How/why did you get into the cruise industry? I started in my career in the travel industry straight out of school as a cruise travel agent knowing nothing about cruise ships and not having even seen one in the harbour. I quickly fell in love with cruising, moved my way...
How/why did you get into the cruise industry?
I started in my career in the travel industry straight out of school as a
cruise travel agent knowing nothing about cruise ships and not having
even seen one in the harbour. I quickly fell in love with cruising, moved
my way up the ranks and have been in the cruise industry ever since!
How many cruises have you been on in the five years?
I have taken 15 cruises in the past five years. My partner & I always like
to take a cruise on our own holiday and I have been lucky enough to
have cruised on a few one night trade/media cruises highlighting the
new local ship, plus some agent famils.
What is your favourite destination, and why?
Mexico, from Cabo to Cozumel. There is so much to do – plenty of great
food, cheap drinks, the Mayan Ruins, stunning rock formations and the
warm turquoise ocean for swimming or participating in the abundance
of water sport options!
What was your most memorable moment on a cruise?
I will never forget the time I stepped onboard Oasis of the Seas a few
years back, I was overwhelmed by the size & everything the ship had to
offer. It really is unlike any cruise ship I have ever been on!
How do you spend days at sea?
I like to wake up, head to breakfast in the dining room and then plan
my day by checking out the Cruise Compass. I usually like to attend
some trivia, spend some time in the sun doing something active and
spending the evening eating at a specialty restaurant followed by
catching the show.
What is the next “hot spot” in cruising destinations?
Asia, across our three brands we have several ships based in the
region so there is plenty of choice! From the innovative Quantum of
the Seas to experiencing modern luxury on Celebrity Millennium or
immersing yourself in the destination with Azamara Club Cruises
there is really something for everyone. The flights from Australia are quite
economical and it’s not too far away either making it the next logical choice.
What is the most important issue in the cruise industry today, and why?
Port infrastructure would have to be the most important issue for us, as we would like to bring
the big ships down here, however we are restricted by berthing space
as our ships don’t fit under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
What do you think is the most underrated aspect of cruising?
That it’s not all about being on the ship even though there is plenty to
do. There are some amazing destinations and ports that cruise ships
sail to, and depending on where you are in the world you can actually
sample a few different countries on the one cruise!
What is your best tip for sea-sickness?
Fresh air and sea sickness tablets.
Describe your perfect cruise in 25 words or less?
Cruising the Mediterranean, having all my drinks included, docking
close to port and spending plenty of time immersing myself in the
destination.
Jessica’s Cruise Favourites
Ship: Celebrity Solstice
Ship Activity: Trivia
Shore excursion: Dog sledding with Alaskan huskies
Region: North America from the Caribbean to Alaska there’s so many options!
Port: New York City
Onboard food/drink: Johnny Rockets burgers and milkshakes onboard Royal Caribbean
Perk of the job: The opportunity to cruise on the finest cruise ships in the world!
