We have done the job.
That is why it works.

iStrive is a London and Sweden based consultancy, run by former cruise line executives and working internationally.

We design guest experiences, build and improve operations for cruise lines, resorts and hotels, and bring suppliers into the cruise sector. We do not hand over a report and leave. We stay in the business until the change is running.

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[01]

Cruise lines and operators

Guest experience design, onboard standards, training programmes and cost reviews, from a single venue to the whole ship.

Clients include Vidanta, Saga Cruises, Sea Cloud Cruises and Hibernia Line.

Guest experience and onboard standards

[02]

Owners, boards and investors

Owner's representation, interim leadership, restructuring, and oversight of newbuilds and refits. We have sat in the COO chair, on the board, and in the yard.

Clients include Sea Cloud Cruises, Cheyne Capital, Transcend Cruises and EWP.

Restructuring and interim leadership

[03]

Suppliers and technology companies

Market entry into cruise, river cruise and ferry. We represent a small number of products we believe in and put them in front of the people who sign.

Partners include DEX QM and Hanseatic Maritime Health.

Cruise market entry for suppliers

Recent work

Vidanta World Elegant

Designed, staffed and set up the casino and the shore excursion programme for a 216-guest vessel, from November 2025 to launch in April 2026.

Saga Cruises

Reviewed and improved the overall onboard experience, found cost savings, and built the training program and onboard values. A 90-day engagement that became a retainer.

Sea Cloud Cruises

Ralph de Klijn serves as Owner's Representative, supporting the restructuring of the business for long-term efficiency.

CFC and the Renaissance

Interim COO for Cheyne Capital. Got the ship out of the yard, moved technical management and brought hotel services in-house ahead of the merger with Ambassador.

DEX QM

Took a certified lubricant technology into the cruise sector, with 4 to 6% fuel savings, maintenance reduction and lower EU ETS exposure for operators using it.

AMONG OUR PARTNERS

What clients say

“

Working with Ralph and his iStrive team has become an 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

“

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.

PAUL BYRNE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, EWP

“

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.

MARK MINKELS, DEX QM PREMIUM LUBRICANTS

“

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

How we work

Two partners, a network of around ten specialists, assembled per engagement. No bench, no overhead passed on to you. Most engagements start with a fixed-scope 90-day review and continue only if the first phase paid for itself.

About iStrive and the people