Ana Maria Girtu is the Senior Director, Cruise Hotel Operations at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, where she leads the shoreside hotel operations strategy for the fleet, including Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara. Her role focuses on ensuring that the design and functionality of guest accommodations, public spaces, entertainment venues, spa and wellness facilities, and service areas translate into an exceptional onboard experience while supporting efficient day-today operations.

With nearly two decades of international experience in luxury hospitality, cruise operations, and guest experience, Ana Maria has built her career driving operational excellence, service
innovation, and organizational transformation across luxury travel.

As a 2026 Cruise Ship Interiors Awards judge, Ana Maria brings the perspective of a luxury hotel operator, evaluating projects not only for their design excellence and innovation, but also for how effectively they enhance the guest experience, support operational performance, and perform in a live ultra-luxury cruise environment. Her expertise bridges hospitality operations and interior design, with a focus on creating spaces that are both aesthetically exceptional and operationally effective

Since 2014, Antonio Di Nenno has been the lead architect for MSC Cruises’ new building department. Prior to his role with MSC, Antonio worked in the yacht design industry. In his current role, Antonio is involved in the development of all the new prototype ships designed for MSC Cruises, following the process from the concept design to the delivery. Antonio focuses his attention on the design and outfitting of guest cabins and public areas in order to ensure that the ship’s interiors are in line with MSC Cruises’ vision of the cruise experience. Antonio will lend his industry prowess to the CSIA as a judge.

George Scammell is Director Interior Asset Management – Princess Cruises.

A global hospitality design leader, George has extensive experience in the hospitality, cruise, and leisure entertainment industry.  Leadership positions include VP of Global Design for Wyndham Worldwide, Principal for CORE architects, VP of Design for ForrestPerkins, and Design Management for Walt Disney World Resorts.  George earned his bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Florida State University, is a licensed Interior Designer, and a Professional Member of both the American Society of Interior Designers, and the International Interior Design Association.

My is the Senior Director, Design & Innovation for HA Line and leads the design department overseeing three prominent cruise brands: Holland America Line and Seabourn. My’s design experience is diversified across Refurbishment and Newbuild.

As a globally recognized thought leader, My’s repertoire of achievements span both land and sea. She is known for her internationally acclaimed award-winning designs as well as being a public speaker on topics close to her heart such as Sustainability and Leadership.

On the topic of inspiration, My says, “inspiration to me is not a noun. It’s more of a mindset. I’m as inspired seeing the colors of leaves while walking in my neighborhood as I am looking at fashion in different cities that I visit around the world. The key is to always keep your eyes open and not have tunnel vision. That mindset assures you will always feel inspired”.

Sascha Lang is Vice President, Architectural & Design | Newbuild & Innovation at Royal Caribbean Group, and is assigned to the Royal Caribbean International brand. Sascha joined Royal Caribbean Group in September 2019.

He has over 25 years of experience in hotel design management and has worked with leading hospitality groups in Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa and Asia-Pacific. Well-regarded by professional associates within the hospitality industry for his ability to creatively integrate the development of hotels and interior design concepts, Sascha has extensive experience in hotel and mixed-use development, acquisitions and due diligence, project development and management, concept development, interior design and technical services.

A Swiss national, Lang has a degree in architecture and studied building construction and structural engineering. He holds a degree in business administration as well as a diploma in hotel management from the Belvoirpark Hotel Management School in Zurich.