WELCOME TO iStrive
Your Compass to Maritime & Hospitality Excellence
At iStrive, we don’t just provide solutions – we create opportunities for your business to thrive. From strategic partnerships to hands-on support and expert consulting, we tailor our services to meet your unique needs. Let us connect the dots, unlock your potential, and take your success to the next level. Ready to elevate your business?
About iStrive
Who we are
At iStrive, we bring over 50 years of combined executive experience in maritime and hospitality excellence. Our journey spans from traditional hotel operations to executive positions at the world's most prestigious cruise lines, including Viking Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas, complemented by extensive luxury hospitality leadership across four continents.
We specialize in transforming maritime and hospitality operations through innovative solutions tailored to your unique challenges. Whether you seek strategic partnerships, operational excellence, or investment advisory, our expert team delivers actionable insights that drive sustainable growth and exceptional guest experiences. From cruise line operations to luxury resorts, and from yacht services to private equity consulting, we serve as your trusted compass in navigating the complexities of maritime and hospitality excellence.
Innovation and Strategic Growth
At Viking Ocean Cruises, we pioneered industry-leading innovations while orchestrating one of cruising's most remarkable growth stories. Leading the successful launch of six vessels in five years, we revolutionized guest experiences with groundbreaking features like the world's first full-dome planetarium at sea. This blend of innovative thinking and operational excellence now drives iStrive'sapproach to transforming maritime and hospitality businesses
About iStrive
Why Choose Us?
Over 25 years of leadership in maritime and hospitality.
Proven crisis management expertise, from navigating the Viking Sky incident to leading post-Hurricane Irma resort rebuilding operations in St. Maarten.
Guiding private equity firms in high-value cruise industry acquisitions.
A unique blend of shipboard, resort, and consulting expertise
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About iStrive
Who we are
At iStrive, we bring over 50 years of combined executive experience in maritime and hospitality excellence. Our journey spans from traditional hotel operations to executive positions at the world's most prestigious cruise lines, including Viking Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas, complemented by extensive luxury hospitality leadership across four continents.
We specialize in transforming maritime and hospitality operations through innovative solutions tailored to your unique challenges. Whether you seek strategic partnerships, operational excellence, or investment advisory, our expert team delivers actionable insights that drive sustainable growth and exceptional guest experiences. From cruise line operations to luxury resorts, and from yacht services to private equity consulting, we serve as your trusted compass in navigating the complexities of maritime and hospitality excellence.
Our Services
Trusted Excellence in Maritime & Hospitality
01
Hospitality Excellence
We provide specialized services for the cruise and hospitality industries, leveraging 25+ years of executive experience with prestigious brands including Viking, Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. Our expertise seamlessly blends maritime operations with hospitality standards, enhancing operational efficiency while elevating guest experiences to new heights. From cruise lines to premium resorts, we drive innovation and excellence across the competitive maritime and hospitality landscape.
02
Maritime Solutions
iStrive delivers end-to-end maritime solutions. Our expert team conducts thorough ship inspections, facilitates strategic brokerage support, and orchestrates seamless dry-dock refurbishments. Through detailed operational assessments and efficiency enhancement programs, we optimize every aspect of your maritime venture. With continuous operational reviews, we ensure your fleet maintains peak performance while exceeding industry standards and adhering to stict maritime regulations.
03
Yachts Services
We offer comprehensive yacht services spanning management, procurement, and logistics for private yacht owners. Our expertise bridges the gap between owners and brokers while supporting yacht builders in developing robust distribution networks and operational frameworks. From overseeing day-to-day operations to sourcing high-quality materials and ensuring seamless coordination, we provide end-to-end solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of the yachting industry. Our dedicated team ensures efficiency, luxurious experience on the water.
04
Investment Support
Our investment and private equity advisory services specialize in the cruise industry, providing expert guidance on acquisitions and transactions. With deep industry insights and operational expertise, we help investors assess opportunities, conduct financial due diligence, and optimize performance. From risk evaluation to deal structuring, we ensure strategic investments that drive long-term growth and profitability in the maritime sector. Our tailored approach enables clients to navigate complex market dynamics with confidence and success.
05
Strategic Partnerships
We forge strategic partnerships with innovative companies, serving as their ambassador in the maritime and hospitality sectors. Through our extensive network spanning prestigious cruise lines, luxury resorts, and yacht services, we connect groundbreaking solutions with key decision-makers. Our selective partnership approach focuses on industry-advancing innovations, sustainable practices, and solutions that enhance operational excellence. By leveraging decades of executive experience, we provide invaluable market insights and facilitate transformative industry connections that drive mutual success.
iStrive has achieved exceptional results with their strategic services and insights in introducing our revolutionary DEX QM Technology to the cruise industry. Their unique mix of knowledge, the right connections and partnership has ensured that we can do business quickly and efficiently with decision makers in this industry who appreciate our technology and can benefit from it. That is why we highly recommend iStrive for any organisation looking for an efficient ‘partner’ to serve as your compass in the cruise industry.
Mark Minkels
DEX QM Premium Lubricants
Our partnership with iStrive Limited has proven transformative in elevating our entertainment technology implementations across the cruise industry. Their expertise in both maritime operations and entertainment systems has made them an indispensable ally in our growth journey. Led by Ralph de Klijn, whose 25-year career spans leadership roles at Viking Cruises, Silversea, and other prestigious lines, iStrive excels at bridging technical innovation with operational excellence. This unique capability has enabled us to deliver refined, guest-centric solutions that perfectly align with broader operational objectives.
Paul Byrne
Managing Director - EWP
“With their deep industry knowledge, iStrive consistently provides valuable insights and effective solutions to complex challenges. The professionalism, extensive network, and experience of their leadership team have ensured exceptional outcomes for BSM Cruise Services in every engagement. Their expertise makes them a trusted partner for organizations navigating the maritime and hospitality sectors.”
Martin Springer
President-BSM Cruise Services
Working with Ralph and his iStrive team has become and essential part of our efforts in executing our elevated river cruise line brand content. With a strong knowledge in cruise line hospitality, iStrive’s understanding of operational impact and their hands on effort is allowing us to execute within timing and budgetary constraints . As we have a series of new ships on order, we will continue to count on iStrive as part of our strategy implementation”
Hans Rood
CEO Transcend Cruises
iStrive has been pivotal in transforming our maritime operations. Their strategic brokerage services and global network have enabled us to navigate complex market landscapes and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Their dedication to excellence and commitment to delivering tailored solutions have made them an indispensable partner in our growth journey.
CEO
ASAF Maritime Agency
After Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the St. Maarten Training Foundation partnered with iStrive’s Johan Halvarsson to help rebuild our hospitality workforce. Johan’s leadership in crisis management and training was instrumental. He secured two academy facilities and developed industry-relevant curricula tailored to both immediate recovery and long-term growth. His cruise and resort experience enriched our vocational programs, helping train over 3,000 students. Johan also enhanced our emergency preparedness through practical insights. Even after our mission ended in 2021, iStrive’s support continued. We highly recommend iStrive Limited for organizations seeking expert hospitality training and crisis management solutions.
