Senior Vice President Bert Hernandez leads the world’s largest cruise line’s business and growth in all countries outside of the U.S. and Canada, with extensive teams based in Australia, China, Singapore and throughout Europe. With the most substantial global footprint in the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean International welcomes millions of international travelers every year on its award-winning ships and private destinations. It’s Hernandez and his team’s focus to build on that success by further positioning the cruise line as the vacation brand of choice in more than 80 countries.
Royal Caribbean’s presence across the globe is unique to the cruise line, an advantage that Hernandez amplifies with a dynamic commercial approach to attract new vacationers. In Asia-Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, China, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as Latin America, he oversees the teams’ collaborations with local partners and travel advisors to reach travelers through a variety of channels that are based on each market’s travel landscape and consumer behaviors.
The adaptable strategy has led to consistent growth outside of the U.S. and Canada each year, as Royal Caribbean has welcomed new ships and homeports and further diversified itineraries.
Leading up to Hernandez spearheading the International organization, he led the cruise line’s operations in China for five years as president. The role included overseeing all commercial and operational aspects. His time in Shanghai resulted in exponential growth as he expanded on Royal Caribbean’s decade-long presence in the region, from introducing new ships specifically designed for Asia – Ovation and Spectrum of the Seas – to becoming China’s leading cruise line.
Hernandez joined Royal Caribbean Group in 2004, and he has held senior leadership positions across the company’s other brands, including Celebrity Cruises. He’s previously led key parts of the business, such as revenue management, corporate strategy, finance and itinerary planning, and he was also Chief Operating Officer for the Group’s former cruise line Azamara.
Sports play an important role in Hernandez’s career as well as his family life. As a fan and player, he’s found they are at the center of many of his memories with his father and his daughters, and growing up, they were essential in establishing the importance of teamwork and commitment.