Deborah L. Natansohn has been named president of Seabourn Cruise Line. A well-known industry veteran, Natansohn most recently was senior vice president of sales and marketing for Cunard Line Ltd., where she spearheaded the launch of the celebrated Queen Mary 2 and the rebranding of the venerable line.
Natansohn's appointment is part of a corporate restructuring in which the ultra luxury, all-suite Yachts of Seabourn will operate as an independent brand within the Carnival Corporation. Previously, Seabourn shared back-office functions with sister brand, Cunard Line, which is relocating to Valencia, California. Seabourn will remain based in Miami. The two brands will continue to share their national field sales force, which remains intact.
Natansohn succeeds Richard D. Meadows, formerly the line's senior vice president of sales and marketing, who assumes the role of senior vice president of sales and marketing for Holland America Line.
"I am thrilled to assume the helm of the Yachts of Seabourn, which are renowned for delivering the very highest standards of service and luxury in the industry," said Natansohn. "Rick Meadows has done an outstanding job and my mandate is to ensure that Seabourn remains at the top of the cruise line pyramid."
Prior to joining Cunard in 2000, Natansohn was president of Orient Lines. When appointed, she was the only female president of a cruise line. Now Natansohn joins her friend and colleague, Cunard's Pamela Conover, as the only women in the cruise industry holding the president title.
The Yachts of Seabourn provide the ultimate in small-ship, ultra-luxury cruise vacations. Itineraries of seven to 21 days visit the most desirable destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Far East, South America and the Caribbean. On board the 208-guest Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend guests will enjoy Seabourn's Signature Delights, from Piper-Heidsieck Champagne that welcomes them to gourmet cuisine designed by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer; complimentary Massage Moments on deck; open bars; casual alternative dining nightly; Pure Pampering therapeutic baths from Molton Brown; fine Italian linens by Frette and renowned, nearly clairvoyant service that sets Seabourn apart from all others.