| FACE-2-FACE 23 Nov 17: Andrew Perry, Business Development Manager, VIC/ACT P&O Cruises and Cunard

1. WHAT motivates me most in my career is sharing my cruise experience with our travel agents, especially those who have never cruised before, and in turn, giving them the tools to excite their clients about cruise.

2. Most common assumption people make about your job?

Depends who you ask! Perfect strangers think I spend all my time on cruises and trips, travel agents think I spend my day fixing issues.

3. What is the key to building great relationships with agents?

Always entering a store with respect and a smile first and foremost. Understanding what is faced on the frontline, helping where you can, and where you can’t, giving someone the understanding as to why and enough info to pass onto their clients.

5. My next cruise will be?

The Norwegian Jewel from Sydney cruising over to New Zealand with the family in Jan next year.

6. What is your advice for up-and-comers?

If being a rep is something you’re interested in, come and spend a day with us!

Know your product inside out before you go for the interview and exploit your strengths. Showing a business how marketable you can be as a rep will make you invaluable.

8. When not at work, how do you spend your time?

Prior to working at P&O Cruises/Cunard, I was a professional singer.

I toured with musicals in Australia and then worked on ships for eight years.

I still sing and perform regularly in Melbourne, when I have the time.

9. Celebrity you’d like to cruise with?

I find Stephen Fry fascinating. I wouldn’t get to do a lot because I’d be asking so many questions.

10. Favourite thing to do in port?

I love to SCUBA dive and snorkel, but sometimes when I get the chance, I just put on some good music and walk around, people watch and explore.