Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler Receives CLIA Lifetime Achievement Award
Today, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced that Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2026 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award for Lifetime Achievement.
A 40-year veteran of the travel industry, Ritzenthaler brings a legacy of leadership spanning both aviation and cruising, with more than two decades at Celebrity Cruises and earlier leadership roles at American Airlines.
Widely recognized for championing the travel advisor community and driving guest-centric innovation, she has played a pivotal role in shaping modern cruise distribution and experience design, including contributing to the original launch of Azamara Cruises.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by CLIA alongside such inspiring leaders in our industry,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises.
“Travel has always been a deeply personal passion of mine — it has enriched not only my own life but also created lasting memories and meaningful connections for my family. That belief in the power of travel is what continues to inspire everything we do at Azamara, as well as our commitment to working closely with Travel Advisors, who are essential in bringing these experiences to life for our guests. This recognition reflects not only my journey, but the passion and dedication of our entire team as we create experiences that connect our guests more deeply to the world around them.”
The recognition comes at a defining moment for Azamara Cruises, as the brand continues to build momentum behind its recently introduced Azamara Forward initiative — a strategic vision designed to elevate the guest experience, expand destination offerings, and further strengthen Azamara’s leadership in immersive, small-ship cruising.
Under Ritzenthaler’s leadership, the company continues to push the boundaries of Destination Immersion® travel, including its signature Extended Destination Days that allow guests to spend more time in port than any other cruise line.
The CLIA Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to two individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made lasting contributions to the cruise industry. Ritzenthaler’s recognition underscores her decades-long impact on shaping guest-centric innovation, empowering the travel advisor community, and driving forward-thinking growth across the sector.
(Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler Receives CLIA Lifetime Achievement Award)
