Hapag-Lloyd Cruises names new Managing Director

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced that Salika Kebschull will succeed Isolde Susset as Managing Director, effective Jan. 1, 2027.

Kebschull will join the company on Nov. 1, 2026, allowing for a two-month transition before Susset retires at the end of the year.

Susset has spent nearly three decades with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, playing a key role in expanding its luxury expedition segment and developing the HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit. Since 2024, she has overseen the entire fleet as Managing Director and a member of the TUI Cruises Executive Board.

Kebschull brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality, tourism and cruise sales. Her previous roles include General Manager of Hotel München Palace, Director of Membership Services at Relais & Châteaux and Director of Cruise Consultancy at Sea Cloud Cruises. Most recently, she has advised international luxury hotels on strategy, sales and guest experience.

Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, said that: “Isolde Susset has shaped Hapag-Lloyd Cruises over three decades with great expertise and passion. In Salika Kebschull, we are gaining an experienced leader who combines expertise in international luxury hospitality with sales and cruise experience.”

Kebschull said she looks forward to working with the company’s teams and partners to build on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ reputation for exceptional luxury and expedition travel.