| FACE-2-FACE: 27 Oct 21

WITH Julie Donaldson, Key Partnership Manager NSW/ACT, Cruise Traveller – Tell us what your favourite part of your job is: Every day is different, which I love. Meeting new people, working with my trade partners and of course, the travel.

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

That started a long time ago whilst working in London. An opportunity came about to work with Princess Cruises and all I knew of cruising at the time was The Love Boat, so who could refuse that! I was hooked after my first cruise to the Canary Islands.

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

Positive attitude, hard work, working successfully with your trade partners, keeping yourself up to date on your product knowledge. Cruising is always evolving.

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

I’m usually out on the road educating my NSW/ACT agents on all the wonderful products that Cruise Traveller represent. Now my days are spent either on Zoom calls or on the phone.

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

You will never know until you give it a go, but more importantly, match the needs and wants of your holiday with the right cruise and destination/s.

4. What was your best fam trip?

I have been very fortunate in the cruise industry to see some extraordinary places, but hands down, at this stage of my career, it has been the Canadian Arctic with Adventure Canada. Wildlife, wilderness, mountains, glaciers, indigenous communities — just amazing.

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

I work in the cruise industry…with a wine of course!

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

Joanna Lumley as she is intelligent, funny and interesting. I’m sure she would have a story or two to tell over a few wines.

7. What should the cruise ship of the future look like?

Small, whether that be for river, ocean or expedition. Fewer passengers, environmentally friendly, technically advanced, especially now with COVID procedures in place. Leaving mainstream destinations to explore new and untouched parts of the world where there will be less crowds.