Ron Santangelo, former North America president for Peter Deilmann Cruises, which is winding down its river cruise operation, has joined AMA Waterways as vice president of business development.
Santangelo has joined former competitor AMA Waterways, a newer entrant into the river cruise market compared to Deilmann, which was founded 26 years ago and was among the pioneers in the market. AMA Waterways was founded in 2002.
AMA Waterways’ European river cruise fleet consists of six vessels, and the company is expanding its offering into Southeast Asia this fall, with a charter program on the La Marguerite, which will sail in Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong River.
AMA Waterways charters three additional vessels in Portugal, France and Russia.
“We feel extremely fortunate to welcome someone with Ron’s vast experience, knowledge of the cruise industry and professional reputation,” said AMA Waterways Executive Vice President Kristin Karst.
Santangelo headed Deilmann’s North America operations for 13 years. On June 25, Deilmann announced it is exiting the river cruise business after October 2009 and taking all eight of its river vessels out of service because its river cruise business is insolvent.
Prior to his tenure at Deilmann, Santangelo served as president of Regency Cruises. He also held several positions at Cunard Line, including senior vice president, worldwide marketing and sales.
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