Schlesinger finds Shanghai Maritime MBA students highly engaged

Schlesinger has held senior sales and marketing roles at companies including Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Lines and Voyages to Antiquity. At a time when established international operators are cultivating the Chinese source market, he sees significant opportunity for China to organically develop its own cruise brands.

Schlesinger said his presentations for the Shanghai students covered real marketplace issues, especially product segments, on-board elements, itineraries and booking protocols.

'The experience provided interesting insights into the state of the Chinese industry development, the travel agency community and the rapid changes that will take place during the next five years,' he added.

The Shanghai Maritime University Executive MBA program was developed in response to the dramatic growth of China's cruise market. The program is designed to educate Chinese officials and entrepreneurs interested in participating in the creation of new cruise companies.

Previous lectures have focused on financial and operations management, and cruise terminal development.