Miray Cruises has announced the promotion of Kendra L. Holmes as its Chief Executive Officer. Holmes brings over 15 years of cruise and hospitality industry experience to the role. In her new position at Miray Cruises, Holmes will be responsible for the company’s ongoing growth initiatives, fleet expansion, and leading the executive team for the upcoming launch of Life at Sea CruisesTM, the world’s first and only three-year cruise.
Miray Cruises New CEO, Kendra L. Holmes
Holmes joined Miray Cruises in 2019 as Director of Business Development and later was promoted to Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, leading efforts to develop new business opportunities and strategic growth initiatives for the company after the pandemic.
Prior to joining Miray Cruises, Holmes managed fleetwide dry dock contracts and led technical vendor development efforts for Disney Cruise Lines. Holmes also holds a Juris Doctorate and has worked in various legal roles throughout her career.
“Kendra has provided exceptional leadership and value to Miray Cruises, our partners, and cruise guests worldwide. I cannot think of anyone better suited for the role of Chief Executive,” said Vedat Ugurlu, owner of Miray Cruises. “We are confident in her ability to lead our company into its next phase of growth and development and she has our full support.”
Kendra will also oversee the Life at Sea Cruises’ executive team with newly appointed Ethem Bayramoglu to Chief Operating Officer for Life at Sea Cruises, Fuat Guven as Vice President of Hotel Operations, Robert Dixon as lead Project Manager, and Natalka Brodnik as the team’s new Director of Sales.
“I feel honored and privileged to be entrusted with steering our company’s growth into the next chapter, including the launch of Life at Sea Cruises—an innovative cruise product that will fulfill the dreams of global travelers to explore the world,” said Holmes.
Life at Sea Cruises
Miray Cruises’ Life at Sea Cruises, scheduled to set sail in November 2023, will embark on an extraordinary journey spanning over 130,000 miles, encompassing 375 ports across 135 countries and seven continents. The inaugural voyage will commence in Istanbul. Currently, the ship has reached 50% occupancy, and reservations are being accepted at LifeAtSeaCruises.com.
Get To Know Miray Cruises
With nearly two decades of experience cruising the seas, Miray Cruises has owned and operated passenger vessels as a cruise ship hotel management company since 1996.
Miray Cruises’ headquarters are based in Istanbul, Turkey, with additional offices in Piraeus, Greece and Orlando, Florida. The company manages and operates all marine, technical and hotel departments onboard their vessels.
Their newest venture- Life at Sea Cruises- is the world’s first and only three-year cruise, which will set sail in November 2023. The inaugural cruise will cover more than 130,000 miles, visiting 375 ports across 135 countries and all seven continents. For more information, visit MirayCruises.com.
