Recognition took center stage at Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) Cruise360. A.J. Rick Mazza, founder and CEO of TRAVELSAVERS and NEST, received the 2026 CLIA Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the CLIA Hall of Fame, while Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, was also honored with a 2026 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award for Lifetime Achievement.
A.J. Rick Mazza Recognized for Transforming Advisor Distribution
Mazza built a more than five-decade legacy by helping reshape the travel advisor landscape. When he launched TRAVELSAVERS in 1970, he pioneered the agency network model, uniting independent agencies through collective buying power, marketing support and preferred supplier partnerships.
“I’m truly humbled and deeply honored to receive this recognition from CLIA,” said Mazza. “Our travel partners and advisors share our passion to grow this incredible industry together and ensure that everybody benefits.”
That model has grown into a global network of more than 3,000 agencies, while affiliated brands now support 25,000 advisors generating more than $20 billion in annual sales.
Mazza also helped accelerate cruise growth through the advisor channel by forging early partnerships between agencies and cruise lines. He expanded support for independent and luxury-focused advisors through the launch of NEST, one of the first home-based advisor networks, and The Affluent Traveler Collection.
The CLIA honor adds to a long list of industry recognitions for Mazza, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Travel Advisors.
Dondra Ritzenthaler Honored for Leadership in Cruise Innovation
Ritzenthaler earned recognition for four decades of leadership that helped shape both cruise distribution and guest experience. A longtime champion of the advisor community, she held senior roles in aviation and cruising, including more than two decades at Celebrity Cruises before leading Azamara.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by CLIA alongside such inspiring leaders in our industry,” said Ritzenthaler. “Travel has always been a deeply personal passion of mine — it has enriched not only my own life but also created lasting memories and meaningful connections for my family. That belief in the power of travel is what continues to inspire everything we do at Azamara, as well as our commitment to working closely with travel advisors, who are essential in bringing these experiences to life for our guests.”
Her award comes as Azamara continues advancing its Azamara Forward strategy, aimed at enhancing guest experiences, expanding destination offerings and strengthening the line’s position in premium small-ship cruising.
Ritzenthaler has also been closely associated with immersive cruise product development, including the line’s Extended Destination Days programming, which emphasizes longer time in port and deeper destination engagement.
For more information about CLIA Cruise 360, visit events.cruising.org.
