Welcome to Face to Face, where we chat to cruise industry leaders. How did you get into the cruise industry? I started as a Fitness Instructor onboard in the late 1990s. What was your most memorable moment on a cruise? Standing on the bow of Carnival Fantasy in the early...
Welcome to Face to Face, where we chat to cruise industry leaders.
How did you get into the cruise industry?
I started as a Fitness Instructor onboard in the late 1990s.
What was your most memorable moment on a cruise?
Standing on the bow of Carnival Fantasy in the early morning darkness, watching the space shuttle
illuminate the sky and launch at incredible real-life speed.
How do you spend days at sea?
Normally lecturing, but if I have time off, you will find me reading in a quiet location where I can watch the
life of the ocean roll by.
What is the next ‘hot spot’ in cruising destinations?
Once unrest has eased completely and confidence returns, the Egyptian government’s latest decision to
return to open passageways between Cairo and Aswan should make for some great longer Nile River
journeys.
What is the most important issue in the cruise industry today?
The development of the global body (CLIA) will be pivotal in shaping the industry for the next few decades, including regulatory focus,
government relations, consumer awareness and the assembly of travel agent resources from around the world.
How can cruising continue to grow in the current financial climate?
Market penetration percentages indicate there is still a long way to go for modern day cruising to hit any saturation points, but companies
have to balance their supply and demand amongst more international passengers to offset any fall in local climates.
What is something you wish more agents knew about cruising?
I wish agents knew more on the ports they are offering, as it is a big part of selling cruising, and also had the courage to approach more existing
groups to cruise as the benefits are better than any other type of group travel available.
Describe your perfect cruise in 25 words or less.
“Good afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Please enjoy our sail-away as we commence our World Cruise.”
What is your best tip for sea-sickness?
A heavy-loaded port itinerary, though I always tell people I am prone to sea-sickness but got through working on ships for 12 years, so it’s not
that bad!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Still immersed in the industry,yet I would like to have completed a couple of books I have been working on by then.
What advice would you give other people who want a job like yours?
Stay open to change, learn in your downtime, and network honourably.
Peter’s Cruise Favourites!
Favourite Ship: Crystal Symphony
Favourite ship activity: Evening shows, because it’s not something I normally do on land.
Favourite shore excursion: Rio Carnivale
Favourite region: Norwegian coast up to Svalbard
Favourite port: Reykjavik, Iceland/Rangoon, Yangon (Burma)
Favourite onboard food: Any fresh seafood and I love the selection of wines onboard.
Favourite perk of the job: Cruising for free!
