Welcome to Face to Face, where we chat to cruise industry leaders. How/why did you get into the cruise industry? Ever since my first overseas family holiday in the mid-90s I have wanted to work in the travel industry. After starting my career in hotels and coach touring, I am...
Welcome to Face to Face, where we chat to cruise industry leaders.
How/why did you get into the cruise industry?
Ever since my first overseas family holiday in the mid-90s I have wanted
to work in the travel industry. After starting my career in hotels and coach
touring, I am excited to be working in the booming cruise industry.
Where do you see your company five years from now?
The next five years will be a very exciting time for Seabourn & Holland
America Line. Both brands will welcome two brand new ships each to
their respective fleets by 2018, with MS Koningsdam debuting for Holland
America Line in February next year and Seabourn Encore joining the fleet in
December 2016.
What is your favourite cruise destination, and why?
Copenhagen, it’s a great region to see by ship and also a quaint country
with surprisingly good food. A Seabourn marina day in the Mediterranean
is definitely on my bucket list as well.
What was your most memorable moment on a cruise?
I don’t have just one but sailing into Sydney Harbour at dawn is definitely
up there.
How do you spend days at sea?
I like to do a bit of everything to get the most out of my cruise but you’ll
often find me relaxing by the pool with a cocktail in hand.
What is the most important issue in the cruise industry today?
Different issues affect different segments of the cruise industry. One
prominent issue we face in Australia is ensuring the local cruise market
continues to grow at the record rates we are currently experiencing. I
think we can achieve this by attracting and retaining first time cruisers,
effectively dispelling common misconceptions associated with cruises and
communicating that there really is a cruise for everyone.
How can cruising attract more young people and families?
By offering great value for money, exciting & varying itineraries as well as
innovative onboard experiences.
Describe your perfect cruise in 25 words or less?
A perfect mix of sea days
and exploring idyllic
destinations, a spacious
Veranda stateroom (or
suite), great food and
wine complimented by
plenty of sun.
What is the most
underrated aspect of
cruising?
Unpacking once is
definitely underrated.
Not having to unpack and
pack every day gives you
more time to explore ashore or relax onboard.
What is your best tip for combating sea sickness?
I’m lucky in that I don’t suffer from seasickness however I’ve heard green
apples do the trick.
What are your career ambitions?
To keep learning and developing my skills and knowledge, and where it
takes me who knows? President of a cruise line either locally or overseas
would be nice…
What is your prediction for the future of cruising?
Cruising is still growing at a record pace and there’s still so much potential
for passenger growth not only out of Australia but also out of developing
regional markets. China’s growing middle class will be a strong driver of
demand across numerous cruise markets and we will see more modern
ships visiting local and regional waters in future to cater for this demand.
What advice would you give people who would like a job like yours?
Work hard, say yes to every opportunity and don’t be afraid to make
mistakes.
Brendan’s Cruise Favourites
Ship Activity: Relaxing by the pool or in the thermal suite.
Shore excursion: Dragoer, one of Denmark’s oldest and quaintest fishing villages
Ship: Seabourn Odyssey.
Region: Mediterranean
Port: Copenhagen
Onboard food/drink: Corona.
Perk of the job: All of the above!
