Viva Cruises Names Ghannadian, Weldon to North America Sales Roles
Ghannadian brings more than twenty-two years in cruise and tourism, while Weldon most recently was director of national, key and strategic accounts at Hurtigruten Expeditions.
Viva Cruises has appointed Nasim Ghannadian as vice president sales and marketing North America and Michael Weldon as senior director, national accounts, with both roles taking effect July 1, 2026. The hires add senior sales leadership in the U.S. as the European river operator targets further growth through North American travel advisor and account channels.
Ghannadian will lead efforts to expand Viva’s North American presence, deepen travel advisor partnerships, build commercial growth and increase guest engagement and brand awareness. Weldon will focus on national accounts.
Andrea Kruse, co-founder and CEO of Viva Cruises, said the appointments would help the company “accelerate our growth, strengthen our presence, and truly inspire the North American market with everything Viva Cruises and Viva Boutique have to offer.”
Ghannadian joins Viva with more than 22 years of experience across sales, marketing, brand strategy and business development in the cruise and tourism sectors. Her previous leadership roles include positions with American Queen Voyages, Carnival Cruise Line and Viking Cruises, and she most recently served as vice president of sales and marketing for Vantage Explorations.
“With North America representing an exciting growth opportunity, I look forward to building on Viva’s momentum, strengthening industry relationships, and helping introduce more travelers to the unique experiences that make Viva Cruises so special,” Ghannadian said.
Weldon began his cruise career in 2003 with American West Steamboat Company and later held roles with Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking Cruises, American Cruise Lines and AmaWaterways. Most recently, he was director, national, key and strategic accounts at Hurtigruten Expeditions.
“My passion is river cruising,” Weldon said. “I look forward to discussing Viva with many of my North American trade partners, consortia’s, key and strategic accounts.”
The Düsseldorf-based company was founded in 2018 by Swiss shipowner Scylla AG and Kruse, began sailing in 2019 and now operates European river cruises year-round.
Viva Boutique, the premium brand referenced by Kruse, debuted with VIVA BEYOND on May 10, 2026, sailing roundtrip from Paris on the Seine. The 112-passenger vessel is scheduled to be followed in 2027 by VIVA UNIQUE on Italy’s Po River.
