An Icon and Pioneer in Luxury Cruising Shaping journeys at sea
Who is Carlos
Edery?
A Journey from Cali to Cruising excellence
Born and raised in Cali, Colombia, Carlos hails from an entrepreneurial family that instilled in him a strong drive and a love for business from a young age. This upbringing laid the groundwork for his future in shaping an industry.
Before founding Luxury Cruise Connections, Carlos honed his skills as a Senior Vice President at Forest Travel, where he became an expert in crafting personalized travel solutions for discerning clients. Later, as Vice President of Sales at Ultimate Jet Vacations, he refined his knack for seamless, high-level client engagement in the private jet sector.
Carlos’s leadership is defined by its adaptability and innovation. He firmly believes that truly effective leaders know when to pivot in response to industry changes—a philosophy that has been crucial in navigating and shaping the dynamic world of luxury travel.
Beyond his sharp business acumen, Carlos is deeply committed to fostering a positive and collaborative work culture. He genuinely believes that collective effort drives success, nurturing environments where teams feel valued and empowered.
As a respected thought leader, Carlos frequently shares insights on what truly defines luxury in cruising. He emphasizes the irreplaceable value of personalized service and exclusive offerings, showcasing his deep understanding of evolving client expectations and luxury travel trends. His voice is a respected one in the sector.
The Spark Pioneering Personalized Luxury at Sea
Carlos started Luxury Cruise Connections in 2010 by identifying a clear, unmet demand in the market: affluent travelers wanted personalized, high-end cruise services that simply weren’t available. Leveraging his extensive background in luxury hospitality and travel, he designed a boutique agency model centered on exclusivity, unparalleled service quality, and truly tailored client care.
Early on, joining the Virtuoso Consortium was a strategic move that allowed Carlos to secure premium amenities and unique travel privileges for his clients, setting a new standard from the outset. His founding inspiration? A genuine fascination with global cultures, a deep appreciation for luxury experiences, and an unwavering belief that exceptional service transforms a trip into a lasting memory. This pioneering focus on personalized luxury, consistent quality, and building client trust has seen his venture grow into one of the fastest-growing luxury cruise agencies in the US.
Carlos's Leadership
Driving Industry Evolution
Carlos’s leadership isn’t just about managing a company; it’s about visionary thinking, fostering collaboration, and decisive execution that has influenced the broader industry. He’s built a company culture that thrives on innovation and adaptability, constantly responding effectively to—and often anticipating—evolving market demands.
Driving Industry Evolution
Carlos’s leadership isn’t just about managing a company; it’s about visionary thinking, fostering collaboration, and decisive execution that has influenced the broader industry. He’s built a company culture that thrives on innovation and adaptability, constantly responding effectively to—and often anticipating—evolving market demands.
Under his guidance, several key initiatives have underscored his impact
He championed the implementation of personalized cruise planning tools, including those leveraging AI, demonstrating his commitment to technological advancement in client experience.
His approach to operational agility has shown how flexible decision-making can swiftly respond to travel surges, driving efficiency.
Carlos has emphasized strategic alliances with high-end hotels and airlines, boosting average booking value and elevating the perception of luxury travel packages across the board.
His focus on client retention through advanced CRM systems and targeted marketing has set benchmarks for customer satisfaction in the luxury segment.
Beyond Business Carlos's Passions & Principles
Carlos’s life outside of work is deeply rooted in his values. He’s happily married to Chanel Edery and a devoted father to their three children: Sara, Maurice, and Avi. Their family life is a testament to unity, support, and shared principles, often traveling together for both business and leisure, strengthening their bond.
The Edery household values leading by example, prioritizing family, and practicing respect, humility, accountability, and kindness. Carlos balances education with physical activity for his children, promoting a holistic, healthy lifestyle. These family moments, filled with shared learning and intentional time together, provide the personal stability and inspiration that fuel his resilience and effectiveness as a leader.
These values align perfectly with influential books like Leaders Eat Last by:
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Which have profoundly shaped his leadership journey.
