Oceania Cruises has set the stage for a transformative period of growth by announcing the appointment of Brennan Quesnele as its new Senior Vice President of Sales, effective February 24, 2025. As the cruise line known for its culinary distinction and destination-rich itineraries, Oceania is preparing for an exciting future that includes the addition of three new ships within the next four years. Quesnele’s leadership is expected to steer the brand’s global sales initiatives as it reaches toward a bold new chapter.
As part of this strategic appointment, Quesnele will report directly to Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, and take charge of sales execution and trade relationships on a global scale. This includes oversight of Field Sales, Strategic Accounts, and International Sales—departments led by respected industry professionals Tricia Wolf, Scott Kluesner, and Jason Worth. Under Quesnele’s leadership, Oceania Cruises is poised to strengthen its already solid foundation with a deeper focus on partner engagement, trade expansion, and cross-brand synergies.
Unlike a standard leadership shuffle, this transition signifies a long-term commitment to enhancing the cruise line’s positioning in a highly competitive market. Quesnele brings with him a strong background in both cruise and retail travel, having most recently served as Vice President of Strategic and National Accounts at Norwegian Cruise Line, a sister brand under the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings umbrella. Before joining NCL, his experience at Flight Centre Travel Group sharpened his understanding of consumer behaviour, trade dynamics, and evolving product strategies.
The timing of this appointment couldn’t be more strategic. With three new ships slated for launch within four years and increasing guest interest in experiential cruising, Oceania Cruises needs an experienced leader to align trade goals with the growing appetite for luxury cruising. Quesnele’s track record of cultivating long-standing relationships with travel advisors, along with his well-regarded leadership in strategic planning, will be essential in building a unified, forward-thinking sales infrastructure.
In the words of Frank A. Del Rio, "He's a fiercely passionate champion of travel advisors and brings the perfect blend of vision, strategy, and relationship management." These attributes are not merely complementary to the brand—they are essential in an era when cruise travellers are becoming more discerning and competition across premium and upper-premium segments is fierce.
Oceania Cruises continues to differentiate itself by putting travel advisors at the core of its distribution model. With Quesnele's appointment, the cruise line reiterates its dedication to empowering trade professionals with tools, insights, and opportunities that help them better promote and sell its unique offerings—from immersive itineraries to award-winning onboard experiences.
What sets this announcement apart from typical leadership transitions is the sense of momentum already building around Oceania Cruises. With the expansion of the Allura Class and additional fleet investments, the brand is not only enlarging its physical footprint but also refining the essence of what makes an Oceania voyage distinct. Known for The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, smaller ship sizes, and longer port stays, Oceania Cruises appeals to those seeking meaningful cultural immersion with the comfort of ultra-premium service.
As Quesnele steps into this pivotal role, he will be responsible for aligning this growth with a sharper commercial focus. One of his primary goals will be to attract new-to-brand advisors and travellers while deepening relationships with existing loyal partners. It's a role that blends ambassadorial finesse with revenue-minded execution—and it comes at a time when cruise demand is not only recovering but redefining itself in the post-pandemic era.
This appointment also highlights how cruise lines are leveraging internal talent to promote synergy across their portfolios. Quesnele’s move from Norwegian Cruise Line to Oceania Cruises shows how Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is optimising talent development to create unified yet uniquely positioned brands. This cross-brand collaboration is increasingly vital in a world where personalisation, consistency, and recognisability all contribute to brand success.
Oceania Cruises, with its focused audience of foodies, culture lovers, and seasoned travellers, requires leadership that understands both the emotional appeal and business logic behind luxury travel. Quesnele's personal passion for the brand, as stated in his quote, speaks volumes: "Joining Oceania Cruises, a world-class brand that I am so deeply passionate about, both personally and professionally, is humbling."
As Oceania Cruises embarks on this exciting new chapter, travellers and travel advisors alike are encouraged to stay ahead of the latest updates by exploring future voyages via our Cruise Finder. Whether you're eyeing a culturally rich Mediterranean escape or planning a dream itinerary aboard a next-generation Allura Class ship, now is the time to plan with confidence.
Leadership shifts like this signal positive change and long-term vision—which, in Oceania’s case, translates directly into an improved guest and partner experience. Whether you're a loyal cruiser or a curious first-timer, Oceania Cruises' forward momentum means even more refined itineraries, expanded shipboard experiences, and a reinvigorated commitment to excellence. To speak with one of our cruise specialists or start crafting your perfect voyage, reach out to us today.