He's based in the Miami office, reporting directly to President Jack Anderson, who called Lira a 'luxury cruise industry leader with expertise in developing relationships in global sales channels including trade, charters and meeting and incentive groups.'
Anderson added: 'He appreciates the incredible value of travel advisors and will build strong relationships, working with reservations and sales support to keep the focus on guest satisfaction.'
Former VP passenger services and consumer sales
Lira most recently served as VP passenger services and consumer sales at Silversea, having worked his way up through several positions from his starting role as manager, consumer sales - Americas in 2014. Earlier, he was a sales team leader at Norwegian Cruise Line, where he spent nearly five years, including jobs like personal cruise consultant and room service supervisor/assistant restaurant manager, aboard Pride of America.
Lira said he's 'long admired the innovative leadership and vision of Geoffrey Kent and Manfredi Lefebvre. 'Under their ownership, Crystal Cruises is beginning a new and very exciting chapter. I am personally committed to rebuilding the travel partner relationships that made Crystal an industry leader and a favorite of guests and travel advisors alike with best in industry support.'
Will work closely with Bernie Leypold
Lira added: 'On the operations side, my goal is to work with Bernie Leypold, SVP hotel operations, to bring back the personalized service that built the Crystal Cruises reputation in an even more elevated form. More spacious suites and public areas with fewer guests are designed to make it possible to deliver the very best cuisine and service at sea.'
This closely follows the appointment of Lee Quittner as director of consumer sales, also based in Miami.
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