The shipping group Msc Cruises has a new luxury brand and announces the appointment of five new top managers. Michael Ungerer, managing director of the new reality, says: “The first line of managers has accumulated experience of more than 100 years in the luxury, hospitality and cruise sectors, and will thus be able to create a travel experience. innovative and fascinating in the name of luxury and lifestyle, going beyond the expectations of both the most demanding cruise passengers, always looking for something special, and those approaching cruises for the first time and travelers eager to try new experiences. We will shortly announce the name of the brand and the new ship. “
The first delivery will take place in 2023. The new ship will have a tonnage of 63,900 tons and will have 461 suites, among the largest available on the market, all with balconies or terraces facing the sea. The other ships will follow in 2024, 2025 and 2026
Below is the profile of the new managers.
Chris Austin, Chief of Sales Officer
Chris was Senior Vice President Global Sales and Marketing at Seabourn Cruise Line for four years, receiving in 2019 the ‘Cruise Ambassador of the Year’ award from Virtuoso, the global network of luxury travel agencies. Previously, he spent nearly 20 years driving sales for a luxury brand portfolio at Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Sarah Doyle, Chief Marketing Officer
In recent years Sarah has held the position of Vice President Marketing at Bacardi Limited Europe. Previously, he spent six years at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, initially in the role of partnership manager for the luxury brand portfolio and then as Global Brand Director for W Hotels Worldwide, opening six new locations. Prior to joining the hospitality industry, Sarah oversaw the Platinum and Centurion programs of American Express members at Momentum Worldwide for 10 years.
Thatcher Brown, Commercial and Strategic Advisor
For the past four years Thatcher has served as President of Dream Cruises and CEO of Crystal Cruises Asia at Genting. His career began at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, where he spent six years serving as Executive Director Brand Marketing and Business Development. Thatcher also worked for the Jumeirah Group for nearly five years as Vice President Brand Strategy and Marketing.
Sacha Rougier, Head of Itinerary Planning and Shore Experience
Sacha was the Managing Director of Cruise Gate Hamburg for nearly six years and managed the completion of two new cruise terminals which resulted in a 73% increase in passengers. Previously she was Business Development Manager for five years at the Port of Marseille.
John Stoll – Destination Experience Advisor
John worked for 17 years as Vice President of Land Programs at Crystal Cruises and previously served as Director of Land Programs at Silversea Cruises for over five years, for which he organized shore excursions that have found considerable success.