Oceania Cruises Growth Requires Executive Promotions
By Gregg Eppleman • Jan 24th, 2008 • Category: Oceania CruisesCongratulations are in order for a number of executives
at Oceania Cruises as their hard work has paid off in increased responsibility at the cruise line. Several key members of its management team have been promoted in an effort to handle the sustained growth period that lies ahead for the line. Oceania is building two new mid-sized 1,260-guest ships at Fincantieri in Italy to handle increased demand for this premium cruise product. Their marketing promotions have paid handsome dividends in recent years, and they are now preparing for the next level. If you consider yourself a discerning, sophisticated traveler in search of world-class cuisine, unparalleled personal service, and an enriching, in-depth, destination-oriented experience, then Oceania Cruises is for you!
“The key to any organization’s success is great people and Oceania Cruises is proud to have such an exceptional group of professionals at all levels. I am extremely grateful for the tremendous contribution from each of these team members in making Oceania Cruises the success it is today,” stated Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises.
Robin Lindsay - Executive Vice President, Vessel Operations
Lindsay has been with the line since its inception serving as Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations and for the past three years as Senior Vice President, Vessel Operations. Lindsay oversees all aspects of Marine, Technical and Hotel operations of the line’s fleet and is currently immersed in the development and construction of the new Oceania-Class ships.
Franco Semeraro - Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations
Semeraro joined the line in early 2003 during which time he served as Executive Hotel Director and oversaw the outfitting and introduction into service of the line’s first two vessels. Having also held the titles of Director of Hotel Operations and Vice President, Hotel Operations, Semeraro has played an integral part in the development of the line’s award-winning onboard product.
James Rodriguez - Senior Vice President, Marketing
An industry veteran that originally hails from Crystal Cruises, Rodriguez was a member of the line’s founding management team when he joined the line as Director of Internet and Database Marketing. With a diverse range of experience in E-Commerce, Sales, Human Resources and Event Planning, Rodriguez is responsible for all aspects of Consumer and Travel Agent Marketing, National Accounts and E-Commerce.
Frank A. Del Rio, Jr. - Vice President, Product Development
Del Rio is also a member of the management team that has been with the line from the start and is responsible for all land programs including shore excursions, pre- and post-cruise hotels and overland tours. Most recently Senior Director, Product Development, Del Rio has played a critical role in the success of the line’s award-winning land programs and development of innovative products such as the Discovery and Explorer shore excursion packages, the only ones in the industry to pay commissions to travel agents.
Alfred Alonso - Senior Director, Information Technology
Alonso first served as a consultant to the line in 2003 when as principal of VIOcom Technologies he was instrumental in the design, development and implementation of all information technology applications both shipboard and shore side. He was recruited to join the line on a full-time basis in 2004 and has played a critical role in supporting the expansion of the company’s infrastructure in Miami and Colorado Springs and the implementation of new technology applications aboard each ship.
Sergio Veglia - Senior Director, Marine Operations
Veglia, who joined the line in early 2005 as Director of Marine Operations, also served as a consultant to the line since 2003, assisting in the planning of itineraries. Hailing from Silversea Cruises, Veglia has traveled the world, is well acquainted with virtually all destinations worldwide and is responsible for all itinerary planning, port operations and bunkering.
Nikos Kalamakis - Senior Director, Technical Operations
A long-time industry veteran with a vast array of experience, Kalamakis has been a Director of Technical Operations since the line’s inception and has overseen the refitting, refurbishment and introduction into service of all the line’s ships. Based in Greece, Kalamakis plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the fleet worldwide and is also engaged in the development and construction of the new Oceania-Class.
“It was just five short years ago that Oceania Cruises opened its doors and since then, we have gone on to achieve an unprecedented level of success. Each of these stellar professionals has contributed greatly to this success and we are all very proud of their accomplishments,” added Binder.
About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises® is the world’s only upper-premium cruise line and offers a unique combination of the finest cuisine at sea, luxurious accommodations, exceptional personalized service and extraordinary value. As the leader in destination cruising, Oceania Cruises sails to more than 180 ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. Featuring three intimate and elegant mid-sized ships, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, the line will introduce two new mid-size Oceania Class ships to its award-winning fleet in 2010 and 2011. For additional information, to make a reservation, or to order a brochure, please contact your Travel Agent or Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658. Visit us at www.OceaniaCruises.com.
Gregg Eppleman is Gregg is an 18 year veteran of the cruise industry, has sailed on more than 50 ships, and visited Alaska, the Bahamas, the East and West Caribbean, Europe and Mexico. He is a Cunard and Princess Commodore, Cruise Baltic Specialist, Cruise West Small Ship Partner, NCL Specialist Plus, Holland America 5 Star Agent, Celebrity Special Agent, Royal Caribbean Expert Plus, Alaska, Hawaii and Tokyo Specialist.
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