Melissa Young joins American Cruise Lines as Susan Shultz-Gelino retires

A highly respected industry veteran, Shultz-Gelino began her career in travel with American Cruise Lines in the 1980s. Among her achievements, she established and led American’s sales department to record numbers through the company’s early years. She developed strong trade partnerships industry-wide and established a growing team of business development managers.

'Susan has been an extraordinary business partner and remains a dear friend,' said Charles B. Robertson, president & CEO. 'Her retirement comes at a poignant moment in our company’s history. When Susan joined American Cruise Lines, we had one small ship named American Eagle. She concludes her career more than 20 ships later with the introduction of the newest American Eagle. We are excited to see Susan pass the baton to Melissa and look forward building on the strong foundation Susan set.'

American currently fields 17 ships — with more to come — and operates cruises across 35 states.

Melissa Young

Young will lead the company’s agency partnerships and trade relations and take over management of American's national network of BDMs.

Young has worked in the travel industry for many years, most recently serving as North American director of sales for Red Carnation Hotels where she represented the company’s collection of award-winning luxury boutique hotels, developed strategic partnerships and customized sales and marketing plans to drive sales through all distribution channels: DMCs, tour operators, wholesalers, travel agency owners/managers and travel advisors.

'I am dedicated to growing sales with travel advisors, fortifying our trade partnerships and cultivating exciting new collaborations,' Young said.