Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) today announced the appointment of Larry Pimentel to the newly created position of president and chief executive officer of Azamara Cruises. Pimentel will have responsibility for the strategic direction and leadership of the deluxe brand to ensure its continuous growth and success. He will report directly to Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of RCCL.

“It is time for Azamara to stand on its own, after a successful two years of operation,” said Fain. “The onboard experience and brand recognition of Azamara is due to the leadership, dedication and commitment of Dan Hanrahan and his Celebrity Cruises team.”

Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan said, “I’m very proud of my management team here in Miami and onboard our ships, and thank them for their accomplishments in successfully launching and developing Azamara Cruises. I welcome Larry to the Company and look forward to partnering with him to build on the success this brand has already achieved, and to capitalize on its great promise.”

Pimentel has more than 25 years of travel industry experience catering to the high-end consumer. Most recently, he served as president, chief executive officer and co-owner of Seadream Yacht Club, designed to provide an intimate luxury yachting experience on itineraries primarily in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Previously, he served as president and chief executive officer of Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line. He also held the position of president and chief executive officer of Classic Hawaii. Among his awards and accomplishments are being selected as one of the 25 most influential travel executives of America, the “2004 Leader in Luxury Award” by Travel Agent magazine, and the “1998 Travel Industry Executive of the Year,” from World Travel Mart.

Under the leadership of the Celebrity Cruises management team, Azamara Cruises has received numerous accolades and awards; among them, “Best Luxury Cruise Line” from Cruise One/Cruises Inc., “Best Premium Cruise Ship” for Azamara Journey from Travel Weekly; and the “Smart Luxury Award” from Sherman’s Travel.