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In pursuit of young talent

20 Under 40 Programme

About Seatrade Cruise 20 Under 40

In celebration of Seatrade Cruise's 40th anniversary, we honoured milestones and showcased exceptional talent within the global cruise industry through the revitalised Seatrade Cruise 20 Under 40 honours programme. Meet the 20 rising stars below!

Your 20 Under 40 Winners

This year’s selection process for the Seatrade Cruise News 20 Under 40 was exceptionally tough, with a record number of nominations showcasing incredible talent across the cruise industry. After careful deliberations by our expert judges, we are proud to present the finalists who have stood out for their leadership, innovation, and remarkable contributions.

Farah Barhorst

Director Onboard Revenue

Holland America Line and Seabourn

Marie Andree Blanchet

Director, Cruise and Port Ecosystem

Quebec Port Authority

Darien Flowers

Group Vice President of Maritime Policy and Government Affairs

MSC Group

Sarah Fury

VP Guest Operations

Victory Cruise Line and American Queen Voyages

Tom Goetter

VP Hotel Operations

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Patricia Gonzalez

VP of Marketing

Windstar Cruises

Maureen Hayes

Director, Maritime Policy

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Steve Jones

Director of Fundraising & Operations

ORCA

April Laws

Director, Travel Services

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Alan O'Reilly

Operations Director

MJM Marine

Harriet Read

Manager, Onboard Connectivity Product Owner

Carnival UK

Benny Retnamony

Founder & CEO

Quvia

And There's More....

Natalia Rolle

Director People & Culture

Heinemann Americas, Inc.

Natasha Salzedo

Director, Itinerary Planning and Shore Excursions

Virgin Voyages

Claudio Sammartano

Head of Onboard Revenue

Azamara Cruises

Stan Schmal

Director Digital & AI

Lufthansa Industry Solutions US

Ryan Simpson

Head of Technology

Ambassador Cruise Line

Nicole Thornton

Director of Expedition Development

Lindblad Expeditions

Piervalerio Vignola

Director, Fleet Operations Center & Nautical Technologies

Carnival Cruise Line

Hande Ipek Yamanel

Chief Officer

Virgin Voyages

Judging Criteria

Impact and Achievement

Demonstrated a significant and measurable impact within their organisation or the cruise industry, whether through outstanding performance, innovative contributions, or achieving remarkable milestones.

Leadership and Initiative

Showcased exemplary leadership skills or exceptional initiative, either by inspiring and leading others, driving positive change, or spearheading successful projects or initiatives.

Dedication and Excellence

Exhibited an unwavering commitment to excellence by going above and beyond expectations, displaying a strong work ethic, and contributing meaningfully to the wider cruise community.

"We are excited to re-introduce 20 under 40 in 2025 which will spotlight 20 young professionals who are under the age of 40 and who have already achieved excellence in their particular sector of the cruise industry."

Mary Bond

Group Portfolio Director

Seatrade Cruise

FAQs

What you need to know about the 20 under 40 Honours Programme.

What is 20 Under 40?

This prestigious programme recognises 20 outstanding professionals under the age of 40 who have made remarkable contributions to the cruise industry.

Who can enter?

Anyone who has distinguished themselves through exceptional initiative, an unwavering work ethic, or exemplary leadership within their organisations and the wider cruise community can be nominated.

To be eligible, nominees must have been born in 1985 or later.

How is it judged?

A panel of judges, made up of senior executives in the cruise industry, will assess the entries in March. Judges will assess nominations based on 3 key criteria Impact and Achievement, Leadership and Initiative, and Dedication and Excellence.

They will shortlist the applications and the finalists will be announced at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025.

What happens when a nomination is submitted?

When someone submits a nomination for the 20 Under 40 Programme, the nominee's details are reviewed as part of the selection process. All nominated persons will be contacted in February to learn if they have made the shortlist. Shortlisted nominees will be contacted regarding next steps. Finalists will be officially announced during Seatrade Cruise Global 2025.

When is the nomination deadline?

Submission has closed.

“We’re truly honoured to be part of the 20 Under 40 programme, celebrating the outstanding individuals shaping the future of the cruise industry. We look forward to celebrating the distinguished recipients at this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global!”

Sveinung Sætre

Head of Sales Americas, Telenor Maritime

20 Under 40 Sponsor

Ready to Come Onboard for 2026?

Seatrade Cruise Global

13-16 April 2026 Miami Beach Convention Center. Miami Beach. FL. USA #STCGlobal

Opening times

13 April

14 April

15 April

16 April

Venue:
Miami Beach Convention Centre

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