There are few people in the cruise industry who command a room quite like Azamara CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler

In the first episode of our new Cruise Titans podcast series, we sit down with one of the sector’s most respected leaders to explore the journey that took her to the top, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what it’s really like leading a global cruise brand.

Alongside career advice for the next generation of industry professionals, Ritzenthaler shares the leadership principles and experiences that have shaped her remarkable career. Plus, in our new Ask the Expert segment, we put your questions directly to Ritzenthaler.

With more than two decades of experience in cruise, Ritzenthaler has built a reputation as one of the sector’s most respected leaders, and many will know her from her iconic Lion’s Mentality speech at the CLIA Conference. She spent just under 20 years with Celebrity Cruises, but for the past two years she has led Azamara through its UK expansion, its largest ever fleet expansion and its biggest-ever trade giveaway.

In the last episode of the Cruise Corner Podcast, we were joined by HX Expeditions’ Dr Verena Meraldi, the cruise industry’s first-ever chief scientist.

She spoke to co-host Jack Carter about her incredible journey from guest lecturer to science chief, while highlighting the importance of citizen science in an increasingly vulnerable world. She also discusses why putting guests at the centre of HX Expedition’s science and education programme makes for a more impactful adventure.

You can listen to the podcast via the above link, or on all leading platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. You can also view the video version on YouTube.