The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Asia Pacific team now has feet on the ground in Asia, LATTE can exclusively reveal, with the appointment of Melissa Ong to the newly created role of Director, Travel Partnerships, Asia.
Ong’s appointment coincides with rapid expansion of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Sydney-based team which will swell from two to five agents.
All the latest newcomers to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s APAC presence come from a non-cruise background, as is the trend with the very young, ultra-luxury cruise operator.
Based in Singapore, Ong is well-versed on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, having been with Marriott Luxury Group as Global Account Director for the past six years. Prior to this role, and still in the luxury space, she was with The Leading Hotels of the World for eight years.
Meanwhile in Australia, the new local faces include Christopher Menon (previously with Four Seasons Singapore and The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong), Nathan Gudsell (formerly Baillie Lodges and luxury travel lifestyle management group, Quintessentially) and soon, Jasmine Zaman (formerly Pier One Sydney and The Ritz-Carlton property, Hotel Arts, Barcelona).
Menon and Gudsell joined the local outpost in recent weeks, working alongside Byron Fenwick and Tyler Parker, whose backgrounds are aviation (Virgin Australia) and tourism boards (Tourism Australia), respectively, and joined the brand mid-year, also revealed first by LATTE.
Zaman will commence with the Sydney-based team in early October.
Speaking exclusively with LATTE, Seb Seward, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific says the growing APAC team (which now numbers eight, compared to one this time last year) has been driven by “overwhelming demand”.
Speaking of Ong’s appointment, Seward said he was delighted to welcome Melissa to the team.
“I’ve got to know her well over the past year and have really enjoyed working with her – we’re excited to leverage her market expertise and relationships as we continue our growth in Asia,” Seward said.
Her recruitment is perfectly timed, says Seward, “ahead of Luminara‘s inaugural Asian voyage season from December.”
Ong’s role syncs with cruise expert Anastasia Kotanidis, who is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Director of Travel Partnerships for Australia & New Zealand, appointed six months ago.
Currently, Menon and Gudsell are in Fort Lauderdale at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s HQ for extensive training ahead of a first-hand yacht experience in Europe before they begin assisting partners in Australia and New Zealand, from next month. Similarly, Zaman will receive training in Malta and have a personal superyacht experience before joining her Sydney colleagues from November.
“I’m thrilled to welcome such talented and driven individuals to our APAC team,” Seward added. “All stood out due to their exceptional guest service ethos.”
“Trade partnerships are central to our strategy and I’m confident that advisors will value our investment in our Sydney-based team,” Seward said.
Speaking of her appointment, Ong said she was excited for her new journey ahead.
“The brand’s dedication to redefining luxury at sea—through personalised service, transformative travel experiences, and a spirit of discovery—deeply resonates with me,” she said. “It’s more than just travel; it’s about creating meaningful moments that linger long after the voyage ends.”
“I’m looking forward to collaborate with partners who share our passion for innovation and excellence. Together, we can craft unforgettable experiences that elevate luxury travel.”
