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 the Chief Executive Officer of Azamara Cruises, an award-winning, high-end small-ship cruise line based in Miami, Florida. Azamara’s four ships — Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward — each carry up to 700 guests to destinations around the globe, offering immersive experiences that bring travelers closer to local cultures.
A 40-year veteran of the travel industry, Dondra is recognized not only as a visionary leader, but also as a dynamic and sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring audiences around the world with her energy, authenticity, and passion for people. She is known for delivering powerful keynotes that motivate, empower, and encourage individuals and teams to embrace challenges, build stronger relationships, and pursue success with purpose.
Throughout her career, Dondra has earned widespread industry recognition for her leadership and impact, including being inducted into the Cruise Lines International Association Hall of Fame, one of the cruise industry’s highest honors.
Prior to becoming CEO of Azamara, Dondra spent more than 20 years at Celebrity Cruises, where she served as Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Services for the Americas at the Royal Caribbean Group. In this role, she led nearly 700 employees across multiple departments, championed the travel advisor community, and created programs such as The Celebrity Commitment to strengthen partnerships and grow advisor businesses. Under her leadership, Celebrity was named “Best Premium Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly for 13 consecutive years. She also served on the executive team that helped launch Azamara Cruises, bringing her leadership full circle when she returned to helm the brand as CEO.
Before her cruise industry career, Dondra spent 20 years in sales and marketing leadership roles with American Airlines, further establishing her reputation as a results-driven, people-first leader.
Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Dondra is deeply engaged in philanthropy and community leadership. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Jack and Jill Late-Stage Cancer Foundation, the Family Bonds Foundation, and the Baptist Health Foundation Miami Cancer Institute Council. She has also led major fundraising initiatives, including raising more than $3 million annually for Ransom Everglades School, more than $600,000 for the American Cancer Society during the pandemic, and over $1 million for the United Way during her time at Royal Caribbean Group.
Passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, Dondra continues to champion opportunities within the travel industry while supporting causes focused on families, education, and health organizations.
A proud Texas native and lifelong sea lover, Dondra resides in Florida with her husband, Kevin. She has two grown sons and continues to balance her role as a respected CEO, motivational speaker, and community leader with her greatest source of pride — her family.
Dondra Ritzenthaler
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Dondra Ritzenthaler is the Chief Executive Officer of Azamara Cruises, an award-winning, high-end small-ship cruise line based in Miami, Florida. Azamara’s four ships — Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward — each carry up to 700 guests to destinations around the globe, offering immersive experiences that bring travelers closer to local cultures.
A 40-year veteran of the travel industry, Dondra is recognized not only as a visionary leader, but also as a dynamic and sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring audiences around the world with her energy, authenticity, and passion for people. She is known for delivering powerful keynotes that motivate, empower, and encourage individuals and teams to embrace challenges, build stronger relationships, and pursue success with purpose.
Throughout her career, Dondra has earned widespread industry recognition for her leadership and impact, including being inducted into the Cruise Lines International Association Hall of Fame, one of the cruise industry’s highest honors.
Prior to becoming CEO of Azamara, Dondra spent more than 20 years at Celebrity Cruises, where she served as Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Services for the Americas at the Royal Caribbean Group. In this role, she led nearly 700 employees across multiple departments, championed the travel advisor community, and created programs such as The Celebrity Commitment to strengthen partnerships and grow advisor businesses. Under her leadership, Celebrity was named “Best Premium Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly for 13 consecutive years. She also served on the executive team that helped launch Azamara Cruises, bringing her leadership full circle when she returned to helm the brand as CEO.
Before her cruise industry career, Dondra spent 20 years in sales and marketing leadership roles with American Airlines, further establishing her reputation as a results-driven, people-first leader.
Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Dondra is deeply engaged in philanthropy and community leadership. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Jack and Jill Late-Stage Cancer Foundation, the Family Bonds Foundation, and the Baptist Health Foundation Miami Cancer Institute Council. She has also led major fundraising initiatives, including raising more than $3 million annually for Ransom Everglades School, more than $600,000 for the American Cancer Society during the pandemic, and over $1 million for the United Way during her time at Royal Caribbean Group.
Passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, Dondra continues to champion opportunities within the travel industry while supporting causes focused on families, education, and health organizations.
A proud Texas native and lifelong sea lover, Dondra resides in Florida with her husband, Kevin. She has two grown sons and continues to balance her role as a respected CEO, motivational speaker, and community leader with her greatest source of pride — her family.
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.
Alex Pinelo serves as Chief Sales Officer, North America for Azamara Cruises, leading the company’s sales organization across the region with responsibility for sales strategy, trade partnerships and commercial growth.
With more than 40 years of experience in the cruise industry, Alex brings extensive commercial leadership experience and longstanding relationships within the travel advisor community. Prior to joining Azamara, he served as Chief Sales Officer at AmaWaterways, where he led global sales strategy, strengthened travel partner engagement and drove commercial performance across key markets. During his tenure, he held several senior leadership positions spanning Latin America sales, national accounts and global sales leadership.
Before joining AmaWaterways in 2017, Alex spent nearly three decades with Norwegian Cruise Line, advancing through operational and sales leadership roles before serving as Vice President of Key Accounts. He also played an integral role on the opening team for Disney Cruise Line, helping launch the brand in South Florida and Puerto Rico.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to the travel advisor community, Alex has built his career around developing high-performing sales teams, cultivating trusted partnerships and driving sustained business growth. At Azamara, he is focused on strengthening relationships with travel partners across North America and creating new opportunities to introduce more travelers to the destination-focused experiences that define the brand.
Alex Pinelo
Chief Sales Officer, North America
Alex Pinelo serves as Chief Sales Officer, North America for Azamara Cruises, leading the company’s sales organization across the region with responsibility for sales strategy, trade partnerships and commercial growth.
With more than 40 years of experience in the cruise industry, Alex brings extensive commercial leadership experience and longstanding relationships within the travel advisor community. Prior to joining Azamara, he served as Chief Sales Officer at AmaWaterways, where he led global sales strategy, strengthened travel partner engagement and drove commercial performance across key markets. During his tenure, he held several senior leadership positions spanning Latin America sales, national accounts and global sales leadership.
Before joining AmaWaterways in 2017, Alex spent nearly three decades with Norwegian Cruise Line, advancing through operational and sales leadership roles before serving as Vice President of Key Accounts. He also played an integral role on the opening team for Disney Cruise Line, helping launch the brand in South Florida and Puerto Rico.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to the travel advisor community, Alex has built his career around developing high-performing sales teams, cultivating trusted partnerships and driving sustained business growth. At Azamara, he is focused on strengthening relationships with travel partners across North America and creating new opportunities to introduce more travelers to the destination-focused experiences that define the brand.
David Siewers is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with a proven track record of accelerating revenue growth and brand engagement for leading travel companies. Prior to joining Azamara, David held a series of progressive leadership roles with Celebrity Cruises, culminating in his position as Director of Sales for the Northeast U.S. region. In this role, David led a high-performing sales team responsible for more than 3,500 agency relationships, delivering record-breaking performance and consistently top-ranked global satisfaction scores from partners. His prior roles at Celebrity included Strategic Market Manager, New York Team Manager and Regional Marketing Manager in Washington, DC, where he developed and implemented the company's first localized marketing program.
Earlier in his career, David held marketing and partnership roles at JetBlue Airways, Zipcar (supporting its IPO and acquisition), Columbia Business School, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. A trusted leader known for his people-first approach, David blends data-driven strategy with imaginative vision to deliver transformational results. He is also a passionate global traveler who draws inspiration from exploring new cultures and frequently journeys abroad to stay connected to the evolving needs of the international travel community.
David Siewers
CHIEF SALES OFFICER, INTERNATIONAL
David Siewers is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with a proven track record of accelerating revenue growth and brand engagement for leading travel companies. Prior to joining Azamara, David held a series of progressive leadership roles with Celebrity Cruises, culminating in his position as Director of Sales for the Northeast U.S. region. In this role, David led a high-performing sales team responsible for more than 3,500 agency relationships, delivering record-breaking performance and consistently top-ranked global satisfaction scores from partners. His prior roles at Celebrity included Strategic Market Manager, New York Team Manager and Regional Marketing Manager in Washington, DC, where he developed and implemented the company's first localized marketing program.
Earlier in his career, David held marketing and partnership roles at JetBlue Airways, Zipcar (supporting its IPO and acquisition), Columbia Business School, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. A trusted leader known for his people-first approach, David blends data-driven strategy with imaginative vision to deliver transformational results. He is also a passionate global traveler who draws inspiration from exploring new cultures and frequently journeys abroad to stay connected to the evolving needs of the international travel community.
Lisa leads Global Brand Marketing, Trade Marketing, Public Relations, Internal & External Communications, Onboard Marketing, Paid Media, Social Media, Creative Development, Direct Marketing, Loyalty, Partnerships, Promotions, and Product Marketing, as well as Ecommerce.
Most recently, she served as Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Starboard Group, where she guided strategies that connected with guests through marketing, immersive retail environments, digital experiences, public relations, social media, ecommerce, and “Retailtainment.”
Previously, Lisa held executive marketing roles at Perry Ellis International, Celebrity Cruises, Macy’s Florida, and The Walt Disney Company. A high-impact leader, she has inspired teams across retail, fashion, consumer products, and cruise with a clear vision, a passion for people, and a drive for results.
A Miami native, she remains actively engaged in the community, serving as a board member for Goodwill Industries of South Florida and mentoring women business leaders through leadership development programs.
Lisa Kauffman
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Lisa leads Global Brand Marketing, Trade Marketing, Public Relations, Internal & External Communications, Onboard Marketing, Paid Media, Social Media, Creative Development, Direct Marketing, Loyalty, Partnerships, Promotions, and Product Marketing, as well as Ecommerce.
Most recently, she served as Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Starboard Group, where she guided strategies that connected with guests through marketing, immersive retail environments, digital experiences, public relations, social media, ecommerce, and “Retailtainment.”
Previously, Lisa held executive marketing roles at Perry Ellis International, Celebrity Cruises, Macy’s Florida, and The Walt Disney Company. A high-impact leader, she has inspired teams across retail, fashion, consumer products, and cruise with a clear vision, a passion for people, and a drive for results.
A Miami native, she remains actively engaged in the community, serving as a board member for Goodwill Industries of South Florida and mentoring women business leaders through leadership development programs.
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
VICE PRESIDENT 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.
