Smith has been vp cruise sales and performance management at Virtuoso for the past five years. He plans to retire July 1.
Before Virtuoso, Smith spent eight years as svp marketing and sales for Crystal Cruises. From 1995 through 2001, he served as president and coo of Silversea Cruises.
Earlier, Smith held sales and/or marketing positions at Costa, Premier Cruise Lines and Commodore Cruise Line/Bermuda Star Line. As svp sales and marketing for Princess Cruises, he oversaw the merger of the Sitmar and Princess sales and marketing divisions. He also had a stint as president and coo of Noble House Hotels and Resorts.
Smith admits he 'didn't know the front end of a boat from the back' when he moved to Los Angeles in 1984 to work for Sitmar. However, he quickly became a maritime devotee known for inspiring his teams and a sparking personality.
'Receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award means you’ve dedicated your life to the goal of furthering an industry or cause, and have done so in a way that has truly impacted those you serve. Bill Smith has done just that in his 44-year history in this business,' said Matthew Upchurch, chairman and ceo of Virtuoso, introducing Smith during the CLIA Hall of Fame induction at Cruise360 in Vancouver, BC.
Vicki Freed, svp sales and customer service at Royal Caribbean International, called Smith 'a rock star.'
'I feel so fortunate that the last five years of his career were at Virtuoso, and I’m proud to say he has been a supplier partner, colleague and friend for more than 25 years,' Upchurch said. 'Not only did he accomplish so much, but he enriched our lives with his passion and made it all so much fun.'
