Princess Expands Sales Team with Addition of Top Execs

Cal Almaguer, a 38-year veteran of the cruise and travel industry has joined Princess Cruises as senior vice president of sales and service strategy and operations, while Carmen Roig, most recently of Crystal Cruises, has joined Princess as vice president of sales. John Chernesky, who previously headed up trade sale at Princess, will transition to a new brand champion role.

“The addition of two exceptional sales, service and operations leaders like Cal and Carmen demonstrates our commitment to providing best-in-class service to the travel trade while modernizing the Princess omni-channel sales capabilities that will expose Princess to broader audiences and drive cruise bookings,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Under their leadership, Princess will elevate sales performance through unmatched trade relations and the development of new sales tool innovations in partnership with our Princess Experience and Innovation development team.”

Senior VP, Sales & Service Strategy and Operations
Cal Almaguer comes to Princess after more than 20 years with Disney Destinations. He will oversee all Princess sales and vacation product distribution channels, as well as the company’s contact center operations. He reports directly to Padgett. Prior to Disney, Almaguer held sales roles with Norwegian Cruise Line and Windstar Cruises.

“Cal’s impressive career leading critical sales channels for some of the most dynamic vacation companies in the world is built on his passion for exceptional guest experience, belief in the power of the travel agency community and omni-channel consumer engagement,” said Padgett. “His deep understanding of the travel trade and enduring relationships, couple with his extensive contact center experience make him the right strategic leader for our increasing sales efforts.”

Vice President, Sales
Carmen Roig comes to Princess after six years heading up marketing and sales for Crystal Cruises. She will direct Princess’ trade relationships, lead business development teams, and serve as a sales authority across all Princess sales modalities including web, contact centers and onboard. She is also tasked with bringing new and innovative products and services to the trade that will enhance the trade’s earning potential and expand Princess brand consumer demand. Roig began her career with Carnival Cruise Line in 1981 and has held sales roles with Azamara Club Cruises and Costa Cruises.

“Carmen’s proven track record of developing and implementing fully integrated and multi-dimensional sales and marketing campaigns with key accounts as well as leading high-performance teams matches perfectly with our desire to further energize our trade and overall sales efforts,” said Almaguer.

Brand Champion
After 29 years with Princess, seven of those overseeing travel agency sales, John Chernesky will take on a new role as a Princess brand champion. The role blends his cruise experience, industry relations and media influence with a passion for social media and promotion. He will be fully focused on bringing Princess’ brand to consumers and trade with continuous social media engagement and activation at special events and new product launches.