Captain Nico Corbijn

About Captain Nico Corbijn

Captain Nico Corbijn is a veteran maritime executive and the retiring Chief Administrative Officer of Azamara Cruises. His cruise-industry career spans 43 years across shipboard operations, marine management, human resources and senior shoreside leadership.

Corbijn joined Azamara in 2021 as the independent cruise line's first Head of Marine Operations. He was appointed as Azamara separated from Royal Caribbean Group under its new owner, Sycamore Partners, and was responsible for building the company's dedicated marine-operations function.

His work included supporting Azamara's return to service following the Covid-19 operational pause and helping establish the structures required to operate its fleet independently. He worked closely with the marine and technical teams on day-to-day operational support, fleet standards, safety and regulatory responsibilities.

Chief Administrative Officer at Azamara

After three years overseeing marine operations, Corbijn was promoted to Chief Administrative Officer in June 2024. His executive remit included global human resources, legal services and land-product development. Azamara's retirement announcement also identified onboard commercial strategy among the areas he oversaw.

Corbijn brought organisational-management experience, human-resources certifications and extensive knowledge of crew management to the position. Azamara said he also helped its land business exceed revenue targets.

Chief Executive Dondra Ritzenthaler described him as a balanced, fair and collaborative leader who provided calm and stability during periods of significant change.

A 43-year maritime career

Before joining Azamara, Corbijn worked directly or as a consultant for a number of major cruise operators. His career included positions with Holland America Line, Windstar Cruises, Majestic America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises.

His professional expertise spans corporate and shipboard operations, human-resource management, marine safety, environmental operations and investigations, auditing and emergency management.

In 2016, Corbijn founded Reveles Solutions, a maritime-management consultancy based in South Florida. He subsequently joined Azamara during the company's transition to independent ownership.

Retirement from Azamara

Azamara announced Corbijn's retirement on 4 September 2026. The company did not disclose his formal departure date or name a successor when the announcement was made.

Reflecting on his career, Corbijn said he was proud of the role he had played in building and supporting Azamara and expressed appreciation for the colleagues and friends with whom he had worked.

Read Deck7's full report: Azamara chief administrative officer Nico Corbijn retires after 43-year career.

Sources: Azamara Cruises leadership profile, Azamara retirement announcement via TravelPulse, Seatrade Cruise News: appointment to lead marine operations and Cruise Industry News: Azamara executive appointments.