million he says was verbally promised. He claims company representatives assured him the agreement would later be extended to reflect the full term.

The lawsuit states that payments stopped after the initial 2.5-year period, and the promised extension never materialized. Del Rio is seeking millions of dollars in lost compensation and damages, while also requesting a jury trial.

The complaint names NCLH along with former directors Russell Galbut, Harry Curtis, Mary Landry, and Stella David. Del Rio alleges fraud, breach of contract, and conspiracy to conceal the company's intention not to honor the full consulting arrangement.

In addition, Del Rio claims company proxy statements presented to shareholders inaccurately described him as an active consultant and advisor on matters such as shipbuilding, financing, decarbonization, and industry affairs. He argues that despite remaining available to assist the company, NCLH never sought his advice during the consulting period.

Del Rio was the highest paid cruise executive for the last decade who took in over $129 million in the last five years at the helm of NCLH.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.