Florida-based cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages has named James Rodriguez as its new president and chief executive with immediate effect.
The fledgling company, founded in early 2019 by travel and tourism investor Mario Ferreira, said Rodriguez brings more than “20 years of proven success in the industry”.
Atlas Ocean Voyages said his extensive experience in the areas of sales, marketing, operations, human resources and guest experience will be “essential in propelling the brand forward in the areas of innovation, trade partnerships and guest acquisition”.
“James’ entrepreneurial experience in helping build and market successful brands will be a key advantage as we continue to introduce our new brand to the North American market,” said Mario Ferreira, Chairman of Mystic Invest Holdings, parent company of Atlas Ocean Voyages.
“James has an unwavering passion for the cruise industry and a reputation for being a champion of travel advisors. We are confident that, under James’ leadership, Atlas Ocean Voyages will be the best small luxury expeditions cruise line in short order.”
Rodriguez began his cruise industry career with Crystal Cruises and subsequently joined Oceania Cruises in 2003 as a key founding team member.
He spent 18 and a half years at the company before leaving in July 2021, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Atlas Ocean Voyages is a small-ship, luxury expedition cruise line and currently operates one ship with a second due to be launched later this year.
The company also has three additional sister ships, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer, on order which will join the fleet through 2024.
Mystic Invest specialises in river and expedition cruises and owns brands which also include DouroAzul, Nicko Cruises and Mystic Cruises.
