Azamara Cruises appoints new Chief Marketing Officer

Azamara Cruises has appointed Lisa Kauffman as Chief Marketing Officer, as the small-ship line commits to deepening guest connections and expanding its destination-focused offerings.

 

With this move, Kauffman joins CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler as the second former Celebrity Cruises executive on Azamara’s senior team. Ritzenthaler came aboard in 2024 after two decades as SVP of Sales at Celebrity Cruises, where her tenure overlapped with Kauffman’s nearly six years as CMO.

 

In her new role, Kauffman will lead Azamara’s global marketing and communications, overseeing e-commerce, product, trade relations, brand strategy, social engagement, PR, guest loyalty programmes and internal communications. 

 

She brings more than 25 years of marketing expertise, driving global sales and profit for major brands including Perry Ellis International, Macy’s Florida and The Walt Disney Company.

 

Fluent in English and Spanish, Kauffman most recently served as Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at US travel and cruise retail company Starboard Group, where she elevated onboard guest experiences and led successful marketing programmes. 

 

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Her career highlights include steering brand development, digital strategy, and loyalty initiatives across travel and retail sectors.

 

Ritzenthaler said: “Lisa’s extensive expertise in strategic marketing and travel perfectly complements our mission to create immersive, culturally rich experiences that forge deeper, more meaningful connections between our guests and the destinations we visit. 

 

“Her passion for storytelling, guest-centric thinking and brand building will be instrumental in further strengthening Azamara’s position as the leader in destination immersion and intimate, small-ship cruising.”

 

Kauffman added: “This is an exciting time for the company, and I look forward to working with the talented team to elevate our brand, deepen our connection with guests, and inspire even more travellers to explore the world with Azamara.”

 

Azamara recently launched several initiatives to enhance the guest experience, including the ‘Own the Night’ programme showcasing after-dark tours, double overnights and ‘Stories Under the Stars,’ and the ‘Live Like a Local’ initiative offering “genuine” cultural immersion beyond traditional shore excursions.

 

To partner with Royal Caribbean Arabia call UAE +971 4 331 4299, KSA 800 897 1419, or email book@rccl.ae. For more information, visit www.azamara.ae