Change of chief for Royal Caribbean

ROYAL Caribbean has named a new head for its local operations after the surprise announcement that Adam Armstrong is planning to leave his role as associate vice president and managing director for Australia and New Zealand ( CW breaking news).

He will depart in Aug to pursue other interests, the company announced this morning, and will be replaced by Susan Bonner who is currently based in Miami as vice president of revenue management and onboard revenue Celebrity Cruises.

Armstrong has been with the business since 2009 when Royal Caribbean opened its local office in Sydney, having joined as commercial manager.

RCL Cruises senior vice president international Gavin Smith said Armstrong’s contribution to the company had been tremendous.

“From just one ship in 2009 to six of the country’s largest and most modern cruise ships in 2018, including the gamechanging Ovation of the Seas, Adam has been a significant figure in shaping both the company and the modern Australasian cruise industry.

“We wish him well in his future endeavours,” Smith said.

Armstrong ( pictured at the CLIA cruise industry awards on Sat with Royal Caribbean’s director of marketing and sales Kathryn Valk) said he had been privileged to work with some of the world’s best cruise brands.