| FACE-2-FACE: 23 Jan 19

SALLY

Gorringe

National Account Manager, Cunard Cruise Line.

1. What is the favourite part of your job?

Being able to help and educate others, therefore adding value to their experience with Cunard.

2. Why did you choose a career in the cruise industry? Is this really a question? Of all the travel products available, I believe cruise is the most satisfying to the broadest market. My kids love cruising and so do my parents but we all love it for different reasons.

3. Biggest challenge facing the industry?

Embracing change and staying relevant to the needs of consumers while being in front of the wave.

4. Advice for up-and-comers?

Develop an understanding why certain demographics choose certain travel experiences. If you can find the “why” then you’ll quickly work out the “what” to recommend to them and establish value.

Build trust. You need good listening skills, be empathetic and fair, and always follow through.

5. Your best fam trip?

The Maldives – topped off by flying home in the cockpit of a 747! (Yes, this was the 1990s).

6. How do you wind down after a busy week?

A long walk on the beach while singing 70s and 80s hits and dragging my dog behind me. Yes, I am one of those.

7. What should the cruise ship of the future look like?

I love this question! I’m a nostalgia buff so I’d like to on a ship like the Titanic where we all dress in period costume, no wi-fi and dance only to live music played on a fiddle.