Change is sweeping through Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, as it reassigns leadership across three of its most prestigious brands: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Seabourn. This bold move, announced on November 25, 2025, reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening its position in the global cruise industry.
The leadership changes, effective December 2, 2025, highlight the company’s emphasis on experienced, innovative management to guide its brands through an era of growth and transformation.
Key Leadership Appointments
Gus Antorcha: President of Princess Cruises
Gus Antorcha, the current president of Holland America Line, will transition to Princess Cruises, taking over from John Padgett, who steps down in February 2025. Antorcha brings extensive expertise in cruise line management, making him an ideal fit for Princess Cruises, which operates a fleet of 16 ships serving over 330 destinations worldwide.
During his time at Holland America, Antorcha demonstrated exceptional leadership by:
- Steering the brand through a successful post-pandemic recovery.
- Achieving record-breaking financial performance in 16 years.
- Setting new booking milestones.
Antorcha is eager to enhance the brand’s already stellar reputation for personalized, effortless vacation experiences through its innovative MedallionClass technology. He is also overseeing the introduction of the Sphere-class Star Princess, a state-of-the-art ship set to join the fleet in 2025.
Beth Bodensteiner: President of Holland America Line and Seabourn
Beth Bodensteiner, a 20-year veteran of Holland America, will ascend to the role of president, bringing her deep understanding of the brand’s core values and operations. Additionally, she will oversee Seabourn, Carnival’s ultra-luxury cruise line.
Throughout her career, Bodensteiner has played a pivotal role in:
- Enhancing guest experiences through advanced technology and partnerships.
- Collaborating with brands like Audible and Top Chef to elevate onboard offerings.
- Spearheading strategies that expand revenue and strengthen brand identity.
Bodensteiner expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, saying, “This is a tremendous opportunity to build on our rich history while advancing our innovative offerings for guests.”
Mark Tamis: President of Seabourn
Seabourn welcomes back Mark Tamis as its new president. With extensive experience in both cruising and boutique hospitality, Tamis brings a unique blend of skills to Seabourn’s luxury-focused operations.
Tamis, who has previously held leadership roles at Royal Caribbean and Four Seasons Hotels, is returning to his passion for delivering world-class vacation experiences. He most recently served as the global president of Aimbridge Hospitality, where he managed a portfolio of 1,500 hotels.
Carnival’s Vision for Leadership
Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein expressed confidence in these appointments, emphasizing the experience and innovation each leader brings to their new roles.
“Gus and Beth are proven leaders who reflect the talent and capabilities of our organization,” said Weinstein. “Under their leadership, I have no doubt that Princess, Holland America, and Seabourn will remain well-positioned for a bright future.”
Carnival Corporation’s Expansive Fleet
These leadership shifts align with Carnival Corporation’s broader strategy to sustain its global dominance in the cruise industry. The company operates nine cruise brands, each catering to diverse market segments:
- Carnival Cruise Line: Christine Duffy remains at the helm, focusing on fun, family-oriented cruising.
- AIDA Cruises: Felix Eichhorn leads this German-focused line.
- Cunard Line: Katie McAlister steers Cunard’s iconic luxury brand.
- Costa Cruises: Mario Zanetti drives growth for this Italy-based line.
- P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia: Paul Ludlow manages operations in the UK, while Peter Little serves as interim leader in Australia.
Future Growth and Innovation
The leadership changes come at a pivotal moment for Carnival Corporation. As the company navigates the post-pandemic era, it is doubling down on innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. The arrival of new ships, like the Sphere-class Star Princess, underscores Carnival’s commitment to modernizing its fleet while enhancing the guest experience.
A New Era for Carnival Corporation
With Antorcha, Bodensteiner, and Tamis leading Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Seabourn, Carnival Corporation is positioning itself for a new era of excellence. These leaders’ wealth of experience, combined with their passion for delivering unforgettable cruise experiences, ensures the company’s brands remain at the forefront of the global cruise industry.
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