For as long as I can remember, I was drawn to the world of travel. At school, I dreamed of becoming an air hostess, but deep down, I knew I was too much of a homebody for a career constantly on the move. So, instead, I applied to travel agencies and was offered a Youth Training Scheme position. That opportunity led to two years of invaluable training, and from there, I moved to a tour operator, where I gained hands-on experience and absolutely loved the industry.
In 1995, I was offered a role at ROL Cruise by Peter, and I never looked back. Over the years, my career has evolved significantly. I started in sales before moving into marketing, where I helped build the tailor-made team from the ground up. It was a thrilling challenge - curating the perfect packages, from securing the best flights and hotels to overseeing the advertising and logistics. Eventually, I even had the privilege of travelling with our customers, ensuring every aspect of their journey was seamless. Today, I’ve come full circle and am back in sales, focusing on training new starters, maintaining quality, and ensuring compliance across the team.
The cruise industry has transformed immensely since I joined ROL Cruise 30 years ago. Back then, options were limited, and ships were far simpler in design. I still remember my first experience on Voyager of the Seas in 2007 - at the time, a climbing wall and sports deck seemed groundbreaking! Now, cruise ships boast racetracks, ice bars, magic carpets, and an incredible variety of dining options. The level of choice and innovation in the industry today is beyond what we ever imagined.
Memorable customer stories
Some of my most memorable moments come from my time looking after customers aboard.
One unforgettable experience was in New York when we met passengers disembarking Queen Mary 2 and checking them into the legendary Waldorf Astoria. Just as we finally sat down after a long day, a customer rushed over in a panic - they had left their jewellery in the safe onboard. With minutes to spare before the ship’s departure, we hailed a yellow taxi and raced across to Brooklyn. Thankfully, we made it just in time, retrieved the jewellery, and only later found out how valuable it truly was - perhaps for the best, as the pressure would have been unbearable!
Another incident in Dubai involved a missing suitcase that turned into a wild goose chase. We scoured CCTV footage, searched lost and found at the port, and even went to the airport to track it down - all to no avail. After hours of searching and an unexpected bump in a taxi ride, we returned to the hotel past midnight. The next morning, we had to break the news to the customers and take them shopping for new clothes as they only had what they were wearing. It was a crazy experience but one that taught me the importance of patience and problem-solving in travel.
My favourite ever cruise experience was with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. I was lucky enough to attend the launch of Seven Seas Grandeur, and WOW is all I can say. From the most luxurious bed I’ve ever slept in to food that was simply out of this world, it was an unforgettable experience that reaffirmed why I love cruising so much.
Looking ahead, I see ROL Cruise only growing stronger. After three decades in this incredible industry, I can confidently say that cruising remains one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to travel.
