Ultra-luxury residential cruise newcomer Crescent Seas has named Virtuoso’s Thatcher Brown as its first -ever CEO, effective 1 August 2025. Crescent Seas made itself known to the world of cruising just four months ago, with its first vessel being Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Navigator, which it will launch in late 2026.Brown, most recently Senior Vice President of Global Products at Virtuoso, will be responsible for shaping Crescent Seas’ brand identity and guiding its global vision. His duties will also include leading product development, commercial strategy, and stakeholder engagement across the luxury travel and hospitality industries.“I am delighted to step into this role as the inaugural CEO of Crescent Seas,” Brown said. “I believe this is the future of luxury living at sea. I am honored to be in the presence of a legacy brand within Crescent Heights under the leadership of visionary Russell W. Galbut, who is Founder of Crescent Seas and Co-Founder of Crescent Heights. I look forward to building on the robust launch and cultivating a community while redefining what it means to live and travel at sea.”Brown brings over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality across key markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. At Virtuoso, he led the development of B2B and B2C product strategy across more than 2,300 luxury partners, including cruise lines and tour operators. He also championed innovations in digital engagement and consumer experience.
His prior roles include Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Joint Operations at Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, where he helped launch Four Seasons Yachts. He has also held leadership positions at MSC Cruises, Dream Cruises, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.“Thatcher has made a profound and lasting impact on both Virtuoso’s business and the colleagues who worked alongside him,” said Matthew D. Upchurch, Virtuoso Chairman and CEO. “While we are sad to see him leave Virtuoso, we’re incredibly proud as he steps into this exciting new chapter as CEO.”Founded by Russell W. Galbut in March 2025, Crescent Seas aims to transform ocean living by offering ownership-style residences aboard luxury vessels. The first voyage on the Navigator Residence at Sea is expected to launch in December 2026.“With 71% of the Earth covered by water, it was only natural for our vision to evolve to craft the ultimate home at sea,” said Galbut. “Thatcher’s deep expertise in the global travel industry and his track record of launching and scaling luxury cruise experiences make him the ideal leader for Crescent Seas.”
