Longtime Norwegian Exec Jackie Johnson Dies

Longtime travel industry veteran and one of the first female cruise executives Jackie Johnson has passed away. She was 69.

Johnson spent her career in travel. Most notably, she was with Norwegian Cruise Line more than 20 years, eventually becoming vice president of sales and travel industry. At the cruise line, she headed the sales department and dealt with the cruise line’s travel agent partners directly.

“Jackie was a very talented executive, highly knowledgeable, action orientation and a very nice person. She will be missed by the many people she touched along the way,” said Adam Aron, the current CEO of Starwood Hotels and Johnson’s former boss at Norwegian.

During her extensive career she also spent time as the vice president of sales with Trafalgar Tours, the general sales manager of American Safari Cruises, and the assistant vice president of sales at GrandLuxe Rail Journeys.

“Jackie was a very special lady. She was a pioneer for women in the cruise and travel industry. A trailblazer who will be sorely missed by all in our industry,” said Edie Rodriguez, the CEO of Crystal Cruises who worked with Johnson during her time at Norwegian.

In 2008, she made the team at the Affluent Traveler Collection, where she worked as executive vice president.

“Jackie represented the essence of professionalism and grace in the travel industry. It is with great sadness to hear about her passing. She was a true lady and will be greatly missed,” said Rick Mazza, president and CEO of American Marketing Group who owns Affluent.