FIONA
Dalton
Managing Director, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.
1. What is the favourite part of your job?
Partnering with the trade to share the incredible Uniworld story to prospective guests. I’m always looking for that moment when a guest realises we are not like any other cruise line that exists today.
2. Why did you choose a career in the cruise industry?
Cruising is the most exciting corner of the industry and there’s still so much untapped potential. In river cruising specifically we’ve seen overall capacity increases of approximately 250% from the main players over the past eight years, which is a clear indication of its popularity.
3. Biggest challenge facing the industry?
The overuse of the word luxury.
4. Advice for up-and-comers?
Keep learning, find a mentor or a mentoring program (TIME is a great place to start) and have a plan. Plans can change, but without one you’ll be rudderless (excuse the pun).
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Good question! Had you asked about three years’ time I’d have been able to give you an answer.
6. How do you wind down after a busy week?
On Fri and Sat nights we usually share dinner with local friends. It’s a chance to reconnect with each other and share stories from our week. They’re my support network and I don’t know where I’d be without them.
7. The celebrity you would most like to cruise with?
Dawn French.
8. What should the cruise ship of the future look like?
Intimate. A small ship with heart and soul — and a personality of its very own — exactly what guests can expect from our newly transformed and reimagined SS Bon Voyage when she launches in Apr.