How did you get into the cruise industry? Timing was my great fortune. I had known Sarina Bratton for many years and had called her for advice. At that time Sarina was planning to create the Australasian entity. My background in airline, retail and online experience gave me the attributes...
How did you get into the cruise industry?
Timing was my great fortune. I had known Sarina Bratton for many
years and had called her for advice. At that time Sarina was planning to
create the Australasian entity. My background in airline, retail and online
experience gave me the attributes to be able to work in this industry.
What is the key to your success?
Having an exceptional product and a driven team who strive to achieve
their personal best plus more – nothing can beat that! We have embraced
our Australian travel partners and this has led to strong growth & success.
What is your favourite cruise destination and why?
Hard to answer this question as I have two strong favourites. Europe
is one of my favourites and one of the best cruise destinations in the
world with every day bringing a new experience, culture and history. On
the other hand, an expedition in Antarctica is impossible to overlook.
Antarctica is on everyone’s bucket list and Ponant carries more guests to
this stunning region than any other operator.
What is your most memorable moment on a cruise?
Swimming off the marina deck onboard Le Soleal in the Mediterranean
with the captain, officers and staff. All of the guests onboard really loved
this unique experience.
How do you spend days at sea?
Apart from the mandatory continuous eating that takes up most of my
time, I get a chance to catch up on my reading either in a quiet corner on
the ship or on deck. The Sothy’s Spa onboard offers the best treatments I
have encountered on any ship. Book me in now!
What is the next “hot spot” in cruising destinations?
The Polar regions and remote tropical areas are certainly the “hottest”
destinations and I think you will see far greater presence from us in Asia
Pacific in times to come.
What is the most important issue in the cruise industry today & why?
Care for the Environment is vital. As we move forward, the standards
required to operate ships in pristine regions like the two Poles, Alaska &
remote areas like the Sub Antarctic Islands are quite rightly becoming
more stringent. Ponant has the highest environmental standards
ensuring we have the minimum impact on all destinations we operate in.
What do you think is the most underrated aspect of cruising?
The approach of one-size-fits-all with large cruise ships can sometimes
dominate the perception of the cruising market. Smaller ship operators
with uniquely different experiences have to work hard to gain exposure.
Monique’s Cruise Favourites
Ship: Le Soleal – she is beautiful from stem to stern.
Ship Activity: Any Sothy’s spa treatment.
Shore excursion: Mount Bromo in Indonesia.
Region: Mediterranean.
Port: Venice – so much to see and great history.
Onboard food/drink: Caviar and Foie Gras with a glass of Veuve Clicquot.
Perk of the job: All of the above!
