Dondra Ritzenthaler has been named chief executive of the small-ship line, bringing 40 years’ industry experience to the role.

Ritzenthaler joins from Celebrity Cruises where she most recently held the role of president of sales, trade support and services for the Americas.

Prior to a 20-year stint with Royal Caribbean and then Celebrity, Ritzenthaler spent nearly 20 years with American Airlines. She will join the line in May 2024.

Until then, Azamara chair Dan Hanrahan will lead the line on a day-to-day basis.

Ritzenthaler said she looked forward to "leading the company into its next chapter" and "growing the Azamara brand".

Azamara also confirmed Cabezas’s departure in a statement provided to TTG. “Carol Cabezas has stepped down from her role as president of Azamara," said Hanrahan.

"We sincerely appreciate Carol’s leadership of Azamara these past several years through both the challenges of the pandemic and the carve-out from Royal Caribbean. We wish her all the best on her next opportunity."

Cabezas joined Royal Caribbean Cruises in 2000 before going on to spend nearly a decade with Celebrity. She joined Azamara as chief operating officer in 2017 and took over as president in March 2021.

Meanwhile, Azamara has named Alain Ferzli as its new chief financial officer. He previously served as acting chief financial officer for Virgin Atlantic, and has held several financial leadership roles with Royal Caribbean.

Hanrahan added: “Our team has worked diligently to maintain a solid foundation for Azamara amid unique industry-wide challenges over the last several years.

"Dondra and Alain’s deep knowledge of, and experience in leading cruise lines will support the shift of our focus to expanding our business and realising Azamara’s full potential."