New RCL head steps in

RCL Cruises now has a new vice president and managing director, Australia and New Zealand, with Susan Bonner officially stepping into the role.

It was initially announced in Feb that Bonner would relocate to Sydney to replace Adam Armstrong, who would step down in Aug ( TD 27 Feb), but the cruise line has today confirmed she has taken the reins.

Last month Silversea Cruises revealed Armstrong would head the luxury line in Australasia from Aug ( TD 04 May).

Bonner is responsible for the business operations of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises in the region, reporting to Gavin Smith, svp International.

She joins from Royal Caribbean’s Miami office, where she was vice president of Celebrity Cruises’ revenue management and onboard revenue, with the company saying she was “integral in launching the line’s luxury Solstice Class ships”.

Prior to that, she led the revenue management and onboard revenue performance of Royal Caribbean International during the line’s introduction of the Quantum Class.

“With the highest market penetration for cruising of any country, I’m looking forward to continuing the incredible momentum our brands are experiencing in this region,” Bonner said.

“Our trade partners continue to be an absolutely integral part of our business strategy; I can’t wait to get to know them and to build on the groundbreaking innovation we’re renowned for bringing to the industry.”

Bonner is an advocate of gender equality, women in leadership and workplace diversity, and is a hot yoga enthusiast.