Sara Macefield is an award-winning travel journalist who nailed her colours to the mast nearly two decades ago when she started writing about cruises. She’s since sailed across oceans and rivers all over the world in vessels of varying shapes and sizes.
When did you discover your love for cruising?
I started young as my parents took me on my first cruise when I was just 18 months old! Obviously, my memories are non-existent - apparently, I used to crawl across the deck - but it was when I had my own twin girls that cruising really grabbed me as it was the perfect family holiday. My daughters are now 21, but having cruised since they were three years old, they’ve now notched up more than 30 sailings each and we were able to find cruises (and destinations) that perfectly suited each stage as they were growing up.
When did your career as a cruise journalist begin and what led you to it?
I’ve been a travel journalist for more than 25 years, having worked on a trade journal called Travel Trade Gazette (TTG), and started covering the cruise industry around 2006. It just grew from there as the industry was starting to boom with so many exciting new ships and destinations.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Getting to experience the ships first-hand. There’s the initial thrill of seeing them moored up before stepping aboard for that all-important first impression. Doing the introductory walk-round, looking at new facilities, trying out novel attractions, sampling the cuisine, especially in new restaurants and watching the entertainment.
What is the most memorable moment of your career to date?
It was winning the Contribution to Cruise Journalism award at the so-called Oscars of cruising organised by the Cruise Lines International Association, which represents most of the world’s cruise companies. I must confess, when my name was read out, I wasn’t really listening as my friend was chatting to me. Someone had to nudge me to tell me I’d won. It was so unexpected, I was gobsmacked!
Do you have a favourite cruise line?
Heck - that’s a tough one. No, I don’t - mainly because there are aspects of several lines that I like and rate. However, one of my favourites is the tall-ship line Star Clippers, while among the mainstream lines, I love Celebrity Cruises and I’m a fan of Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line too. I’ve been lucky enough to sail with several of the so-called “Six Star” luxury lines and that’s always a treat.
And what about a favourite cruise destination?
Another tough one to answer! As I prefer warm water cruising and the sunshine that goes with it, the Caribbean always wins for me especially as there’s such a rich choice of islands. I also love Asia’s exotic mix of experiences for both river and ocean cruises which have the ability to take you off the beaten track to beautiful remote locations where locals rarely encounter Western tourists.
What is your most memorable cruising experience?
There have been many, but it would have to be cruising the Galápagos Islands. Being able to walk among animals that have no fear of humans - to have birds hopping around your feet, sea lions diving playfully around you while snorkelling and vast shoals of colourful fish surrounding you like a billowing curtain - was truly astounding.
Do you have any top tips for our customers to make the most out of their cruise?
Do your research beforehand, so you know which will be the best ports for either exploring independently or taking ship excursions. I always like trying tours run by locals for a more authentic flavour or jumping aboard the local transport.
Which cruise destinations do you think should appear on every traveller’s bucket list?
Definitely the Galápagos Islands as there’s nowhere else like it, the Polar Regions (especially Antarctica) and, when it returns to the tourism stage, Myanmar for river cruises. It’s an incredible country for its culture, history and lovely gentle people.
Do you have any cruises planned for the near future?
Of course! I’m doing a Caribbean cruise on a mega-yacht holding just over 100 guests, which means we can call at smaller hideaways such as Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, Nevis and Montserrat. In April, I’m joining a cruise along the West Coast of the USA and Mexico that coincides with the solar eclipse - and we will be under the path of totality. We then sail through the Panama Canal to the Caribbean and on to Florida. Can’t wait!
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