One on One American Queen Voyages

Isis Ruiz

Chief Commercial Officer, American Queen Voyages

THE BASICS

Name: Isis Ruiz Title: Chief commercial officer Company, city: American Queen Voyages; Fort Lauderdale, Florida First job: My first job in travel was an entry-level marketing assistant for Carnival Cruise Line. It inspired me to return to school to study marketing. In high school, I worked as a tour guide, so hospitality was in my blood! Where to next: I’m headed to Hawai‘i with my family; our group will range in age from 5 (my youngest) to 83 (my parent).

A LITTLE BIT MORE What actor or actress would play

you in a movie of your life? I’d pick Eva Longoria. I love her pro-Latina, prowomen message. She recently spoke to an organization I’m part of, and she was empowering.

What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your

current industry? My dream job growing up was to be a linguist for the United Nations; I’ve always held a deep appreciation for the power of words.

What is your favorite book, movie or

television show? My favorite movie is Forrest Gump. I’m a history buff, so I love how it weaves in the world perspective in an endearing way. I love historical fiction; my favorite book is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, who creates strong female protagonists.

What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner

with? Eleanor Roosevelt was ahead of her time and never afraid to push boundaries to make an impact. One of my favorite quotes is, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

THE BUSINESS What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration

behind it? I joined American Queen Voyages in April, so it was important to me to learn about our product and the communities impacted by our cruises. We’ve since launched a free air complement; we know flying can be tricky, so we looked to remove an obstacle for our travelers. We’re adding a new itinerary, Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers, after the success of our Mighty Mississippi itinerary. The new voyage is the longest river cruise itinerary in the United States and a direct response to customer feedback. What is your favorite aspect of the job? I’ve always loved marketing, but I love that this position allows me to flex new and different muscles across multiple functions. What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken? I’m a risk-taker by nature. I view it as either high-risk or high-reward. As a history major who pivoted to marketing, I’m not a traditional marketer, either. After more than a decade with Carnival, I left for a new opportunity with an unknown brand. It ended up as high-reward.

Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel

industry? In the cruise industry, Vicki Freed and Joanne Schimelman, who gave me my first job. I remember her saying, “This isn’t rocket science, we can figure it out.” It’s stuck with me my whole career. I also pay attention to women leaders; I don’t know her personally, but I admire the way Kristen Cavallo at The Martin Agency is changing the conversation.

AS A TRAVELER

Tell us about a travel nightmare: I’ve been lucky. In the end, it all works out. I think it’s the mindset you enter the travel experience with. Share a comical travel experience: As frequent travelers know, it’s carry-on luggage only! However, I was traveling to a colder climate and struggling to fit bulkier clothing in my carry-on; my mom was in town to help and suggested a bigger bag. I checked my itinerary and I was traveling alone, so, against my better judgment, I went with checked luggage. Of course my schedule changed, and I ended up traveling with the CEO. It only took five minutes for someone to mention my bag.

What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains,

automobiles, cruise ships — and why? Cruise ships, because there’s a peace and tranquility that comes with being on water.

What has been the best example of customer service you’ve

experienced during your travels? Everyone knows many industries are short-staffed; we are not immune. Recently, on board, an employee approached those in management, myself included, during a meal to share some issues employees were having. I first thanked her for her courage and candor, as that is not easy. Our executive vice president of Vessel Operations promised to address it that day, before departing the ship, and it was handled immediately. It’s important to take the same approach to employees as we do our guests.

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY GET-TOGETHER A CARIBBEAN GETAWAY

This year, celebrate the holidays on the most stunning new ship in the Caribbean. Step aboard the revolutionary Celebrity BeyondSM and leave the holiday hassle in your wake. While you explore some of the Caribbean’s best tropical destinations in total luxury, Celebrity will take care of every festive detail on board. Whether you’re sailing over Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s Eve, there’s no better way to relax and enjoy everything you love about the holiday season — without any of the stress.

A SHIP BEYOND YOUR WILDEST IMAGINATION Celebrity BeyondSM is the perfect place to reconnect with your family — and the world — on a holiday vacation like no other. It’s the third ship in Celebrity’s revolutionary Edge® Series, and it takes Celebrity’s innovative, outward-facing design further than ever, creating an even closer connection between you, the sea and every exciting place on the horizon.

More space means more luxury to love — and more incredible outdoor escapes to discover. That includes a terraced Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus, with an international beach club ambience and some of the best views on board. The reimagined Rooftop Garden now extends over the water’s edge with two cantilevered float pools soaring above the sea. And The Retreat® Sundeck, part of Celebrity’s ultimate luxury experience, now offers two levels of outdoor bliss.

In keeping with Celebrity’s passion for creating the best fine-dining experience at sea, Celebrity Beyond offers you an unrivaled culinary journey. Every menu is crafted by Celebrity’s Michelin-starred chef and inspired by the regions they visit. Explore 32 restaurants, bars and lounges on board, including Le VoyageSM by Daniel Boulud, the world-renowned chef’s first signature restaurant at sea. A larger, redesigned Grand Plaza with a fully circular Martini Bar — always a hot spot — is the perfect gathering place for a night on the town miles out at sea.

Of course, all the visionary spaces that have made Celebrity’s Edge Series ships so popular make their return on Celebrity Beyond. Fly across the open ocean on the Magic Carpet®, a cantilevered platform where you can dine, drink and soak up the amazing views. Lounge away the day at the asymmetrical, outward-facing pool area. Awaken all your senses at Eden, an ever-evolving venue wrapped in three-stories of glass. And find new ways to relax and rejuvenate at The Spa, where Celebrity has taken its dedication to holistic wellness to ahh-inspiring new heights.

Want to make your holidays extra special? Book The Retreat, the ultimate luxury experience at sea. Stay in a breathtaking suite with plenty of room for the whole family and a Personal Retreat Host who ensures you never have to lift a finger. Dine in your private restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat, featuring menus found nowhere else on board. Kick back together in exclusive spaces, including a 24/7 lounge and two-story outdoor sundeck that rivals any luxury resort you’d find on land. Plus, everyone in your suite will enjoy a wide array of premium services and amenities, offering everything you need to celebrate the holidays in style.

ALL THE HOLIDAY FUN, NONE OF THE WORK The best part of taking a Celebrity cruise over the holidays is you don’t have to do anything but relax and enjoy being with your family. No prep. No cleanup. Celebrity takes care of everything. Get together for delicious holidays meals, where Celebrity’s Michelin-starred chef has designed menus featuring all your favorite dishes. Enjoy beautiful decorations all around the ship and entertainment that’s sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Sailing into the New Year? Count down to midnight at an exciting ship-wide gala, complete with a Champagne toast to ring in 2023. You won’t miss anything you love about the holidays.

SUN-SOAKED HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS Everyone loves a white Christmas, but you know what’s even better? A white-sand Christmas. Trade the chill of late fall and early winter for the yearround tropical warmth of the Caribbean on Celebrity Beyond’s perfectly designed holiday itineraries, sailing round trip from Fort Lauderdale. ‘Tis the season for turquoise waters, palm-lined beaches and colorful coral reefs, and Celebrity has the Caribbean covered from east to west, visiting some of the region’s most popular destinations.

Get away for Thanksgiving on a seven-night Bahamas, Mexico and Grand Cayman Cruise, departing Nov. 20. Celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah on an eight-night Eastern Caribbean Holiday Cruise leaving Dec. 18 that whisks you to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Tortola and Nassau. Start the New Year on a high note on an eight-night Western Caribbean Holiday Cruise, setting sail Dec. 26 for destinations like Grand Cayman, Roatan and Cozumel. Whichever sailing you choose, you’ll have an array of excursions to choose from in every port of call, from intimate Small Group Discoveries that take you off the beaten path to exclusive and completely customizable Private Journeys. If you book your holiday vacation now, you can take advantage of incredible limited-time offers. So don’t wait. Call 1 800 CELEBRITY, contact your travel advisor or visit celebrity.com today.