• 4 min de lectura
• 4 min de lectura
Kelly Predmesky was appointed head of sales for Mitsui Ocean Cruises' general sales agent in North America which serves the US and Canadian markets.
With nearly 20 years of experience in luxury travel sales, strategic partnerships and key account management, Predmesky joins Mitsui Ocean Cruises following senior sales leadership roles with Swan Hellenic and Celestyal Cruises.
Predmesky brings "deep industry relationships, a strong understanding of the luxury travel advisor community and a passion for delivering meaningful travel experiences," according to Anthony Kaufman, head of commercial Strategies, Mitsui Ocean Cruises.
"As more North American travelers seek authentic travel journeys, her leadership will help introduce guests to a truly unique way to experience Japan — sailing aboard a Japanese cruise line that combines refined luxury, cultural connection and access to destinations rarely visited by international cruise lines."
Predmesky most recently served as director of key and national accounts for Swan Hellenic, where she led Virtuoso partnerships and helped drive significant growth across the North American market. She played a key role in expanding advisor engagement, increasing distribution and securing major industry partnerships and accolades.
Before that, at Celestyal, Predmesky was part of the inaugural North American sales team responsible for introducing the brand to the region and significantly growing territory sales and key account partnerships.
At Mitsui Ocean Cruises, she joins Albert Hartigan, who leads partner marketing in North America. Predmesky will oversee trade sales strategy and advisor partnerships throughout the US and Canada.
The previous head of sales, Joe Maloney recently become president of VacationPort (formerly Passport Online), a leading travel technology provider connecting suppliers with travel advisors.
"Today's luxury travelers are looking for deeper cultural connections and experiences that feel truly authentic," Predmesky said. "Mitsui Ocean Cruises offers something genuinely unique in the market with the opportunity to explore this sought-after destination aboard a Japanese cruise line alongside local guests. I look forward to working closely with the travel advisor community to introduce more North American travelers to this extraordinary way of experiencing Japan."
Mitsui Ocean Cruises just opened sales for 2027 voyages available to the North American market, leading with an offer of up to $1,000 onboard credit (based on category) for bookings made by Sept. 20, 2026.
The 27 sailings, spanning February through September 2027, range from five to 12 nights, showcasing Japan's traditions and regional diversity, from snow festivals and cherry blossoms to summer fireworks and autumn harvests.
The Japanese-flag Mitsui Ocean Sakura has the ability to sail all-Japan cruises, while itineraries that visit nearby South Korea and beyond are also available.
Highlights include ports of call rarely visited by international cruise lines such as Nanao on the Noto Peninsula and part of the Noto Satoyama Sea. A UNESCO-recognized agricultural heritage area, Nanao is known for its blend of traditional farming, fishing, and natural landscapes.
Shodoshima serves as the main maritime gateway to Shodoshima Island, connecting visitors and cargo to a destination renowned for its olive cultivation, traditional soy sauce brewing and Mediterranean-like scenic landscapes in the Seto Inland Sea.
Tanegashima is a key transportation and logistics hub for the island, supporting local industry and tourism while providing access to Japan's primary space launch facility at the Tanegashima Space Center.
Tottori is best known for the sweeping Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan's largest dune system, this port offers a unique desert-like landscape along the Sea of Japan. Nearby, the Sand Museum showcases large-scale sculptures crafted entirely from sand.
Some itinerary themes including spring gardens of Japan and Korea and northern Japan in bloom (both in April), Golden Week (April), Silver Week (September), Sapporo Snow Festival (February), Tohoku Festival & Tateyama Fireworks and Shimonoseki Fireworks (both in August).
Fuente: sea-trade cruise
