OUR LEADERSHIP
Azamara's leaders are seasoned professionals, with years of experience, and a wealth of knowledge in the upscale cruise line industry. They are fully dedicated to delivering on our core values of providing you with culturally rich experiences, exceptional quality and easily recognizable value.
Dondra Ritzenthaler is Azamara Cruises’ newly appointed Chief Executive Officer. A 40-year veteran of the travel industry, Dondra recently left her position as Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support, and Services for the Americas at Celebrity Cruises. In this role, she oversaw nearly 700 employees, including Marketing Sales Directors and Managers, Strategic Marketing Managers, Charter Sales, Inside Sales Representatives, and National and Corporate Account Managers in the field, as well as the support staff at corporate headquarters in Miami. Dondra also led National Accounts, Trade Support and Service (including Reservations, Group Sales, and Customer Service), the line's Consumer Outreach division, Onboard Cruise Sales, and internal Sales Support. During her 20 years with Royal Caribbean/Celebrity Cruises, Dondra was widely credited for raising awareness of the importance of travel advisors. She created multiple travel advisor-facing programs designed to help build their business, including “The Celebrity Commitment.” Under Dondra’s leadership, Celebrity was awarded “Best Premium Cruise Line” by leading industry trade publication Travel Weekly for 13 consecutive years. She also played a key role on the executive team that launched what is today Azamara Cruises. Prior to her tenure at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, Dondra spent 20 years in various sales and marketing leadership roles with American Airlines. She is also a well-respected member of the community, serving on the Board of Directors of the Jack and Jill Late-Stage Cancer Foundation, the Family Bonds Foundation in conjunction with CoNexion Travel, and The Baptist Cancer Institute of Miami Gala Board. Dondra provided executive guidance for the Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) Diversity Council and led the RCG Employee Resources Group, mentoring young professionals entering the workforce. She has also previously served in leadership roles as a board member for The American Cancer Society and as Gala Chair for RCG Give Day, United Way, and His House. A Texas native, Dondra has two grown sons and currently spends time in both Florida and Colorado with her husband, Kevin.
Dondra Ritzenthaler
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Dondra Ritzenthaler is Azamara Cruises’ newly appointed Chief Executive Officer. A 40-year veteran of the travel industry, Dondra recently left her position as Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support, and Services for the Americas at Celebrity Cruises. In this role, she oversaw nearly 700 employees, including Marketing Sales Directors and Managers, Strategic Marketing Managers, Charter Sales, Inside Sales Representatives, and National and Corporate Account Managers in the field, as well as the support staff at corporate headquarters in Miami. Dondra also led National Accounts, Trade Support and Service (including Reservations, Group Sales, and Customer Service), the line's Consumer Outreach division, Onboard Cruise Sales, and internal Sales Support. During her 20 years with Royal Caribbean/Celebrity Cruises, Dondra was widely credited for raising awareness of the importance of travel advisors. She created multiple travel advisor-facing programs designed to help build their business, including “The Celebrity Commitment.” Under Dondra’s leadership, Celebrity was awarded “Best Premium Cruise Line” by leading industry trade publication Travel Weekly for 13 consecutive years. She also played a key role on the executive team that launched what is today Azamara Cruises. Prior to her tenure at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, Dondra spent 20 years in various sales and marketing leadership roles with American Airlines. She is also a well-respected member of the community, serving on the Board of Directors of the Jack and Jill Late-Stage Cancer Foundation, the Family Bonds Foundation in conjunction with CoNexion Travel, and The Baptist Cancer Institute of Miami Gala Board. Dondra provided executive guidance for the Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) Diversity Council and led the RCG Employee Resources Group, mentoring young professionals entering the workforce. She has also previously served in leadership roles as a board member for The American Cancer Society and as Gala Chair for RCG Give Day, United Way, and His House. A Texas native, Dondra has two grown sons and currently spends time in both Florida and Colorado with her husband, Kevin.
Alain Ferzli brings extensive executive - level financial expertise from complex, multinational organizations. He joins Azamara from Analytic Partners, a recognized leader in marketing and measurement optimization, where he served as SVP Finance and Sales Operations. Previously, Alain was acting CFO - VP of Finance, Accounting and Risk at Virgin Voyages, where he led the company’s finance functions, from the early ship-building years, through its first anniversary of operations. Prior to that role, Alain was the CFO/SVP Finance for Centene’s Sunshine State Health Plan and spent 17 years at Royal Caribbean Group in a variety of finance leadership roles.
Alain Ferzli
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Alain Ferzli brings extensive executive - level financial expertise from complex, multinational organizations. He joins Azamara from Analytic Partners, a recognized leader in marketing and measurement optimization, where he served as SVP Finance and Sales Operations. Previously, Alain was acting CFO - VP of Finance, Accounting and Risk at Virgin Voyages, where he led the company’s finance functions, from the early ship-building years, through its first anniversary of operations. Prior to that role, Alain was the CFO/SVP Finance for Centene’s Sunshine State Health Plan and spent 17 years at Royal Caribbean Group in a variety of finance leadership roles.
Michelle Lardizabal, Chief Sales Officer for Azamara, is a travel industry executive with more than 25 years of experience in tourism and cruising. Her persistence, optimism, and belief relationships impact everything has led her to a successful career and life. Prior to joining the Azamara executive team, Michelle was with MSC Cruises where she drove the overall strategy of the commercial sales organization in the U.S. market. Lardizabal also oversaw relationship development with the industry including the industry’s largest travel consortia, key accounts, MICE and Charters, and was devoted to developing a world-class sales organization. Lardizabal's passion for sales and travel has driven a highly successful career building best in class sales organizations. Before returning to the cruise industry with MSC Cruises in October 2019, she led the U.S. sales organization at Club Med where she was a member of their Executive Committee and worldwide Leadership Committee. Prior to Club Med, Lardizabal served as Vice President of Sales for City Wonders, a European guided tour company, where she successfully steered global sales efforts as the company sought new destinations and distribution. Lardizabal also spent more than a decade at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in a variety of roles including National Account Manager, Director of Inside Sales & Training, Director of Field Sales and Associate VP of Global Sales & Distribution. Shortly after graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, Lardizabal moved to Miami for a role at Calvin Klein Cosmetics with almost a decade in various managerial roles throughout the international division of Travel Retail. This is where Lardizabal cultivated her enthusiasm for global business and love of travel and the city of Miami. She’s built her career and life in Miami with her husband, Alfredo, and two children, Jake & Sofia, instilling her love of travel, culture and history within her family.
Michelle Lardizabal
CHIEF SALES OFFICER
Michelle Lardizabal, Chief Sales Officer for Azamara, is a travel industry executive with more than 25 years of experience in tourism and cruising. Her persistence, optimism, and belief relationships impact everything has led her to a successful career and life. Prior to joining the Azamara executive team, Michelle was with MSC Cruises where she drove the overall strategy of the commercial sales organization in the U.S. market. Lardizabal also oversaw relationship development with the industry including the industry’s largest travel consortia, key accounts, MICE and Charters, and was devoted to developing a world-class sales organization. Lardizabal's passion for sales and travel has driven a highly successful career building best in class sales organizations. Before returning to the cruise industry with MSC Cruises in October 2019, she led the U.S. sales organization at Club Med where she was a member of their Executive Committee and worldwide Leadership Committee. Prior to Club Med, Lardizabal served as Vice President of Sales for City Wonders, a European guided tour company, where she successfully steered global sales efforts as the company sought new destinations and distribution. Lardizabal also spent more than a decade at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in a variety of roles including National Account Manager, Director of Inside Sales & Training, Director of Field Sales and Associate VP of Global Sales & Distribution. Shortly after graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, Lardizabal moved to Miami for a role at Calvin Klein Cosmetics with almost a decade in various managerial roles throughout the international division of Travel Retail. This is where Lardizabal cultivated her enthusiasm for global business and love of travel and the city of Miami. She’s built her career and life in Miami with her husband, Alfredo, and two children, Jake & Sofia, instilling her love of travel, culture and history within her family.
Captain Nico Corbijn, our Chief Administrative Officer, has operational responsibility for Human Resources, Land Product Development, and Legal services. A veteran maritime industry executive, Nico has worked directly or as a consultant for most large cruise lines. His areas of expertise include corporate and shipboard operations, human resource management, marine safety and environmental operations/investigations, auditing, and emergency management. Nico’s shipboard career began as a deck apprentice with Holland America Line in 1982 on the s.s. Veendam, and he became Captain in 1998. His corporate cruise industry positions have included Director of Environmental Compliance for Holland America Line; Vice President of Fleet Personnel for Norwegian Cruise Line; Vice President of Crew Management for MSC Cruises; and Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations for Windstar Cruises and Majestic America Line. Additionally, Nico has consulted for various organizations, including Höegh Shipping A/S (car carriers), OMI (bulk carriers), NOAA, and the Royal Canadian Navy.
Captain Nico Corbijn
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Captain Nico Corbijn, our Chief Administrative Officer, has operational responsibility for Human Resources, Land Product Development, and Legal services. A veteran maritime industry executive, Nico has worked directly or as a consultant for most large cruise lines. His areas of expertise include corporate and shipboard operations, human resource management, marine safety and environmental operations/investigations, auditing, and emergency management. Nico’s shipboard career began as a deck apprentice with Holland America Line in 1982 on the s.s. Veendam, and he became Captain in 1998. His corporate cruise industry positions have included Director of Environmental Compliance for Holland America Line; Vice President of Fleet Personnel for Norwegian Cruise Line; Vice President of Crew Management for MSC Cruises; and Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations for Windstar Cruises and Majestic America Line. Additionally, Nico has consulted for various organizations, including Höegh Shipping A/S (car carriers), OMI (bulk carriers), NOAA, and the Royal Canadian Navy.
Paulette Haedo our Chief of Information Technology has spearheaded numerous successful IT infrastructure launches, consistently creating scalable, customer-focused products and enhancing the overall experience delivery. Her track record includes driving transformative change, building high-performing teams, and managing large-scale initiatives from inception to completion. She has established strong vendor relationships and strategic partnerships with industry leaders including Capgemini, IBM, Publicis Sapient, and Versonix. Her extensive knowledge of the Seaware cruise reservation system is rooted in her tenures with American Classic Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages. In her most recent role, Paulette served as VP of Experience Product Delivery Transformation at Virgin. There, she created an Enterprise Product Delivery Office, overseeing the enterprise portfolio, change management, and end-to-end product experience delivery. Prior to this, she held progressive roles in Information Technology, leading launches of critical IT infrastructure projects and providing leadership and vision to ensure a customer-focused IT organization.
Paulette Haedo
CHIEF of INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Paulette Haedo our Chief of Information Technology has spearheaded numerous successful IT infrastructure launches, consistently creating scalable, customer-focused products and enhancing the overall experience delivery. Her track record includes driving transformative change, building high-performing teams, and managing large-scale initiatives from inception to completion. She has established strong vendor relationships and strategic partnerships with industry leaders including Capgemini, IBM, Publicis Sapient, and Versonix. Her extensive knowledge of the Seaware cruise reservation system is rooted in her tenures with American Classic Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages. In her most recent role, Paulette served as VP of Experience Product Delivery Transformation at Virgin. There, she created an Enterprise Product Delivery Office, overseeing the enterprise portfolio, change management, and end-to-end product experience delivery. Prior to this, she held progressive roles in Information Technology, leading launches of critical IT infrastructure projects and providing leadership and vision to ensure a customer-focused IT organization.
Andrew Smith, Vice President of Revenue, oversees Revenue Optimization, Commercial Strategy and Business Intelligence for Azamara. Andrew has extensive experience in the cruise industry, and worked across multiple departments, teams and projects with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises before joining Azamara in 2020. With a background in engineering, law and business, Andrew is an expert at bringing holistic solutions to strategic problems and working to create big-picture results for small ship experiences. Born and raised in Miami, Andrew’s enthusiasm for cruising with Azamara predates his time at the company. He continues to be an avid Azamara patron and enjoys getting to experience the cruise vacations he loves with his family.
Andrew Smith
VICE PRESIDENT of REVENUE
Andrew Smith, Vice President of Revenue, oversees Revenue Optimization, Commercial Strategy and Business Intelligence for Azamara. Andrew has extensive experience in the cruise industry, and worked across multiple departments, teams and projects with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises before joining Azamara in 2020. With a background in engineering, law and business, Andrew is an expert at bringing holistic solutions to strategic problems and working to create big-picture results for small ship experiences. Born and raised in Miami, Andrew’s enthusiasm for cruising with Azamara predates his time at the company. He continues to be an avid Azamara patron and enjoys getting to experience the cruise vacations he loves with his family.
Minas Miliaras, our Head of Marine and New Build, leads our Deck and Engine teams, overseeing technical, nautical, safety, environmental, port expense management, and security operations in collaboration with V. Ships and other key partners. As an accomplished Fleet Director and industry-recognized Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, Minas' leadership and expertise are invaluable as we move toward our new build goals.
Minas Miliaras
HEAD of MARINE and NEW BUILD
Minas Miliaras, our Head of Marine and New Build, leads our Deck and Engine teams, overseeing technical, nautical, safety, environmental, port expense management, and security operations in collaboration with V. Ships and other key partners. As an accomplished Fleet Director and industry-recognized Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, Minas' leadership and expertise are invaluable as we move toward our new build goals.
Simon has enjoyed a career within hospitality for almost thirty years, starting within hotels, bars and restaurants throughout the UK before moving to the cruise industry as well as a brief stint within aviation. However, that was not always the plan. After completing his master’s degree in Psychological Research, it was a break from his studies which would see him charter a new course. Eager to see much of the world, Simon decided to leverage his experience in hospitality to join the cruise industry starting with Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, as a Public Rooms Steward (also known as a Bar Waiter). Simon quickly gained a relentless curiosity for people, cultures, experiences and global hospitality trends and is pleased to share that he has not returned to his studies since; although the psychology has certainly helped. From Cunard Line, Simon gained a wealth of experience within multiple areas of the cruise industry working his way through the ranks on board whilst putting himself forward for as many exciting projects as possible. These included new builds, ship revitalizations and enhancements to Private Island destinations. After being a crew member on board for over ten years, Simon gave up his sea legs when offered a role in Shanghai, China, as Director of Food & Beverage for the APAC region within Royal Caribbean. After two years in China, he moved to Sydney, as Director of Guest Experience for P&O Australia. In 2020, Simon would call England home again for the first time in seventeen years, returning to Cunard, as Director of Brand & Product Development but due to the pandemic, ventured away from the cruise industry, leading teams at multiple venues including Wimbledon, COP26 in Glasgow and various stadia across the UK. In 2022, Simon was delighted to return to sea as a Hotel Director on board Azamara Pursuit and Journey before returning to land again as Head of Special Projects, Hotel Operations for Azamara. Now Head of Hotel Operations, Simon feels incredibly proud and privileged to lead and support the on board Hotel Operations teams as they deliver amazing experiences for our guests to enjoy every day. Currently living in Weybridge, England with his wife, Viki, and their three children, Simon is looking forward to moving to Miami in the future to join the rest of the Azamara’s leadership team.
Simon Blacoe
DIRECTOR of HOTEL OPERATIONS
Simon has enjoyed a career within hospitality for almost thirty years, starting within hotels, bars and restaurants throughout the UK before moving to the cruise industry as well as a brief stint within aviation. However, that was not always the plan. After completing his master’s degree in Psychological Research, it was a break from his studies which would see him charter a new course. Eager to see much of the world, Simon decided to leverage his experience in hospitality to join the cruise industry starting with Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, as a Public Rooms Steward (also known as a Bar Waiter). Simon quickly gained a relentless curiosity for people, cultures, experiences and global hospitality trends and is pleased to share that he has not returned to his studies since; although the psychology has certainly helped. From Cunard Line, Simon gained a wealth of experience within multiple areas of the cruise industry working his way through the ranks on board whilst putting himself forward for as many exciting projects as possible. These included new builds, ship revitalizations and enhancements to Private Island destinations. After being a crew member on board for over ten years, Simon gave up his sea legs when offered a role in Shanghai, China, as Director of Food & Beverage for the APAC region within Royal Caribbean. After two years in China, he moved to Sydney, as Director of Guest Experience for P&O Australia. In 2020, Simon would call England home again for the first time in seventeen years, returning to Cunard, as Director of Brand & Product Development but due to the pandemic, ventured away from the cruise industry, leading teams at multiple venues including Wimbledon, COP26 in Glasgow and various stadia across the UK. In 2022, Simon was delighted to return to sea as a Hotel Director on board Azamara Pursuit and Journey before returning to land again as Head of Special Projects, Hotel Operations for Azamara. Now Head of Hotel Operations, Simon feels incredibly proud and privileged to lead and support the on board Hotel Operations teams as they deliver amazing experiences for our guests to enjoy every day. Currently living in Weybridge, England with his wife, Viki, and their three children, Simon is looking forward to moving to Miami in the future to join the rest of the Azamara’s leadership team.
