| FACE-2-FACE: 03 Nov 21

WITH Angus Mackay, Key Account Manager, P&O Cruises Australia – Tell us what your favourite part of your job is:

Simple – there’s always something new to learn.

2. What attracted you to a career in the cruise industry?

Opportunity! My first position as BDM for Complete Cruise Solution offered the opportunity to represent six different cruise lines, in an industry that was really starting to take off – lots to learn and lots to get advisors excited about.

3. What is key to success in the cruise industry?

Keep learning as it is constantly evolving. When you think you know everything about a cruise brand – look again.

4. How has COVID-19 changed the way you do your job?

The biggest differences – having a dog at my feet, the lure of the fridge, and not having a three-plus hour return commute to my desk each day. There’s also a lot of new topics we need to be up to speed on (never thought I’d become a trainee in epidemiology), but in essence, a lot of the fundamentals are still the same.

5. What is the best thing to say to people who are hesitant to cruise?

Firstly, ask what their hesitancies are — it may be a misconception or something simple to address. Before my first cruise I was hesitant too, so I relate my experience and suggest things like considering a shorter cruise to start with or going with a group of friends/family to add a different dynamic.

6. What was your best fam trip?

I’ve had some crackers! QM2 to France (ex Southampton), Ryndam (soon to be Pacific Aria) to Norwegian Fjords (ex Harwich), Seabourn Pride in Asia (ex Ho Chi Minh)…all were amazing with great groups, however, there’s nothing quite like cruising on our home-grown cruise line, and hosting our Flagship Top Achievers on P&O’s Australia Day Cruise was a standout experience-wise!

7. How do you wind down after a busy week?

A barbecue, a beer, then just add family and friends.

8. The celebrity you would most like to cruise with?

Jimi Hendrix (yeah I know…..) – can you imagine the entertainment on that cruise!

9. When not at work, how do you spend your time?

This always sounds like a dating profile…enjoying fun times with my family, seeing bands, dining out, keeping fit and planning for my next travel adventure.