Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler has been named a recipient of the 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award for Lifetime Achievement.
The accolade recognises Ritzenthaler’s 40-year career in travel, spanning senior leadership roles in both aviation and cruising. Her career includes more than two decades with Celebrity Cruises, as well as earlier executive roles with American Airlines.
Ritzenthaler has long been recognised as a strong advocate for the travel advisor community and for helping drive guest-focused innovation across the sector. She also played a role in the original launch of Azamara Cruises.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by CLIA alongside such inspiring leaders in our industry,” said Ritzenthaler. “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.
“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.”
The recognition comes as Azamara continues to roll out its recently launched Azamara Forward strategy, aimed at enhancing the guest experience, expanding destination offerings and reinforcing the brand’s position in immersive small-ship cruising.
Under Ritzenthaler’s leadership, the cruise line has continued to champion its Destination Immersion program, including its Extended Destination Days, designed to give guests more time in port than traditional cruise itineraries.
The CLIA Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to two individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and made a lasting contribution to the global cruise industry.
For Azamara, the honour also signals continued momentum for the boutique cruise brand as it sharpens its focus on destination-led experiences and advisor partnerships.
