CroisiEurope restructures North American office with new leadership team

CroisiEurope America – the North American office of France-based CroisiEurope Cruises – has announced a new leadership team as it kicks off the 2024 cruise season.

Michael DaCosta, who has been in the role of general manager since 2019, will step down in June, as the company moves to a new leadership team.

In a press release, DaCosta said he is confident in the current growth of the brand, and eager to see where the new team takes it.

“2023 marked the return to normalcy for us – with turnover surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and a full season of operation on over 50 ships worldwide. 2024 is set to be another banner year, and presales for 2025 are exceeding all previous years. There is nothing but opportunity for CroisiEurope in North America,” said DaCosta, adding, “It’s a good time to pass the reigns to an experienced and forward-thinking team, who can continue to grow this wonderful brand.”

DaCosta will stay on in a limited role to support the team during the transition.

Sandrah Gurash, who joined CroisiEurope America in March of 2023 as marketing director, will take on the role of general manager.

Gurash brings more than 25 years of marketing and management experience in the cruise and travel industry including roles with retail travel agencies, consortia including Vacation.com and its predecessors, associations including CLIA as well as consulting roles. Gurash will continue leading the marketing and public relations efforts for their US office, and additionally will manage day-to-day operations of the sales team, back office, and call center.

READ MORE: On Location - What’s it like sailing with CroisiEurope? PAX joins agents & 5Continents on the Rhine

“I’m excited to take on this new challenge and continue to build on the solid foundation Michael has established,” stated Gurash. “We’re poised for continued growth into 2025 and beyond as we launch new and exclusive cruise programs and introduce more American and Canadian guests to our unique style of cruising. Offering refined French and European cuisine, exceptional service, thoughtfully curated excursions, and all-inclusive pricing make CroisiEurope a fantastic value for the North American market.”

Joining Gurash is Michael Lundquist, a 20-year industry veteran, as director of business development.

Lundquist, who started in April, will focus on expanding CroisiEurope's group and charter business through partnerships with travel advisors, group leaders, and tour operators.

READ MORE: “Outstanding”: Agents discover barge cruising in France with CroisiEurope & 5Continents

His background includes leadership roles in group operations and sales at Globus family of brands, Mayflower Cruises & Tours, and Central Holidays.

“CroisiEurope offers an international experience with French flair, flexible group terms, generous commissions, and the best all-inclusive pricing in the industry. We're excited about new destinations and itineraries, including a paddlewheel ship on the Rhine and Moselle in 2025 and our first canal barge outside France, cruising from Brussels to Ghent," stated Lundquist.

In Canada, CroisiEurope is available to travel advisors through 5Continents. PAX experienced one of CroisiEurope’s river ships on the Rhine last Christmas out of Strasbourg. Click here to read our story.

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