Former Norwegian Cruise Line Executive Katina Athanasiou Joins Silversea

Silversea on Wednesday announced that Katina Athanasiou, a 21-year veteran of the cruise industry and former chief sales officer for Norwegian Cruise Line, is joining the luxury line as its new senior vice president of sales effective immediately.

Athanasiou will report directly to Silversea’s managing director of the Americas Mark Conroy and will be responsible for driving the cruise line’s sales strategy across all channels in the Americas.

In a statement, Athanasiou said she was “delighted” to join Silversea during an “exciting period” for the cruise line.

“With its aggressive shipbuilding program and leadership position in luxury and expedition cruising, this is an incredible time for our guests and travel advisor partners. I am thrilled to return to the luxury cruise space and look forward to engaging with all internal and external stakeholders to deliver and unlock deep, meaningful experiences in luxury travel,” she said.

Athanasiou spent more than seven years at NCL prior to departing the company last summer. During her tenure there, she helped guide Norwegian through the COVID-19 pandemic, including leading the team that launched “Week of You,” a weeklong celebration of travel advisors, in December 2020, and helped introduce Norwegian’s new Prima class to the travel trade.

“We are thrilled to welcome Katina Athanasiou to Silversea Cruises,” said Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s chief commercial officer in a statement.

“Athanasiou has a proven record of developing strong partnerships to deliver successful sales strategies, which will prove invaluable as we continue on our ambitious growth trajectory as part of the Royal Caribbean Group.”