Award-winning river cruise line AMAWATERWAYS has appointed Ronald A. Santangelo to the position of vice president, business development effective immediately. Santangelo’s illustrious career in the cruise industry includes thirteen years as president, North America, of Peter Deilmann Cruises. He joins AMAWATERWAYS at a time when the line is experiencing unprecedented growth and record-high passenger satisfaction ratings.
With the debut of the brand-new 148-passenger MS Amalyra and MS Amadolce in 2009, the fleet of “AMA” ships on Europe’s legendary waterways has increased to six. Additionally, AMAWATERWAYS will expand into south east Asia this fall, with the launch of its 15-day “Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong” program featuring a 7-night Mekong river cruise on the luxurious, new MS La Marguerite. Three additional vessels, MS Amadouro, MS Swiss Pearl, and MS Tolstoy round out the AMAWATERWAYS fleet, offering popular destination cruises in Portugal, France, and Russia, respectively.
“We feel extremely fortunate to welcome someone with Ron’s vast experience, knowledge of the cruise industry, and professional reputation to our ‘AMA’ family,” said AMAWATERWAYS executive vice president Kristin Karst.
Prior to serving as president, North America for Peter Deilmann Cruises, Santangelo served as president of Regency Cruises. He also held several positions at Cunard Line, Ltd., including senior vice president worldwide marketing and sales, during which time he served on the Cunard Line board of directors. Santangelo is a past marketing committee chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association and has served on numerous industry advisory boards, including that of the US House of Representatives’ Caucus on Travel. Santangelo holds a Bachelor of Science in management from St. John’s University and a Masters in Business Administration in marketing management from St. John’s University. He will operate from offices in Virginia, as well as the AMAWATERWAYS headquarters in Chatsworth, California.
Additional information about AMAWATERWAYS is available at www.amawaterways.com.
