Kathy Lu Appointed Regional Director of Trade Sales at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for Southeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada

Published on October 8, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced the appointment of Kathy Lu as the new Regional Director of Trade Sales for Southeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada. This appointment comes as part of the company’s ongoing expansion strategy to further solidify its position as a leading name in luxury yachting. With over 17 years of experience in the luxury cruise sector, Kathy Lu brings a wealth of expertise to her role, having previously worked with prestigious brands like Explora Journeys and Crystal Cruises.

In her new role, Kathy Lu will be responsible for developing and executing regional sales strategies, as well as managing relationships with key trade partners including Virtuoso, a high-end travel network. Her expertise in luxury sales and her successful track record in driving business growth will be critical in helping The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection expand its presence in these important markets.

Kathy Lu’s Impressive Career in Luxury Travel

Kathy Lu has built a remarkable career in luxury travel through a combination of strategic business development and sales leadership. Most recently, she served as Business Relationship Lead for the Southeast US at Explora Journeys, where she was instrumental in cultivating strategic partnerships that resulted in record-breaking sales for the company, including the largest sale in Explora Journeys’ history.

Her deep understanding of the luxury travel market and sales acumen was honed during her time at Crystal Cruises, where she joined the company early in her career and worked her way up to the position of Strategic Business Development Manager by 2019. Her work at Crystal Cruises further refined her ability to manage complex sales processes and develop relationships with luxury travel advisors and industry leaders.

Throughout her career, Kathy Lu has demonstrated a unique ability to blend business development with relationship management, ensuring that her clients receive the highest level of service while driving growth and expansion for the brands she has represented. Her proven ability to foster and nurture relationships with both corporate partners and high-net-worth individuals makes her a valuable asset to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

A Key Appointment for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Expansion in North America

The appointment of Kathy Lu is a critical part of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the luxury yachting market in North America. The company is targeting the Southeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canadian regions as key areas for growth, and Kathy Lu’s expertise in these markets will be invaluable in driving the company’s strategy forward.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, known for its combination of luxury lifestyle and the freedom of yachting, offers bespoke voyages across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Central America. By adding Kathy Lu to its team, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is poised to deepen its relationships with luxury travel advisors and attract more high-net-worth travelers who seek unique, exclusive travel experiences on the high seas.

Strengthening Relationships with Trade Partners

In her new role, Kathy Lu will focus on enhancing The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s relationships with key trade partners and travel advisors. This will involve fostering partnerships with influential networks like Virtuoso, known for connecting elite travelers with high-end service providers. The company’s aim is to increase the visibility of its luxury yacht offerings while also expanding its reach among affluent travelers seeking exclusive experiences.

Kathy Lu’s deep network within the luxury travel sector will enable her to effectively communicate the unique value propositions of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to these key partners. Her focus on building strategic relationships with tour operators, charter brokers, and yachting professionals will be vital in ensuring that the brand’s luxurious yachting experiences are available to a broader, high-net-worth clientele.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Vision for the Future

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection continues to evolve as a leader in the luxury cruising industry. With its combination of bespoke itineraries and first-class service, the company offers an unparalleled yachting experience for those who demand the very best. By appointing Kathy Lu, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is making a strong move to build long-term relationships in key regions of North America while maintaining its commitment to delivering luxury travel that surpasses expectations.

The luxury yachting market is growing rapidly, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend. With the expertise of Kathy Lu, the brand will continue to expand its footprint and attract a growing number of superyacht owners, charterers, and affluent travelers who value luxury, exclusivity, and personalized yachting experiences.

What This Means for North American Luxury Travel

The luxury travel market in North America is highly competitive, with travelers demanding more exclusive, customized experiences. Kathy Lu’s appointment aligns with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s broader strategy to cater to these demands and establish itself as the leading provider of luxury yachting experiences. As the yachting industry continues to grow, the Southeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada markets represent major opportunities for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to expand its offerings and increase its market share.

By offering luxury cruises that combine the elegance of the Ritz-Carlton brand with the freedom of the open seas, the company is tapping into a growing segment of travelers who are seeking unique, high-end experiences. Kathy Lu’s role will be essential in ensuring that the company builds strong, sustainable relationships with its partners, enhancing both brand recognition and sales.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Expansion

As The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection continues to focus on expanding its North American presence, Kathy Lu’s leadership will be key in achieving the company’s growth objectives. The global demand for luxury yachting experiences is expected to increase in the coming years, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is positioned to capitalize on this growth with its exceptional product offerings and commitment to customer satisfaction.

With Kathy Lu’s wealth of experience in the luxury cruise sector, her appointment is a critical step in ensuring that The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection remains at the forefront of luxury yachting and continues to attract the most discerning travelers. Her leadership will help ensure that the company builds on its established reputation for excellence and continues to provide unparalleled yachting experiences to high-net-worth individuals around the world.

Conclusion: A Strategic Appointment for the Future of Luxury Yachting

Kathy Lu’s appointment as Regional Director of Trade Sales for Southeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada is an important step in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s expansion into the North American market. With her extensive experience in luxury travel and sales leadership, Kathy Lu is perfectly positioned to help drive the company’s growth, strengthen relationships with trade partners, and expand the brand’s presence in the luxury yachting sector. As the superyacht and luxury travel industries continue to evolve, Kathy Lu’s strategic vision and leadership will play a key role in ensuring that The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection remains a top choice for affluent travelers seeking bespoke yachting experiences.