Richard Morse has been named senior vice president of hotel operations for Miami-based Carnival Cruise Line, the world’s largest cruise operator.

In this capacity, Morse will be responsible for all guest-facing aspects of the Carnival vacation experience, including entertainment, culinary and dining, beverage, housekeeping, and guest services and logistics.  

He joins Carnival January 11, 2016, reporting to Gus Antorcha, Carnival’s executive vice president of guest shipboard operations.

Prior to joining Carnival, Morse spent 36 years at Marriott International, one of the world’s largest hotel companies, most recently serving as general manager of Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at the National Harbor in Maryland.

In addition to on-property experience, which included management positions at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square and the Renaissance Miami Biscayne properties, Morse served as regional vice president of Renaissance Hotels for the eastern U.S. and area vice president for Marriott’s Select Service and Extended Stay properties in the eastern U.S. Morse earned his bachelor’s degree in hotel administration from Cornell University.

“Richard is the ideal candidate for this position, possessing extensive experience in all aspects of guest operations, while assembling a talented team for one of the world’s most successful hotel companies,” Antorcha said. “His wide-ranging experience, outstanding management skills and commitment to innovation will be of great benefit as we continue to build upon our leadership position in the cruise industry,” he added.