Dondra Ritzenthaler

Dondra Ritzenthaler is the Chief Executive Officer of Azamara Cruises, an award-winning, high-end, small-ship cruise line based in Miami- Florida. Azamara’s four ships – Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward – each carry up to 700 guests to destinations around the globe, offering immersive experiences that bring travelers closer to local cultures.

A 40-year veteran of the travel industry, Dondra is recognized not only as a visionary leader but also as a dynamic and sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring audiences around the world with her energy, authenticity, and passion for people. She is known for delivering powerful keynotes that motivate, empower, and encourage individuals and teams to embrace challenges, build stronger relationships, and pursue success with purpose.

Prior to becoming CEO of Azamara, Dondra spent more than 20 years at Celebrity Cruises, where she served as Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Services for the Americas at the Royal Caribbean Group. In this role, she led nearly 700 employees across multiple departments, championed the travel advisor community, and created programs such as The Celebrity Commitment to strengthen partnerships and grow advisor businesses. Under her leadership, Celebrity was named “Best Premium Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly for 13 consecutive years. She also served on the executive team that helped launch Azamara Cruises, bringing her leadership full circle when she returned to helm the brand as CEO.

Before her cruise industry career, Dondra spent 20 years in sales and marketing leadership roles with American Airlines, further establishing her reputation as a results-driven, people-first leader.
Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Dondra is deeply engaged in philanthropy and community leadership. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Jack and Jill Late-Stage Cancer Foundation, the Family Bonds Foundation, and the Baptist Health Foundation Miami Cancer Institute Council. She has also led major fundraising initiatives, including raising more than $3 million annually for Ransom Everglades School, over $600,000 for the American Cancer Society during the pandemic, and more than $1 million for the United Way during her time at Royal Caribbean Group.
Passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, Dondra has also been a guiding voice in creating more opportunities within the industry and continues to champion causes that support families and health organizations.

A proud Texas native and sea lover, Dondra resides in Florida with her husband Kevin. She has two grown sons and continues to balance her role as a respected CEO, motivational speaker, and community leader with her greatest source of pride—her family.

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