Terri Burke Joins Cruise Planners

Mon Mar 16 2009, by Travel Trade Staff

Terri Burke has joined Cruise Planners/American Express as its new senior vice president of relationship marketing. She recently left Norwegian Cruise Line after serving as vice president of business development and industry relations for five years.

In the newly created position at Cruise Planners, Burke will be responsible for development training and certification programs, designing and implementing marketing campaigns and working with Cruise Planners franchise owners to help enhance their sales and marketing techniques.

"These are uncertain times, but we're being bullish by bringing on top talent, marketing more than ever and investing in new corporate technology that will put us ahead of the game," said Cruise Planners/American Express CEO Michelle Fee. "Terri is a seasoned professional who has earned tremendous respect in the industry. Her appreciation for the professional travel agent and enthusiasm for the new opportunities Cruise Planners/American Express is bringing to the industry makes her the perfect fit for our team."

Burke joins Cruise Planners/American Express from NCL where she was responsible for nearly 100 sales team members. Prior to her time at NCL, Burke was senior director of national accounts for Holland America and worked as a travel agent for 22 years before transitioning to cruise suppliers.

"Cruise Planners/American Express is operated by a quality team that is young, vibrant and progressive from the CEO down," Burke said. "Their agents have a real depth and they move quickly in the industry with new tools and impressive technology, which is exactly the type of company that I want to be aligned with at this point in my career."

Burke added that she is eager to get back to her roots working with travel agents.

"In this economy, it's imperative agents differentiate themselves in the marketplace by gaining the skills and certification that will provide consumers with the confidence that comes from using a professional travel agent who has the added-value of offering personal relationships, comprehensive travel experience and industry know-how through their preferred travel partners."

Burke said she looks forward to creating a new certification program for agents that will set Cruise Planners apart from its competition.