Welcome to Face to Face, where we chat to cruise industry leaders.
How/why did you get into the cruise industry?
I’ve always wanted to work in travel, I have a Bachelor and a Masters degree in Tourism. I moved into the Leisure side after working in Corporate as I wanted to follow my passion. Expedition Cruising is an industry niche
that I was searching for.
What is the key to your success?
Having an all-consuming interest in the subject that I spend most of waking hours selling is ultimately responsible for the great energy I have for my career and my happiness. “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer.
What was your most memorable moment on a cruise?
The history of the Australian owned Macquarie Island in the Subantarctic Islands. It was a very rare treat to see the remnants of Sir Douglas Mawson’s telegraph pole he used to communicate with Australia via Pennant Hills in Sydney (where I grew up). Also reading of Shackleton’s Endurance Epic journey at the Paulet Island stage when I was looking out of my porthole seeing Paulet Island.
How do you spend days at sea?
I spend the time reading about the destination that the cruise is going to and attending lectures like a sea nerd, lapping it up. I tried an Elliptical machine in the gym whilst bobbing about in the Southern Ocean. I wouldn’t recommend it.
What is the next “hot spot” in cruising destinations?
Burma has now opened up and can’t build the hotels fast enough. Anywhere in the Mediterranean such as Greece and Croatia are proving to be big markets for Micro-Cruising (no real surprises there). Indonesia also has a plethora of options for Micro-Cruisers that are comparable to big ship prices and provide an authentic local experience.
How can cruising continue to grow in the current financial climate?
I believe the macro-economic climate will sustain any short term blips as long as our market leading Baby Boomers are wanting to see the world before they consider themselves too old for travel.
What is something you wish more agents and consumers knew about cruising?
There are alternatives to the big cruises. Your active clients are catered for, your ‘fly and flop’ clients are catered for, even your clients with specific needs. We have wheelchair accessibility for a round the world sailing vessel! We offer skiing and diving in Antarctica, sailing on Grace Kelly’s Honeymoon yacht given as a gift by Aristotle Onassis, lunch on the side of a Patagonian Fjord by helicopter, a one cabin vessel charter with seven staff including a full time masseuse, even a two passenger submarine dive to 305m under the surface.
Describe your perfect cruise in 25 words or less?
Any active cruise involving cycling, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and photography. Having an authentic cultural exchange and giving back to the local hospitals and schools.
What is your best tip for combating sea sickness?
I’m lucky that I have a good set of sea legs. I have heard options from a Gin & Tonic and the Ear Patch to the injection which is supposed to put you out-for-the-count. Sturgeon has been recommended to me but last I heard, you can’t get it in Australia.
What advice would you give to other people who want a job like yours?
Imagine your dream job. Ask yourself what the role expects of you & work hard to make it yours. If it doesn’t exist, put your hand up, make it happen!
Nicola’s Cruise Favourites
Ship: I can’t choose between my children.
Ship Activity: De-briefings from that day and briefings for the following day.
Region: Antarctica
Shore excursion: The Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley.
Port: Hobart
Onboard food/drink: Seven-course degustation on the National Geographic Orion.
Perk of the job: Matching clients with their perfect Micro-Cruise!