"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."

The program between the Army and a cross section of about 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.

Under terms of the agreement, those who enlist and are 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.

So far, about 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.