Riviera Travel Appoints Dana Horton as Sales and Operations Director

Horton to Be Based in Riviera’s New Flagship North American Office, Located in Heart of Cruise Industry, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – (March 3, 2025) – Riviera Travel, the global leader in premium land and cruise travel for more than 40 years, is accelerating its U.S. market push with the appointment of Dana Horton as sales and operations director and the announcement of its new flagship North American office in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Building on its legacy of delivering exceptional vacation experiences, the creation of this new role and expansion underscore Riviera’s commitment to becoming the leading river cruise provider for North American consumers and travel advisors.

 

“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Dana to our team, as I know he brings vast industry knowledge and a fresh perspective to the table,” said Stuart Milan, group vice president international sales for Riviera Travel. “Dana has the experience to expand our authority in the U.S. market, and I look forward to working closely with him as we work to ensure both the industry and consumers know we are the premiere choice for ultra-premium river cruising.”

 

A seasoned veteran with a dynamic career in cruise line operations, Horton brings a wealth of industry expertise and a collaborative leadership style to the Riviera Travel team. With more than two decades of experience in the cruise industry, Horton has built a reputation as a leader who understands the nuances of operations at every level. His journey from the United States Army to various pivotal roles in the cruise sector, including a 14-year stint at Regent Seven Seas Cruises and 5-years at Silversea Cruises, speaks to his resilience, adaptability and commitment to excellence. His most recent work as a growth consultant further demonstrated his strategic approach, making him an ideal fit for Riviera’s ambitious expansion plans.

 

Horton’s arrival at Riviera marks a new chapter in his career as he transitions from ocean cruising – a sector where he has thrived for much of his professional life – into the rapidly growing river cruise market. Known for his hands-on, collaborative leadership style, Horton is committed to building a strong, cohesive team at Riviera. Drawing on a philosophy he has cultivated throughout his career, Horton believes that success is rooted in communication and teamwork. “The key to building a strong team is having individuals with unique skill sets who complement each other and work well together,” Horton has said. His emphasis on creating a dynamic team where everyone contributes their individual strengths is a cornerstone of his approach and has already proven effective, with many employees following him from previous roles due to his approachable leadership style.

 

Beyond building Riviera Travel’s North American team, one of Horton’s immediate priorities is tailoring Riviera’s U.K.-based operational protocols to better serve the U.S. market. As someone who has navigated every level of cruise line operations throughout his career, Horton and his team plan to improve brand efficiency and communication methods to better serve travel advisors across North America. Horton envisions Riviera’s U.S. team offering more responsive, localized support to travel advisors, a notable differentiator in an industry where many competitors are based on the West Coast or rely heavily on outsourced services. Horton is determined that with Riviera’s new U.S. headquarters office, advisors will be able to connect with real, local contacts in Fort Lauderdale – providing the kind of personal touch that sets Riviera apart.

 

This new office, strategically located on iconic Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale, will serve as the operational hub for Horton and the Riviera U.S. team. Open six days a week, the office will offer real-time support to travel advisors across the U.S., a vital advantage for a cruise line seeking to expand its influence and improve brand visibility. Horton’s long-term vision includes not only doubling the size of Riviera’s team but also establishing the brand as a premier river cruise option by 2026 – a year he predicts will be a turning point marking the company’s dominance in the market.

 

“I am thrilled to join the team at this stage of Riviera’s journey as there is much opportunity ahead for expansion in the North American market; coming onboard at this pivotal moment feels like stepping into a new frontier,” said Horton. 

 

Riviera Travel is a multiple award-winning, ultra-premium river cruise brand with a fleet of 13 custom-designed ships that sail Europe’s most iconic waterways, including the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Seine, and the Dutch Waterways. The company is renowned for its exceptional cruise directors and local guides, immersive itineraries and an elegant fleet of luxurious ships. It is also well-known for its dedicated departures for the solo travel market, strong partnerships with travel advisors, and commitment to delivering superior service at outstanding value.

 

For more information or to book a sailing with Riviera Travel, contact a travel advisor or visit RivieraRiverCruises.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following Riviera Travel on Facebook Facebook.com/RivieraRiverCruises, Instagram @RivieraTravelUSA, and LinkedIn.

 

About Riviera Travel

 

Riviera Travel is the UK’s largest river cruise and tour operator for more than 40 years, offering a diverse range of luxury travel experiences on land, sea and the rivers. As an ultra-premium river cruise brand, Riviera Travel offers luxurious, memorable sailings aboard its fleet of 13 custom-designed ships, which sail along Europe’s most iconic waterways including the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Seine, and the Dutch Waterways. The company is renowned for its exceptional cruise directors and local guides, immersive itineraries and elegant fleet of ships. Riviera Travel is a leader in the solo travel market with more dedicated solo traveler departures than any other river cruise brand, and is known for its strong partnerships with travel advisors, as well as its commitment to delivering superior service at outstanding value. The fleet’s ships offer a range of amenities, such as a panoramic observation lounge, five-star dining, a spa and wellness area, and a sun deck, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere for travelers exploring Europe’s rivers and landscapes. Riviera Travel consistently earns high ratings for guest satisfaction and value, making it a top choice for discerning travelers seeking memorable river cruise adventures.