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| Jeff Drew |
Jeff Drew, cruise industry sales executive, has joined the Great American Steamboat Company as senior vice president of sales. He will oversee all aspects of the agency sales and distribution channel and lead the company’s regional sales directors.
Drew started his career as an agent at Maritz Travel, before moving on to executive roles at Classic Hawaii, Seabourn, Cunard, Intrav/Clipper and, most recently, Oceania Cruises. Russ Varvel, who played an integral role in the startup of the Great American Steamboat Company, will now be senior vice president of charters and incentive sales, with a focus on charter and incentive sales, large-scale groups, and special accounts.
Christopher Kyte, president of the Great American Steamboat Company, said, “We are delighted to welcome Jeff Drew. With his wealth of experience in the luxury sector of the travel industry and his passion for Americana and history, he is the perfect addition to the Great American Steamboat Company team. Russ’s skill and expertise has allowed us to accomplish the unthinkable in our first 90 days of business in recruiting an experienced sales team, establishing our sales and reservations infrastructure and designing agent-friendly programs and policies.”
Jeff Drew said, “I have known Christopher Kyte for close to two decades and he has as keen and shrewd a business acumen as any executive I know. He and Jeff Krida have assembled an enviable team and the Steamer American Queen is already the most talked-about river cruise product in North America.”
The Great American Steamboat Company offers a variety of voyages, ranging from three to ten nights, with fares starting at $995 per person. The Steamboating Plus program offers a complimentary luxury hotel stay before or after sailing, along with transfers, a welcome brunch, and more. The Steamer American Queen, one of the largest and grandest riverboats in the world, features plush accommodations for 436 guests and guests are also treated to American chef Regina Charboneau’s cuisine at no additional charge.
Visit www.GreatAmericanSteamboatCompany.com or call 888-749-5280