THE BASICS
Name: Dondra Ritzenthaler
Title: CEO
Company, city: Azamara Cruises; Miami (Coconut Grove), Florida
First job: I was with American Airlines for 20 years and one day, in 11 different positions. I then moved to Celebrity Cruises, where I also worked for 20 years and one day!
Where are you traveling next: I’m headed to Montréal for our next “Listen, Learn, and Link Together” session with travel agents.
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life?
Sandra Bullock; she’s one of the best actresses I’ve ever seen. I really identify with her portrayal of the mom in The Blind Side, as I share that passion.
What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry?
I’d be a sports broadcaster for either ESPN or NFL Network.
What is your favorite book, movie or television show?
I have one of each! Movie is, as mentioned, The Blind Side. For TV, definitely Ted Lasso; it lifts people up. And for the book, Leaders Eat Last — your people know when you’re in it to win it.
What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with?
I have two: Bill Gates, because I find him so creative and innovative, and Mother Teresa, as I’d love to know what made her the way she was.
THE BUSINESS
What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it?
My most recent project is my “Listen, Learn, and Link Together” tour — traveling across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to connect with travel advisors and hear what they have to say about Azamara. The inspiration behind the tour was to engage with these advisors and give them space to share their feedback. Travel advisors account for 85 percent of our bookings, so they are key to getting our secret out there.
What is your favorite aspect of the job?
There’s so much to love about my job, but my favorite thing has to be the people I work with. Everyone on the Azamara team, from the c-suite to the ships’ crews, brings so much heart and enthusiasm to what they do, it helps our guests feel like they’re part of the family when they’re on board.
What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken?
That would be the decision to leave American Airlines after 20 years. You get comfortable, and I was terrified to take the job at Celebrity Cruises.
Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry?
Dan Hanrahan, former president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. He is a really good guy — innovative, strategic, philanthropic and the best marketer I have ever seen.
AS A TRAVELER
Tell us about a travel nightmare: When you live on airplanes as I have, you learn to be resilient. On a trip home from Canada, my valid passport was rejected, and I had to work through those dynamics. It was especially a nightmare as I missed my son’s homecoming. You have to always be kind to people, even in nightmare situations.
Share a comical travel experience: I was without luggage for four days when I was a keynote speaker at a gala. I went to people’s homes and borrowed clothes. I decided to embrace it and even commented on it when I gave the speech.
What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why?
Cruise ships! To travel to different places on a beautiful ship with a crew who loves you, it’s by far the best way.
What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? On an Azamara cruise we were going ashore in the pouring rain, down a walkway to the bus. Crew members lined the walkway with umbrellas so we would not get wet.
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