| FACE-2-FACE 04 Jan 18: Leighton Schembri, Cruise Manager of the Goldman Group

1. WHAT motivates you in your career?

The excitement that the cruise industry provides and sharing that with people who have not yet experienced cruise.

Listening to their experience from a cruise that you recommended and the fact that they wish to go again.

Plus, the friends that you make along the way.

2. Most common assumption people make about your job?

That I’m always away…or on a ship.

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

Providing the best and simplest tools to keep your brand front of mind.

4. Biggest challenge facing the industry?

Other land-based holidays and overcoming a client’s hesitation to cruise. For travel consultants to recommend a cruise, and have the client on the right brand to ensure they have a memorable cruise experience. The industry also needs to continue to strive for world class port facilities, especially in Sydney.

5. Advice for up-and-comers?

Take advice from people that are successful, because they are successful for a reason.

6. What was your best fam?

A trip to China with a work colleague, to be part of the christening ceremony of Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas where Fan Bingbing was the godmother. This type of involvement is something that does not come by often.

7. My next cruise will be…

Regent Explorer – hopefully.

8. Favourite cruise destination?

Europe.

9. Celebrity you’d like to cruise with?

Actress/Comedian Rose Byrne.

10. Favourite thing to do in port?

Find a local caf and people watch and enjoy the time with new friends met onboard.

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

Spending time with family and friends, keeping active, plus getting into a good Netflix series — The Crown is top of the list at the moment.