Gordon Dirker joins US-based expedition retailer Cruise NorwayGordon Dirker joins US-based expedition retailer Cruise Norway

Seasoned sales executive Gordon Dirker was appointed SVP and GM of Cruise Norway, a specialist in small-ship expeditions worldwide.

Dirker will oversee operations and manage business relationships with current and new supplier partners. His appointment comes as New York-based Cruise Norway seeks to scale its business and enhance its position as a leading small ship and expedition cruise reseller.

Working remotely from his Seattle office, Dirker will liaise closely with Cruise Norway founder and President Espen Fjermeros.

Aggressive growth plans

'We aim to grow the Cruise Norway business aggressively during the next four years. With his proven track record and go-and-get attitude, Gordon is needed to achieve this goal,' Fjermeros said. 'He is a seasoned industry insider who can scale Cruise Norway to new heights utilizing "old-fashioned” hard-smart work with new technologies fueling the changing distribution system.'

Dirker brings more than 25 years of experience in the cruise and travel industry. Most recently he served as CEO, US entities at FRS Clipper, a Seattle-based premium ferry and tour operator after joining the company as COO in early 2023. Before that, he was VP sales, North America for Swan Hellenic, VP business development for Celestyal Cruises based in Seattle and VP Americas at Hurtigruten.

Earlier Dirker spent 18 years in senior sales and marketing roles with The Travel Corporation at brands including Brendan Vacations and Contiki.

Pivotal moment

Dirker said that while Cruise Norway has been in business for more than 25 years, he's joining at a 'pivotal moment as small ship and expedition cruise sales continue to boom while the available capacity is increasing even more. With our team of highly experienced experts armed with the best technology, we will be perfectly positioned to maximize opportunities for Cruise Norway and our preferred partners at the same time for many years to come.'