Welcome to Face to Face, where we chat to cruise industry leaders. How did you get into the cruise industry? I was asked to set up the Australian business entity servicing Viking’s clients in Australia and New Zealand. Where do you see Viking in five years? River cruising will continue...
Welcome to Face to Face, where we chat to cruise industry leaders.
How did you get into the cruise industry?
I was asked to set up the Australian business entity servicing Viking’s clients in Australia and New Zealand.
Where do you see Viking in five years?
River cruising will continue to gain market share from other travel categories as a way to explore destinations
around the world, Europe in particular. We are all very excited about the introduction of our oceans project and
proud to be part of the birth of a new ocean cruise line. Five years from now, we’ll have a great business offering
fully integrated ocean/river itineraries with seamless transition between the two concepts.
What is the key to your success?
To never, never, never give up and making sure you have a great team dedicated to achieving the same goal as you.
What is your favourite destination, and why?
There are always reasons to go back to Europe.
What was your most memorable moment on a cruise?
Cruising on the Yangtze River with my mum was pretty special. She has not done a lot of travelling and to show her China was a dream come
true. My colleagues on board made a terrific job making sure she felt comfortable and included.
How can cruising continue to grow in the current financial climate?
Cruise products, regardless whether offered on a river or an ocean, offer tremendous value very hard to match. Travellers have already
identified the value proposition of cruising, hence the continued growth of passenger numbers despite the GFC etc. Now the challenge is to
communicate the width of cruise products on offer. There really is a program out there for everyone. Another reason to why I am certain this
category will see continued growth: Look at the level of investment the cruise lines are willing to engage in the marketing of the category.
Consumers are therefore continuously reminded of the value and benefits of cruising generating an interest that will not go away any time soon.
What do you think is the most underrated/overrated aspect of cruising?
Underrated: “I’m too young, I’m too active for cruising”. Overrated, not sure as I seldom meet people not happy with their cruising
experience. They may say they’d choose a different line next time but generally speaking happy with the concept.
What is something you wish more agents/consumers knew about cruising?
To both groups: Take the time to research different lines. There are so many available to the Australian or New Zealand consumer today and
so many products that are unique, offer high quality and deserve attention.
What is your prediction for the future of cruising?
More specific cruise product, themed products growing alongside the more mainstream cruise products.
What advice would you give other people who want a job like yours?
Never underestimate the effort needed in reaching your goals. One of my first bosses used to say to anyone leaving work before 6pm “Working
part-time?”. If you want to go further than your peers, you have to invest more and often much more than what anyone else is willing to invest.
Teresia’s Cruise Favourites!
Favourite Ship: A Viking longship, of course
Favourite ship activity: Dinner time… I love food and good company
Favourite shore excursion: Anything discovering history
Favourite region: Europe
Favourite port: Paris
Favourite onboard food: Champagne
Favourite perk of the job: My colleagues and my friends in the industry
