| Face to Face: Paul Hollingdale Business Development Executive for MSC Cruises Qld & WA

WELCOME TO FACE TO FACE, CW’S THURSDAY FEATURE WHERE WE CHAT TO CRUISE INDUSTRY LEADERS.
This week we talk to Paul Hollingdale Business
Development Executive for MSC Cruises Qld & WA.
How did you get into the cruise industry?
I emigrated from the UK with my parents when I was 13
years old. The passage took 34 nights onboard a Russian
ship chartered by CTC Cruises. It was a great adventure for
a young kid who was going to join the Navy. Instead I
joined the travel industry and, as coincidence would have it
I went on to be Qld Manager for CTC Cruises. Since then
I’ve worked with various cruise companies and have been
fortunate to have experienced many styles of cruising.
Where do you see MSC in two years?
There are some exciting times ahead for MSC Cruises and
I’m looking forward to seeing our cruises expand into the
Middle East and beyond during the next two years.
What has been your most interesting cruise experience?
Having cruised quite a bit one of the most enjoyable aspects of this job is being able to
impart ones knowledge and experiences to agents and first time cruisers. I’ve taken some
interesting famils during my career and each one has been a memorable experience. I
remember taking the first famil on Norwegian Star back in 1998. It was a cruise cruise/fly
famil to Vanuatu. We experienced a Cyclone at sea and then an earthquake at Port Vila.
What is the next “hot spot” in cruising destinations?
There are not many ‘new’ destinations that haven’t been conquered by cruise companies.
As far as MSC is concerned, MSC is exploring new territories as well as supplying the
increasing demand in the Mediterranean with new ships and new itineraries. However, as
ships get larger and more advanced the ships themselves become the destination for many
passengers.
What is the most important issue in the cruise industry today, and why?
In order for the industry to continue its rapid growth it is important for cruise companies to
provide a safe and enjoyable experience that exceeds expectations particularly for first time
cruise passengers.
What is something you wish more agents/consumers knew about cruising?
Internationally or domestically any holiday maker or traveller is a potential cruise passenger.
With exceptional pricing and lower airfares it’s a great opportunity for agents to up sell to
balcony cabins – not only for passenger comfort but also for higher yields all round.
What makes Australians/New Zealanders different to other cruise passengers?
The Mediterranean, Caribbean and South America are still relatively new destinations to
many Australians and New Zealanders. And rather than our European counterparts who take
their back yard for granted we are keen to explore and soak up the atmosphere that is so
unique to these areas. We also love a party – who needs an excuse…
Just for fun!
Favourite ship: MSC Splendida
Favourite ship activity: Early morning cuppa on my balcony as we enter a new port for the day
Favourite shore excursion: Sometimes the simplest pleasure is to go exploring on your own. A
local wine with homemade prosciutto and focaccia in a quaint Italian Piazza is wonderful.
Favourite region: Mediterranean for a cultural and historical experience, Pacific for a relaxing
flop and drop holiday.
Favourite port: La Valletta, Malta
Favourite onboard food/drink: Food: Spanish Paella / Drink: Mojito Cocktails
Favourite perk of the job: Cruise famils and selling cruises with passion!