Five Faves: Women Cruise-Line Presidents
For International Women’s Day, We’re Celebrating 5 Women Cruise Line Presidents!
Today is International Women’s Day — a day to “celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women.” So what better time to applaud five rockin’ women who are at the helm of your favorite major cruise lines. And let us point out that there are plenty more women presidents who are leading numerous small ship and river cruise lines, not to mention other top industry executives who are helping to form the cruise world as we know it. So we say thank you — for the experiences, the enthusiasm, and the inspiration — to these five leading ladies.
Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line
Jan Swartz, President of Princess Cruises
Jan Swartz was appointed president of Princess Cruises in November 2013, after more than 15 years working with the cruise line. Prior to that, she served as executive vice president overseeing the line’s sales, marketing, and customer service operations, a position she held since 2009.
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo is president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, a position she’s held since December 2014. Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President, Operations for Royal Caribbean International and held a variety of other executive roles during her 29-year tenure with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Edie Rodriguez, President and CEO, Crystal Cruises
Edie Rodriguez was named president of Crystal Cruises in October 2013, and promoted to CEO with the sale of Crystal to Genting Hong Kong in May 2015. Prior to that, she held senior executive positions at other cruise lines, including as senior vice president of marketing and sales Azamara Club Cruises.
Tara Russell, President, Fathom
Tara Russell is president of Carnival Corporation’s newest cruise brand, Fathom, a social impact company that offers a new category of travel that combines the desire to do good with a love of travel. Russell generated the idea for Fathom in 2013, and led research, design, and development of the brand, business model, and experience from January 2014 to its launch in June 2015.