American Queen Steamboat Co. hires Celebrity veteran as VP hotel operations

Bailey will be responsible for all hotel and hospitality operations on board American Queen, American Duchess, American Empress and the new American Countess, scheduled to enter service this spring. He will manage the strategic planning, financial and administrative functions related to overseeing more than 400 staterooms and suites, full-service food and beverage operations including multiple bars and dining venues, and entertainment and shows.

New perspective

'Rodney brings a new perspective on hospitality to our hotel operations,' according to David Kelly, EVP vessel operations, Hornblower Group, adding that 'his propensity for results and hands-on leadership will  help build on American Queen Steamboat Company’s high level of service excellence.'

Bailey joins after serving as president/owner of RAB Hospitality, a firm specialized in hospitality operations consulting.

He brings two decades of international hospitality experience. Bailey previously served as the corporate director of hotel operations for Celebrity Cruises, responsible for hotel operations across 14 vessels which included food and beverage, finance, retail, casino, activities, shore excursions and entertainment departments. Additionally, he was executive rooms director for Mandarin Hotel Group and executive assistant rooms manager at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co.'s rooms division, leading the integration team through the acquisition of Ritz-Carlton by Marriott International.

'I’m thrilled to join the team at American Queen Steamboat Company and act as a leader in hotel operations, especially as we navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,' Bailey said. 'I look forward to being adaptable and using my valuable industry experience to help align the people and processes of American Queen and elevate hotel operations across the company.'