Seattle's Waterways Names Lomax President & COO

Published on: July 30, 2009

Cruise industry veteran Michael Lomax was named the new president and COO of Seattle’s Waterways Cruises and Events. Lomax, who started his career at United Airlines, has a 25-year career in executive positions at small-ship cruise lines. During the mid-1990s, he was appointed executive vice president and general manager at start-up American West Steamboat Company. In 2000, he joined Society Expeditions International as its president and CEO. Lomax participated in the acquisition of the 160-passenger riverboat Columbia Queen and in 2005 successfully launched the new $20 million U.S. riverboat cruise line and package tour operator Great American Journeys with operations in Seattle and Portland, Ore. Lomax later worked with Hornblower Marine Services, a national and international marine management company, for the purpose of acquiring and operating two U.S. cruise ships under a new cruise line brand, American Coastal Voyages. In 2008, as general manager for Hornblower, Lomax developed and managed the introduction of a new regional river attraction and ferry operation, Oklahoma River Cruises, for the city of Oklahoma City.

Waterways Cruises and Events operates four tourism and event venues and is located on the north shore of Seattle’s Lake Union. Founded in 1994 by Hilton Smith, Waterways Cruises and Events grew from a small family operation into a company hosting over 30,000 guests each year. The company operates three yachts and The Lakeside Event Center and CaterArts Catering. In addition to private events, Waterways Cruises has recently launched sightseeing and dining cruises on Lake Union and Lake Washington, open to the public and small group celebrations. For more information, visit www.waterwayscruises.com.