Ritzenthaler’s recognition highlights her decades-long impact on guest-centric innovation, her empowerment of the travel advisor community 

Azamara Cruises' CEO, Dondra Ritzenthaler, has received the prestigious 2026 CLIA Cruise Industry Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition comes at a "defining moment" for the cruise line.

Ritzenthaler’s recognition highlights her decades-long impact on guest-centric innovation, her empowerment of the travel advisor community, and her promotion of forward-thinking growth across the sector. With over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, she is an expert in both aviation and cruising. She spent more than two decades at Celebrity Cruises and held leadership roles at American Airlines earlier in her career.

 Inspiring leaders in the industry,

“It is truly an honour to be recognised by CLIA alongside such inspiring leaders in our industry,” she said. “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.

Create experiences that connect to the world around them

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“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.”

Exceptional leadership

The CLIA Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award is presented each year to two individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made lasting contributions to the cruise industry.

 Azamara Forward initiative,

Azamara Cruises recently unveiled its Azamara Forward initiative, a strategic vision designed to enhance the guest experience and expand destination offerings, alongside a fleet-wide overhaul. This was achieved under the leadership of Ritzenthaler.

About : Azamara 

Azamara focuses on immersive, destination-driven cruises that go beyond the usual ports, taking travellers to some of the world’s most exciting cities. In Europe, you might explore the historic streets of Seville or enjoy the coastal charm of Bordeaux, while cruises in Asia bring the bustling markets of Bangkok and the tranquil temples of Bali. Azamara ships feel like floating boutique hotels where you can sip cocktails on the pool deck, catch live tunes in the Living Room, or relax with a latte at the Mosaic Café. With extended port stays and carefully curated excursions, Azamara allows for a deeper and more immersive experience of each destination

About : CLIA 

CLIA presents a diverse and influential cruise industry, including ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines, maritime leaders, ports, destinations, shipyards, and travel professionals. As the leading trade association, CLIA advocates for safe, sustainable cruise operations, supports tourism strategies that benefit communities, and promotes innovation toward net-zero emissions by 2050. With a global presence, CLIA provides resources, expertise, and policy leadership to protect and promote the industry's responsible growth.
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