Russ Holmes: From Mercy Ships to Aman at Sea's Chief of Staff

July 6, 2026

Russ Holmes transitioned into the cruise industry from his 21-year career at Mercy Ships
PHOTO: RUSS HOLMES

Describe the first time you saw a cruise ship.

I grew up in Northern England, miles away from a coastline, so I wasn't familiar with cruise ships. This changed in November 1993 when I joined Anastasis, a Mercy Ship hospital ship, in Santa Cruz, Tenerife. I remember it being docked right next to P&O Cruises' Canberra, making Canberra the first cruise ship I ever saw.

What was the first cruise-related company you worked for as a young professional, and what was your role?

I wouldn't say Mercy Ships was a cruise-related company, although it was classed as a passenger ship. I served with the company for over 21 years in a multitude of roles both onboard and ashore. These included PR/marketing, onboard operations director (GM), and heading up global procurement & logistics as well as corporate development based in its HQ in Texas, US.

In total, I spent eight years at sea before moving shoreside.

More recently, I spent five years with Vikand supporting over 25 cruise brands with their medical operations (including both guest and crew health and wellness) and recently joined the team at Aman at Sea as its chief of staff.

What was your first cruise experience as a passenger?

The first cruise I ever took was with Fathom, a former Carnival Corporation brand, which provided impactful cruises to the Dominican Republic and Cuba. My family and I sailed as guests of the CEO and spent a few days working on projects shoreside in the Dominican Republic to 'give back' to the local community. We have since taken other cruises with MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean international.

Name your first cruise industry mentor or inspiration.

My first industry mentor was Jim Paterson at Mercy Ships, who was also my boss for many years. I then got to know Bud Darr, today the president/CEO of Cruise Lines International Association, during his first stint at CLIA back in 2015. He and I have stayed connected ever since.

Peter Hult, CEO at Vikand, has also been a great mentor. He instilled the importance of partnerships within the cruise industry to make the greatest impact.

And your first memory of a Seatrade Cruise event?

I attended my first Seatrade Cruise event in Miami back in 2008 during my time at Mercy Ships. From that initial visit, I went on to build the partnership that Seatrade has with Mercy Ships, which continues to this day, and the one with CLIA. Seatrade is a highlight for learning as well as connecting with industry colleagues and partners.