NEW YORK — CroisiEurope America, the North American office of France based CroisiEurope Cruises, has announced a new leadership team as Michael DaCosta, who has been in the role of General Manager since 2019, prepares to step down in June.
CroisiEurope has been sailing Europe’s rivers and beyond since 1976 and now has 50 ships operating 170 itineraries on 39 waterways in 37 countries.
DaCosta said he’s confident in the current growth of the brand.
“2023 marked the return to normalcy for us – with turnover surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and a full season of operation on over 50 ships worldwide. 2024 is set to be another banner year, and pre-sales for 2025 are exceeding all previous years. There is nothing but opportunity for CroisiEurope in North America,” he said.
“It’s a good time to pass the reigns to an experienced and forward-thinking team, who can continue to grow this wonderful brand,” he added.
DaCosta will stay on in a limited role to support the team during the transition.
Sandrah Gurash, who joined CroisiEurope America in March 2023 as Marketing Director, will take on the role of General Manager.
Gurash brings 25+ years of marketing and management experience in the cruise and travel industry including roles with retail travel agencies, consortia including Vacation.com and its predecessors, associations including CLIA as well as consulting roles. Gurash will continue leading the marketing and public relations efforts for the U.S. office, and will also manage day-to-day operations of the sales team, back office, and call centre.
“I’m excited to take on this new challenge and continue to build on the solid foundation Michael has established. We’re poised for continued growth into 2025 and beyond as we launch new and exclusive cruise programs and introduce more American and Canadian guests to our unique style of cruising. Offering refined French and European cuisine, exceptional service, thoughtfully curated excursions, and all-inclusive pricing make CroisiEurope a fantastic value for the North American market,” said Gurash.
Michael Lundquist, a 20-year industry veteran who started with the company in April, will join Gurash and the team as Director of Business Development. Lundquist will focus on expanding CroisiEurope’s group and charter business through partnerships with travel advisors, group leaders, and tour operators.
Lundquist’s background includes leadership roles in group operations and sales at Globus family of brands, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Central Holidays.
“CroisiEurope offers an international experience with French flair, flexible group terms, generous commissions, and the best all-inclusive pricing in the industry. We’re excited about new destinations and itineraries, including a paddlewheel ship on the Rhine and Moselle in 2025 and our first canal barge outside France, cruising from Brussels to Ghent,” said Lundquist.
