Lorraine Herring, Australia’s
leading cruise consultant for
2012, talks to Cruise Weekly
about her confidence in the
future of local cruising.
A PART-time travel agent at Escape Travel
Blacktown (NSW) has held onto her crown as
the most knowledgeable cruise consultant in
the country.
Based on the amount of education and
practical shipboard experience undertaken
throughout her career, Lorraine Herring is
recognised as the industry’s leading ‘Master’
by the International Cruise Council Australasia.
Herring joined the travel industry in 2004
and took her first cruise two years later.
“I have now done 14 cruises,” she said.
“That’s right – one cruise and you’re addicted.”
Herring acknowledges that she decided to
specialise in cruising at the ideal time.
“I am very excited about this cruise season
and it’s exciting to see some new ships coming
into our waters,” she said.
“I do believe there is enough interest [to fill
the expanding capacity] and this was proven to
me at our recent cruise expo in Darling
Harbour, where it was amazing to see the
turnout of people that came through the
doors and sat in on the presentations.”
Herring has seen a big increase in bookings
among Australian customers.
“And not just out of Sydney,” she said.
“A lot more people are also adding cruising
into their Europe travel plans, which is fantastic.”
The best part, according to Herring, is that
cruises are better value than ever.
“I think prices have definitely come down,
and it’s great to see such a wide choice of
affordable holidays for Australians, whether it
be cheap and cheerful or much more luxurious.”
Her hottest tip for travellers is choosing the
right ship: “Know what you want out of a cruise
in terms of standard of accommodation and
activities you like, which will then help the
consultant make recommendations to suit
your needs.”
For families, she recommends Carnival Spirit,
Voyager of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas and
Radiance of the Seas; for older couples, her
pick is Princess Cruises to New Zealand.
Herring’s personal favourite was an Alaskan
cruise with Holland America Line, and her
dream voyage is either Antarctica or the
Kimberley region with Orion Expedition
Cruises.
