Cruise Industry Advisory Committee
Forbes Travel Guide convenes some of the most respected voices from the world’s leading cruise lines to ensure our standards remain at the forefront of luxury travel. Launching in 2026, the Cruise Industry Advisory Committee (CIAC) brings together executives and operational leaders representing ocean, river, yacht and expedition cruise experiences to share their expertise with Forbes Travel Guide. As we refine our standards each year, we incorporate their insights into evolving guest expectations, emerging trends and industry best practices—ensuring our perspective remains relevant, forward-looking and aligned with the exceptional experiences today’s travelers seek at sea.
2026 - 2027
OzerBalli
Ozer Balli
Vice President Hotel Operations
Disney Cruise Line  
SamChamberlain
Sam Chamberlain
CEO
Ponant  
LorenzoDavidoiu
Lorenzo Davidoiu
Vice President Hospitality
Four Seasons Yachts  
JulieGregoire
Julie Gregoire
Chief Company Journey Officer
MSC Cruises/Explora Journeys 
PhillipHerbert
Phillip Herbert
Vice President of Hotel Operations
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection  
SamiKohen
Sami Kohen
Vice President Food and Beverage
Princess Cruises 
BernieLeypold
Bernie Leypold
Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations
Crystal Cruises 
RichardMarnell
Richard Marnell
Executive Vice President of Marketing
Viking Cruises 
MichaelMcCarthy
Michael McCarthy
Vice President, Operations and Brand Optimization
Silversea Cruises  
JonathanMeyer
Jonathan Meyer
Senior Director, Service Excellence
Celebrity Cruises