Big moves are on the horizon for Carnival Corporation as the company announces significant leadership changes across its premium and ultra-luxury cruise lines: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Seabourn.
From December 2, 2024, Gus Antorcha, current President of Holland America Line, will step into the role of President at Princess Cruises, succeeding John Padgett, who will leave the company in February 2025.
Meanwhile, Beth Bodensteiner, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Holland America Line, will take over as President of the brand.
Bodensteiner will also have executive responsibility for the company’s ultra-luxury Seabourn cruise line as the brand welcomes Mark Tamis back to Carnival Corporation as its new president, replacing Natalya Leahy, who has served in various capacities through her career at Carnival, rising through the ranks as CFO of Holland America Line and Seabourn, then taking on the role of chief operations officer for the former Holland America Group and then becoming Seabourn President.
These leadership shifts come as Carnival Corporation positions itself for growth and innovation across its globally celebrated cruise brands.
Proven leaders for a bright Future
Carnival Corporation’s CEO, Josh Weinstein, expressed confidence in the appointments, emphasising the depth of talent within the organisation.
“Gus and Beth are proven leaders who reflect the talent and capabilities of our organisation and who have a deep knowledge of our industry, our business, and what drives our success,” said Weinstein. “Under their leadership, I have no doubt that Princess, Holland America, and Seabourn will remain well-positioned for a bright future.”
Weinstein also praised outgoing Princess Cruises President John Padgett for his transformative contributions, including the development of Princess MedallionClass®.
“John’s dedication and impact have been significant. We wish him all the best,” Weinstein added.
Padgett himself shared his gratitude for the Princess Cruises team, stating:
“It’s been an exciting journey, and I look forward to watching the continued success of The Love Boat with love, respect, and admiration for the brand and all the shoreside and shipboard team members.”
Gus Antorcha: Charting new waters at Princess
Antorcha, a seasoned executive with a reputation for delivering results, is no stranger to leading iconic brands. At Holland America Line, he successfully guided the cruise line through its post-pandemic return, achieving record-breaking booking days and the strongest financial performance in 16 years.
Reflecting on his new role, Antorcha said:
“I have tremendous respect for the fantastic Princess onboard and shoreside teams and their dedication to creating memorable travel experiences. It’s a privilege to lead this remarkable brand.”
As President of Princess Cruises, Antorcha will oversee a fleet of 16 ships that host 1.7 million guests annually across more than 330 destinations.
Beth Bodensteiner: Continuing excellence at Holland America
Bodensteiner, a 20-year veteran of Holland America Line, steps into her new role with a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving innovation and growth.
“After advocating for this amazing company for 20 years, I could not be prouder to take on the role of President,” Bodensteiner shared.
Her leadership portfolio includes overseeing Holland America’s fleet of 11 ships, crafting immersive itineraries, and spearheading collaborations with brands like Top Chef and Wheel of Fortune. Bodensteiner also played a crucial role in Holland America’s strategy to attract high-value guests through experiential offerings.
Mark Tamis: A new era for Seabourn
Mark Tamis, a cruise and luxury hospitality veteran with over thirty years of experience, will join Seabourn as its new President. Tamis’ impressive resume includes senior roles at Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Aimbridge Hospitality, where he managed a portfolio of 1,500 hotels.
“The most rewarding work in my career has been my time in cruise,” Tamis said. “Combining that with my passion for creating the best vacation experiences in the world is a dream come true.”
As Seabourn focuses on delivering unparalleled ultra-luxury and expedition experiences, Tamis will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s future.
