Nasim Ghannadian, Vice President Sales & Marketing North America, VIVA Cruises. (Photo Credit: VIVA Cruises)
WHY IT RATES: The leadership appointments are great news for travel advisors who should see their partnerships with the brand strengthened in the near future.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor
As part of its expanded presence in the North American market, VIVA Cruises has introduced two top industry veterans its U.S. leadership team.
Effective July 1, 2026, Nasim Ghannadian will join VIVA Cruises as Vice President Sales & Marketing North America and Michael Weldon will take on the role of Senior Director, National Accounts.
Ghannadian will focus on expanding the brand's presence in North America, strengthening travel advisor partnerships, and driving continued commercial growth while enhancing guest engagement and brand awareness.
A true cruise industry expert, she brings more than 22 years of experience leading sales, marketing, brand strategy, and business development initiatives across the cruise and tourism industries. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions with respected travel brands including American Queen Voyages, Carnival Cruise Line and Viking Cruises. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Vantage Explorations where she played a pivotal role in relaunching and rebuilding the brand following its acquisition, strengthening customer confidence and positioning the company for future growth.
Recognized for her strategic vision, customer-centric approach, and ability to drive sustainable growth, Ghannadian has successfully led brand transformations, revenue growth initiatives, product launches, and integrated sales and marketing strategies across both trade and consumer channels.
“Nasim’s deep industry knowledge, strong network, and passion for the business will be invaluable as we continue to grow our brands across North America,” said VIVA Cruises’ Co-Founder and CEO Andrea Kruse.
“I am thrilled to join VIVA Cruises and be part of a company that is redefining the river cruise experience through innovation, exceptional service, and a strong commitment to its guests and travel advisor partners,” said Ghannadian. “With North America representing an exciting growth opportunity, I look forward to building on VIVA’s momentum, strengthening industry relationships, and helping introduce more travelers to the unique experiences that make VIVA Cruises so special.”
Michael Weldon, Senior Director, National Accounts, VIVA Cruises. (Photo Credit: VIVA Cruises)
Michael Weldon also brings exceptional expertise and a proven track record from some of the most respected names in the industry.
He started his river cruise career in 2003 with American West Steamboat Company before joining Norwegian Cruise Lines. In 2008 he went back to the small-ship river cruise sector for 15 years with Viking Cruises, American Cruise Line, and AmaWaterways. In 2022 Michael moved to Expedition Cruising as their Director, Sales and later as Director, National, Key & Strategic accounts for Hurtigruten Expeditions. He now moves back to his roots of river cruising and at VIVA Cruises.
“Michael’s experience and relationships within the market will be instrumental in driving our success and expanding our reach,” said Kruse. “I’m confident that this talented group will help us accelerate our growth, strengthen our presence, and truly inspire the North American market with everything VIVA Cruises and VIVA Boutique have to offer.”
“I am beyond excited to join VIVA Cruises,” said Weldon. “My passion is river cruising, and this brand is really a hidden gem. You may not know that much about us today…but tomorrow you will! Such an incredible product that consistently delivers and delights. I look forward to discussing VIVA with many of my North American trade partners, consortia’s, key and strategic accounts. VIVA is unique and I’m thrilled to be able to share this with all of my industry friends.”
SOURCE: VIVA Cruises press release.
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