Sarina Bratton

Sarina Bratton is credited with developing Australia as both a domestic and international cruise destination, generating significant economic benefits in the process.
Sarina founded Orion Expedition Cruises, a world class expedition cruise line operating from Australia to pristine wilderness areas in Antarctica, the Kimberleys, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, New Zealand and Asia. International recognition was achieved when Sarina Bratton was Vice President and General Manager Asia Pacific for Cunard Line, which she grew from a sales agency operation of $300,000 revenue, through a start-up, to an operation with 33 staff and revenue of over $30 million.
She is a former Director of the Tourism Task Force, National Councillor for Tourism Council Australia, the founding chair of the International Cruise Council of Australia and has held senior board positions with the State Transit Authority (NSW), Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Deputy Chair), Sydney Paralympic Organising Committee (Prime Minister’s nominee) and the Australian Trade Commission.
In 2003 Sarina Bratton was awarded the Commonwealth Government’s Centenary Medal for her business leadership contributions to Australian society and in 2008 was a finalist in the Ernst ∓ Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. She has been a finalist in the Business Woman of the Year Award on two occasions; Winner of the Avon Spirit of Achievement Business Award 1995, and voted Inspiring Woman of Australia 2000 by the Australian Businesswomen’s Network.
In May 2008, Orion Expedition Cruises was acquired by KSL Capital Partners, a Denver-based private equity firm specialising in travel and leisure enterprises in five sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. Sarina remains a significant shareholder and continues as Managing Director of Orion Expedition Cruises.
Sarina Bratton’s vision to develop Australia as both a domestic and international cruise destination, through the development of innovative Australian (as against Pacific island) itineraries, has generated significant economic benefit to Australia and in particular regional Australia.
Sarina is a strong leadership speaker - getting the result in excellent staff performance and commitment and an ability to attract, enthuse and hold key staff. The reception Sarina receives from a range of audiences is always positive and helped considerably by her down to earth and unassuming style.