Azamara Pursuit sailing along a coastal shoreline
News

Azamara® Announces Retirement of Chief Administrative Officer Captain Nico Corbijn

Friday, September 04, 2026
By Azamara Cruises

MIAMI, September 4, 2026 — Azamara Cruises®, the Global Leader in Destination Immersion®, today announced the retirement of Captain Nico Corbijn, Chief Administrative Officer, following a 43-year career in the cruise industry.

Corbijn built his career from marine operations through senior human resources and fleet leadership roles at Holland America, Windstar Cruises, Majestic America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises,  before joining Azamara. That breadth of experience, spanning shipboard operations, crew management, and executive leadership, gave him a distinctive ability to bridge shipboard and shoreside perspectives throughout his career.

As Chief Administrative Officer, Corbijn oversaw a broad portfolio including Human Resources, Legal, Land Product Development, and Onboard Commercial Strategy. Prior to the role, he was instrumental in establishing Azamara’s Marine Operations team and returning the fleet out of COVID lay-up. He also led the company’s land business to exceed its revenue targets.

"Nico's path through this industry is the kind you don't often see anymore," said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara. "Those who worked with him consistently describe him as balanced, fair, and a genuinely collaborative leader, someone who brought calm and steadiness to our organization during periods of significant change. We're deeply grateful for his decades of service and wish him a retirement filled with the same adventure and discovery that defined his career at sea."

Commenting on his retirement, Nico said, “After 43 years in this incredible industry, I feel very fortunate to have had a career filled with so many memorable people, places and experiences. I’m especially proud of the role I’ve played in building and supporting Azamara Cruises and its incredible team, and grateful for the many colleagues and friends I’ve had the privilege of working alongside. As I begin this next chapter, I look back with tremendous appreciation and am proud of the journey that brought me here. I’ll always be grateful for my time at sea and for the people who made it such a rewarding career.”

About Azamara Cruises:   Azamara Cruises is a small-ship cruise line and the global leader in Destination Immersion®. With a fleet of four intimate-style ships, Azamara Journey®, Azamara Quest®, Azamara Pursuit®, and Azamara Onward®, the cruise line allows travelers to reach marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller, hidden gem destinations. Azamara Cruises is committed to creating immersive experiences for guests through Extended Destination Days (10 or more hours in port) for a more meaningful travel experience. Through their deep understanding of hospitality and commitment to delivering exceptional service, guests can experience an intimate hotel at sea. Through Always Azamara guests can know what's always included: a variety of dining venues plus room service, drinks including alcohol all day and night, tips & gratuities, exclusive cultural events, and unlimited self-service laundry; and what is always expected when sailing with Azamara Cruises; no hassle, no crowds, unique & iconic destinations, overnights, and Extended Destination Days. Additionally, guests can also take advantage of exclusive loyalty membership benefits through the Azamara Circle Program. Azamara has received several awards and recognitions including Condé Nast Traveler’s “Reader’s Choice Awards”, Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards,” US News & World Report “Best Cruise Lines,” and more.  

 

Media Inquiries: 

Hue & Cry U.S. 

E: AzamaraUSPR@huecryagency.com

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