WITH James Sitters, Business Development Manager, QLD/WA/SA/NT, Oceania Cruises – Tell us what the favourite part of your job is: Educating our amazing trade partners on our wonderful product and seeing their cruise aspirations come to life. Also, hearing from our loyal past guests on their life-changing experiences that they have encountered while cruising with Oceania.
2. What attracted you to a career in the cruise industry?
After nearly 18 years within the travel industry in a variety of roles, Oceania Cruises seemed to be the perfect fit for my style of cruising and travel.
3. What is key to success in the cruise industry?
Selling the right product to your clients. There is no better compliment than having a high volume of repeat clients on your database.
4. Has COVID-19 changed the way you do your job?
It absolutely has — there would not be one person within the travel industry that hasn’t been affected in one way or another.
5. What is the best thing to say to people who are hesitant to cruise?
Oceania Cruises is undertaking a plan for a healthy return to service that protects our guests, crew and communities. The SailSAFE Health and Safety Program creates multiple layers of protection against COVID-19.
6. What was your best fam trip?
It definitely has to be visiting Tahiti, onboard Oceania Cruises’ Marina, in Mar 2019.
7. How do you wind down after a busy week?
I like to spend some time with the family outside at one of the hundreds of amazing beaches or parks along the Gold Coast, followed by sinking a few refreshing ales.
8. The celebrity you would most like to cruise with?
Carl Barron — who doesn’t love a wholesome belly laugh?
9. What should the cruise ship of the future look like?
Smaller ships, energy efficient, environmentally friendly and health and safety paramount for our guests and crew.
10. When not at work, how do you spend your time?
We are currently renovating our house so that keeps me very busy in my spare time, but outside of that, all the great things that the Gold Coast has to offer — beaches, surfing, golf, football, live events, bars and a wide variety of restaurants. Hopefully travelling again soon too!