Azamara Names Alex Pinelo Chief Sales Officer

Azamara Cruises has appointed Alex Pinelo as chief sales officer, effective September 1, 2026, putting the former AmaWaterways sales executive in charge of the line’s North American sales strategy and trade partnerships. Pinelo will be based in Miami and will oversee the region’s sales organization.

Pinelo brings more than 40 years of industry experience. He succeeds Michelle Lardizabal, who left Azamara in May to join Signature Travel Network as chief marketing and sales officer.

“Alex is an exceptional addition to our executive leadership team and exactly the kind of leader we need as we continue to grow our presence in North America,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, chief executive officer of Azamara Cruises.

Ritzenthaler said travel advisors remain central to Azamara’s business, adding that the company is investing in “the relationships, tools and support that help them succeed.”

Pinelo joins Azamara from AmaWaterways, where he became chief sales officer in 2025 after holding roles that included director of Latin America sales, director of national accounts, vice president of national accounts, vice president of sales and senior vice president of sales. He joined AmaWaterways in 2017.

Before AmaWaterways, Pinelo spent nearly three decades with Norwegian Cruise Line, moving through operational and sales leadership positions before serving as vice president of key accounts. He also worked with Disney Cruise Line as part of the team supporting the brand’s launch in South Florida and Puerto Rico.

“Throughout my career, I’ve believed that travel advisors are at the heart of our industry’s success,” Pinelo said.

Azamara has recently added a training module for RezA, its reservation platform. The module is available through Azamara World Academy and gives travel advisors step-by-step guidance on reservations, bookings, payments, excursions and add-ons.

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