Margaritaville at Sea is making waves in the travel trade industry with a major expansion of its sales team. The cruise line has announced the addition of six experienced industry professionals to support its growing trade partnerships and bolster relationships with travel advisors, online travel agents (OTAs), and international partners.
This strategic move comes as the company introduces new itineraries and ports of call, further cementing its commitment to the travel trade sector.
Strengthening Trade Relationships with Key Hires
Under the leadership of Senior Vice President of Sales Ron Gulaskey and Vice President of Sales Preston Caddell, the newly expanded team will focus on key-producing accounts, international partnerships, and group sales. The new hires include:
- Ashley Chaney – Business Development Manager, Online Partners
- Maria Whitehorn – Business Development Manager, International (Europe)
- Nadia Hasan – Trade Inside Sales
- Nora Little – Trade Marketing Coordinator
Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, emphasized the importance of these new additions, stating:
“Our relationships with trade partners are a growing priority, especially as we introduce new itineraries and ports of call. As veteran cruise industry professionals, Ron, Preston, and the rest of this team bring a wealth of contacts and industry knowledge that will help support and grow our trade business with existing partners and those new to Margaritaville at Sea.”
Meet the Industry Leaders Steering Growth
Ron Gulaskey – Senior Vice President of Sales:
Returning to the cruise industry after a tenure at Club Med, Gulaskey brings more than 20 years of experience from Celebrity Cruises, where he played a key role in strategic accounts, trade relations, and corporate group sales. His background also includes senior sales and marketing roles at Polaroid Corporation.
Preston Caddell – Vice President of Sales:
Caddell has an extensive background in sales and partnership development, having held leadership roles at Aurora Expeditions and PONANT Explorations. He also brings firsthand cruise experience from his time as a Shore Excursions Manager with Seabourn and Disney Cruise Line.
Maria Whitehorn – Business Development Manager, International (Europe):
With over a decade at American Queen Voyages, Whitehorn was instrumental in building the company’s international sales from the ground up, exceeding $10 million annually.
Ashley Chaney – Business Development Manager, Online Partners:
Previously an Account Manager at Universal Orlando Resort, Chaney managed a portfolio generating over $100 million in annual sales, working with major OTAs such as Expedia, Priceline, and JetBlue Vacations.
Nadia Hasan – Trade Inside Sales:
Hasan brings marketing expertise from her experience at Marriott Vacations and Disney Vacation Club, helping to drive engagement with travel trade partners.
Nora Little – Trade Marketing Coordinator:
In her newly created role, Little will support sales team initiatives, including trade show management and marketing activations, leveraging her experience coordinating large-scale events at Rollins College.
What This Means for Travel Advisors:
This expansion signals Margaritaville at Sea’s growing commitment to the travel trade industry. With a team of seasoned professionals in place, travel advisors, OTAs, and international partners can expect enhanced support, deeper relationships, and new opportunities as the brand continues its growth trajectory.
Stay tuned for more updates as Margaritaville at Sea continues to make waves in the cruise industry!
Have you sailed with Margaritaville at Sea? Please let me know in the comments below!
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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