CRUISECIRCLE - Key Persons

A Coruna is in a region known as 'Green Spain' because of the lush natural vegetation

Job Titles:

• Marketing & Content Executive / Industry

Job Titles:

• Training & Recruitment Manager / Industry

Cheryl's top cruising tip: If you have kids that love the pool, pack their swimming gear in your carry-on bag; you can then board and head straight to the pool, avoiding the need to wait for your suitcases to be delivered to your room. Industry background: 34 blissful years in various roles from trainee, assistant manager, retail store manager for Lunn Poly, followed by various management positions at TV Travel shop, start-up Manager for the first High Street shop for Affordable Travel and, more recently, 16 ½ years specialising in the cruise market. Fate bought me to my next adventure working with the family run business that is Cruise Circle. Favourite cruising experience: My husband and I had so much fun onboard Fred. Olsen's Black Watch, sailing around the Mediterranean. We have such fond memories, especially in the evening when we were dragged onto the dance floor plus being taught by Margaret and her friends how to foxtrot and waltz. It was lovely to see so many solo travellers too who had cruised for years with their partners and were continuing to relish the experience with likeminded travellers. Now we cruise as a family and Royal Caribbean never disappoints - every turn is another WOW moment. My son feels safe and secure at all times of the day as he can go off with friends enjoying the facilities whilst my husband and I enjoy the pool Why I love my job: There's never a dull moment - things are constantly evolving and I love seeing the new ships with their latest innovations. I get a real buzz from having someone return home and make another booking with you because of the service and advice they've received - it's truly heart-warming. Dream Itinerary: I've never been to the Far East on a cruise. I would love to visit Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand, stop and have a catch up with my sister in Christchurch, NZ and fly home first class.

Job Titles:

• Web Product Manager / Industry

Industry background: 2.5 years at a web development agency with a focus on cruise. Why I love my job: My favourite aspect of my job is that it's extremely varied. It also involves a lot of problem-solving in order to provide creative solutions to issues that come up. Dream Itinerary: My dream itinerary would be a few days cruising the Galapagos islands, with enough time to go wildlife-spotting, then off to the Maldives for some rest and relaxation on shore.

Job Titles:

• CLIA Accredited Cruise Specialist / Industry

Industry background: I started working in the cruise industry after college over 19 years ago. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have visited may parts of the world and experienced many sailings on both ocean and river cruises. I love being on board and appreciate the luxury and excitement that comes with cruising and having the opportunity to travel to enriching countries and indulge in different cultures. Why I love my job: I love being able to create bespoke tailor-made bucket list packages for my clients and hearing about their adventures on their return. Favourite Cruising Experience: Being on board for the launch of Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas from Barcelona. The Aqua Show is a must!! Dream Itinerary: My mother is Burmese and I have always wanted to travel there. I would love to travel from Thailand on board the Death Railway Train, then followed by an Asian cruise. Industry background: I have been working in the travel industry since I was 18 while still at school as part of the Entertainment team in various holiday resort in the Med. Then at 21, I started working in a high street travel agency in Italy where I spent 5 years before deciding to move to the UK which is where I discovered the immense and fascinating cruising world. Had a brief break due to COVID-19 but I'm back, now with Cruise Circle and I couldn't be happier. Favourite cruising experience: So far, the Eastern Med and Greek Islands - those sunsets when leaving Santorini have left a print on my heart. Destination tip: if you're in the Adriatic and visit Kotor, remember to enjoy the sail away from the top deck laying on a sunbed - you'll feel on the top of the World! Why I love my job: Being an avid traveller myself, I find booking holidays for others rewarding and satisfying, knowing that I'm helping our customers organise their well-deserved, dream holiday. Simply put, it makes me happy. Dream Itinerary: I have two - an expedition to Antarctica and to cruise around the Galapagos Islands. Being able to see those remote lands barely touched by humans and wild nature at its best is a dream-and-a-half for me! There is no better way to visit those places than on a cruise holiday! Industry background: I've worked in travel since leaving school over 18 years ago. I started as a sales consultant selling all types of mainstream holidays but my passion was selling cruises and so I took on the role of a Regional Cruise Team Leader. Then as cruising became more popular & my love for it just kept growing, I decided in 2010 to focus solely on the Cruise Industry and became a Cruise Specialist. I have since been on many ships and to many ports around the world, so am proud to be able to use this extensive knowledge & my first-hand experiences to share with my amazing clients. I have loved every minute of my career. Favourite cruising experience: Having been fortunate enough to have been cruising since I was 7 years old, I am struggling to narrow my experiences into just one favourite because they have all been special for different reasons. Regent Seven Seas Explorer wins my "Favourite Cruise Ship" award. It exudes sophistication, decadence and beauty in its outstanding décor and all of its public & decks areas are highly maintained with fantastic facilities that come as standard in Regents Ultra All Inclusive package. My favourite voyage has to have been with Celebrity onboard Celebrity Eclipse when she was doing her Maiden season to the Norwegian Fjords. The itinerary was so breath-taking - stunning coastlines & waterfalls emerging from the fjord lands (pictures just do not do this destination justice) paired with an amazing ship that catered for all my needs made it such a memorable trip! Why I love my job: I love being able to turn my customers dreams into reality and for me that is painting the picture from my experiences. I listen to all of the requirements (even the small ones) to make sure I pair the customer with the right brand of cruise line and the right voyage to give them a fantastic cruising experience. Industry background: I have worked in travel since leaving school 20 years ago, it has always been my dream job! Most of these years have been on the high street with a large multiple and then specialising in cruise only holidays over the past few years. Favourite Cruising Experience: It's hard to choose as they have all been so fantastic. However, I think the brand new Norwegian Bliss ship just pipped the others, with the excellent food and drink choices onboard. My favourite port so far is Kotor in Montenegro which really took me by surprise, very "oldy worldy," little-cobbled streets and stunning scenery, it was just beautiful. Why I love my job: I love to travel, I love my holidays, my cruises and really enjoy helping customers to make that choice for their dream holiday. I have many loyal customers that love my honesty I can use my personal experience to help them decide. Every cruise, customer and day is different which is what I love. Dream Itinerary: Alaska is my dream itinerary, the scenery, wildlife and the fantastic excursions on offer are so exciting, this is on the list for my "big birthday"

Job Titles:

• Sales / Customer Services Director / Industry

Danielle's Top Cruising Tip: Always speak to someone in the know to ensure you are booking the right cruise line and the right ship, and of course always make sure you book with Cruise Circle. Industry background: I have worked in travel my whole working life. Working for small independent agencies before moving onto Lunn Poly which then changed to Thomson's, I took an agency break in 2002 and worked overseas as a Holiday Representative in both Majorca and Gran Canaria which was a fantastic experience. I then returned back to agency life. I started with Travel Circle back in 2007 when Cruise Circle first began and I am very proud of what my husband and I have achieved since then. Favourite Cruising Experience: I never thought that cruising would be for me until I sailed around the Caribbean in 2004 only being 24 years old I thought I would not like it, how wrong could I have been? Since then I have been hooked and I have been fortunate to sail on many different cruise lines to amazing destinations. My absolute favourite was the when we sailed through the South Pacific, visiting Bora Bora and Moorea. It was truly magnificent. Why I love my job: Every day differs for me which keeps my role exciting. I enjoy working closely with both my customers and my team whom might I add I am most proud of. Our combined experience gives our customers the peace of mind that they are booking with the right agency and my team work hard to ensure that we maintain this high level of service which is why we have a high repeat customer base. Of course, I face challenges, one of which is ensuring that we are consistently compliant with both ABTA/ATOL. However, I recognise how important it is that all of our bookings are booked correctly and that we are giving our customers exactly what they have booked and paid for. It is guaranteed that my team will always go that extra mile for all of our customers, whilst we consistently remain competitive we also give thorough and honest advice.

Job Titles:

• CLIA Accredited Cruise Specialist / Industry

Emma's top cruising tip: As ships get larger & larger with more amazing facilities onboard, its worthwhile taking the time to really decide where you want your cabin to be located onboard. I've found that it makes all the difference to your experience & is well worth paying that little bit extra to get the specific cabin type & location you want.

Job Titles:

• Managing Director / Industry

Industry background: My first job in travel was as a sales consultant for TV Travel Shop back in 1999, it was truly an eye-opener to the world of travel and an exciting place to work. In January 2006 I started with Travel Circle, just as a new project ‘Cruise Circle' was being launched, the rest I guess you could say is history, our history. I'm fortunate to have been with Cruise Circle since the very start and am very proud of what we have achieved since those early days.

Job Titles:

• Customer Care Advisor / Industry

Industry background: I have been in the industry now for over 25 years. I started on the high street at Lunn Poly, later moving to Thomas Cook. I have also worked at a local coach company and a cruise specialist agency before I took a break from the travel industry. I'm thrilled to be back in the industry and working for a specialist cruise travel agency.. Why I love my job: I get to help people to organise their next holiday - what's not to love?! I get to share my personal and professional training to offer recommendations that I think will enhance someone's holiday. I have some amazing chances to visit ships and countries. I just love to talk about travel and I get to do it every day.. Favourite Cruising Experience: My favourite experience has to be my first - it was so special. It was the Golden Princess and she was brand new! I think I spent the whole trip with my mouth open as I had never seen anything so stunning. Even today, having been onboard many ships, I still get butterflies in my tummy and a little bit emotional when I step onboard any cruise ship for the first time. Dream Itinerary: There are so many. Personally, my dream holiday would actually be a cruise line rather than a particular itinerary. I am a massive Disney fan so I would absolutely love to sail on Disney Wish, their latest ship. Jodie's Top Cruising Tip: If there a particular dining experience you really are desperate to do while on-board, please tell us! We can let you know if it can pre-booked, either at the time of booking or before you travel. It's best not to wait until you get on-board as they can sell out.

Job Titles:

• New Reservations Team Leader / Industry

Industry background: I have worked in the travel industry for over 25 years. I was based on the high street for a large well-known agency in a variety of roles for 18 years. I have been at Cruise Circle for over 8 years, during this time I have built up my cruise knowledge and experience through ship visits and personal cruises. My customer service is exemplary and with my personal and attentive service, many of my customers return to me year after year. Why I love my job: Having visited many countries and cruised with a large variety of cruise lines, onboard different ships I really love sharing my extensive personal destination and cruise knowledge. By far, the best aspect of my job is looking after my growing amount of repeat customers, who book with me year after year and are like my extended family. Favourite Cruising Experience: My favourite destination has to be the Caribbean with Princess which I loved so much I had to do 3 times! I also really enjoyed the scenery of the Norwegian Fjords. We often get invited to view the newest ships. I recently saw Celebrity Edge and Norwegian Bliss - both were phenomenal! Dream Itinerary: Do I only get to pick 1? I'm torn between Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific or Alaska and the Rockies. It's a tough choice! Joy's Top Cruising Tip: Take as many cruises as you can as life is just too short!

Job Titles:

• Customer Care Advisor / Industry

Industry background: When I left school I started work with a High Street travel agency and worked with them in various locations for 7 years. I left the industry only to return to the job I loved a few years later. I now have over 16 years experience in a variety of travel roles. Favourite cruising experience: My favourite ship so far has been the Celebrity Eclipse. Everything about it was amazing and the food and cocktails were pretty special. My favourite destination is Greece - any of the islands - I'm not fussy! If I had to pick one Zante has to win but as long as there is Greek sunshine and food I'm happy. Why I love my job: It's brilliant working in travel, every day is different! Everyone you talk to has a different favourite experience and it's interesting to hear their perceptions of the same destinations and trips. Discussing their perfect holiday is exciting and its great to be able to book them their next adventure. Dream Itinerary: There are so many Cruising Itineraries I would love to experience so a World Cruise would be the easiest option! But until I retire, I think cruising around South America to see Machu Picchu and the Rainforests would be one of the top ones.

Job Titles:

• Customer Care Assistant / Industry

Industry background: My career in travel began when I became a Thomson Holiday Rep back in 1999 in Mallorca. I just loved meeting new people and learning the languages! This amazing career path led me to working long haul and short haul destinations as well as many French ski resorts and managing all types of accommodations. After Thomson's, I settled in Ibiza for 12 years managing a private transfer company before settling back in Blighty in 2017. Favourite cruising experience: I just love the Caribbean. Each day you wake up to a new island with their different cultural influences and colours. It's all just so exciting. Aruba is just stunning, Curacao is so pretty with its multi-coloured houses and the St Lucians are so friendly. Why I love my job: I work as part of a wonderful team. Our customers are so loyal to Cruise Circle that is does feel like a big family. Every day brings you something new. Dream Itinerary: I would love a Japanese cruise itinerary. Think of all the amazing sushi! Maybe Australia and New Zealand itinerary. Both are on the to-do list. Lindsay's top cruising tip: Spend a little time doing some research on your destinations so you can make the most of every port. Maybe get a few excursions booked in so you have somethings to look forward too.

Job Titles:

• Marketing Manager / Industry

Nick's top cruising tip: Having not been on one myself all I can say is get yourself a good travel agent to help you select the best options, since there's a lot of information to consider. Industry background: I've previously worked in the public sector for the British Tourist Board and a range of private sector businesses including a specialised tour operator.

Job Titles:

• CLIA Accredited Cruise Specialist / Industry

Nicola's Top Cruising Tip: If you can, upgrade your cabin to a balcony, waking up and going outside to see today's new port is just amazing. Also if there is a drinks package you can pre-book - do it, if you enjoy a little holiday drink it's definitely worth it.

Job Titles:

• CLIA Accredited Cruise Specialist / Industry

Roberta's top cruising tip: Trust your agent and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. There are no right or wrong cruise choices - if it feels right for you then go for it, trust your agent, relax, pack your bag and enjoy your cruise!

Job Titles:

• CLIA Accredited Cruise Specialist / Industry

Job Titles:

• Pricing & Product Executive / Industry

Shell's top cruising tip: Don't judge a cruise by the price! There are loads of things included to justify the cost. Cruising is great value for money and if your decision is left to price alone, you may never experience all that cruising has to offer!