In this episode, Ken sits down with a cruise line supplier: John Devine, President of Michael J. Devine and Associates, a family-run business steeped in the wine industry's tradition. Together, they offer insights into supplying wine to the travel industry, navigating the journey of Michael J. Devine and Associates from family dynamics, to cruise line deals, providing anecdotes and best practice examples along the way. This episode offers the opportunity to understand the business of...

In this week’s Ship Safety Spotlight, sponsored by Survitec, Seatrade Cruise's Holly Payne is joined by Richard McCormick, Commercial Director of MES and AES Systems for Survitec. The pair explore the critical role of safety in the cruise industry, and particularly the advancements in ship evacuation technology. Tune in to discover how Survitec's Seahaven Advanced Evacuation System, redefines safety at sea. With its fully automated, rapid evacuation capability, launching at the push of a...

In this week's episode, Ken Taylor hosts Charles Steadman, Director of Food and Beverage Experiences and Strategic Partnerships at Virgin Voyages. Together, they delve into the captivating journey behind the creation of Virgin's distinctive brand and its innovative food and beverage offerings. Explore Virgin Voyages' fresh perspective on onboard drinking & dining, shaped by collaborations with artists, musicians, and other creatives to elevate the experience for sailors. Charles offers...

In this weeks episode Ken sits down with Zach Sulkes, AVP of Beverage Operations for Carnival Cruise Line, bringing over 20 years of industry experience to the table. From his tenure at Bacardi to his current role at Carnival, Zach offers a unique perspective on the dynamics of cruise F&B. Discover how Carnival is leading the charge in F&B sustainability, reducing food waste, and pioneering circular packaging initiatives. Dive into the immersive bar experiences aboard Carnival's XL...

Explore the forefront of tech innovation and how to harness technology to create a world leading cruise destination, with Barbara Buczek, Chief Destination Experiences Officer at Cruise Saudi, as she joins David Tibbles on the brand new season of Tech Talks Podcast. In this captivating discussion, Barbara unveils the ambitious vision of Cruise Saudi in shaping the future of cruise in Saudi Arabia, and the role technology plays in their plans, crafting immersive experiences for guests and...

Join Ken Taylor this week on Eat. Drink. Cruise as he is joined by Executive Chef Molly Brandt, providing a sneak peak into her life and culinary philosophy. Molly shares insights from her journey as a chef, from graduating from the CIA, to being one of the first North American female chefs to lead a chef driven concept: 150 Central Park on Allure of the Seas. Molly shares unique insights from her time at sea, since which, Molly has consulted for an array of cruise lines, before her current...

Dive into the world of cruise retail onboard as this week, Nadine Heubel spoke with Daniel Buergo, Senior District Manager for Starboard Cruise Services. They explore building relationships, maximizing sales, and curating unforgettable guest experiences. Daniel, with over 28 years of retail experience, shares insights from managing retail revenue across 19 ships across 3 diverse cruise brands. Explore the intricacies of building strong relationships, maximizing sales, and creating...

Embark on a culinary journey like no other with "Eat. Drink. Cruise." your passport to the dynamic world of food and beverage onboard cruise ships, with our host Ken Taylor. In our first episode, we delve deep into the heart of the industry with none other than Cornelius Gallagher, Vice President of Hotel Operations for Celebrity Cruises. From sustainability initiatives to culinary innovation, Gallagher shares how trends in hospitality are reshaping the onboard experience. Exploring the...

In the latest episode of The Retail Wave Makers Season 3, where we hear from different departments on board the ship and their interaction with retail, Nadine is joined today by Chris "The Flying Scotsman" Williams, Cruise Director on board Carnival Celebration! Nadine and Chris explore the intricacies of being the face of the ship and the vital role of communication between departments, especially with retail. Chris sheds light on the unique initiatives and events that drive engagement, such...

Join Claudine for the season finale of Cruise Convos as she sits down for an exclusive interview with Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, an extraordinary trailblazer in the cruise industry. Lisa shares her inspiring journey from starting out in an entry-level position to rising to the top as President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. Reflecting on her 39-year career, Lisa reveals the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way. From overcoming...

This week, Nadine welcomes a special guest all the way from Antarctica, Chris Harrington, a Hotel Director at Anglo Eastern Leisure Management. Listen in, as Chris provides an insider's view into the life of a Hotel Director aboard an expedition ship, where he juggles numerous responsibilities and oversees the entire commercial operation. Delve into his rich experience as he compares retail dynamics between ocean-going cruise ships and expedition vessels, unveiling successful retail...

Hear from a travel advisor's perspective this week, as Claudine engages in a captivating conversation with Susie Flores, the CEO and Founder of Countdown Travels LLC. With an astounding 95% of Countdown Travels' sales attributed to cruise travel, Susie provides valuable insights into the shifting dynamics of selling cruise packages.  With a whopping 99% of these sales driven by the power of social media, Susie unpacks this shift in consumer booking and how she has harnessed the power of...

Claudine is joined by Julian, the CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises this week for a captivating episode filled with career reflections, leadership tips, industry successes, and a sneak peek into the future of Hapag Lloyd Cruises.  Together, they delve into Julian's remarkable career journey, recounting his beginnings as a first-time cruiser on the Europa and tracing his impressive ascent to the position of CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in 2020. Julian takes a moment to reflect on the highlights of 2023...

Have you ever wondered what a Captain of a cruise ship does on a day to day basis and how they are involved with each department onboard? This week, Nadine is joined by Captain Eric Barhorst, of Holland America Line who joined the podcast from onboard the MS Nieuw Statendam in Iceland! Listen in to hear more about the responsibilities of a Captain from navigating the ship, ensuring efficient operations to overseeing the business side of things onboard. In particular, Eric shares how he works...

During this week's episode, Claudine speaks with Dan Cockerell - a seasoned consultant to companies across the service and hospitality sectors. Dan draws on 26 years experience at Walt Disney Company, starting his career as a parking attendant; and 26 years later, a Vice President leading 12,000 cast members at the largest theme park in the world! Drawing on his extensive career, he shares insights into his own leadership style and work philosophy whilst Claudine & Dan discuss what...

Discover how a cruise industry expert has seen the industry evolve over recent years, and where she sees the industry going in the future. This week Claudine speaks with Seatrade Cruise's own Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review. Claudine and Anne discuss her long-lasting career in the cruise industry and some of the most memorable moments she has documented throughout her career, covering global stories, reporting both breaking and...

This week Claudine speaks all things diversity, inclusion and self-improvement, with none other than Dr Grant Van Ulbrich, Director of International Sales Transformation at Royal Caribbean Cruise Line! Having worked at sea for 10-15 years, and now been with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line for over 15 years, Grant shares his secrets to being successful as a cruise industry leader, and how this goes hand in hand with pushing diversity, inclusion and equity as core values. Plus, find out how his...

This weeks episode takes a deep dive into cruise operations in the Asia Pacific region, teasing some of the important topics to be addressed in the upcoming Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific conference 2023, coming to Hong Kong this October 24-26. Chiara Giorgi is joined by a cruise industry trailblazer, Sarina Bratton, Chairman Asia Pacific and Special Advisor at PONANT, considered Australia's First Lady of cruising. Sarina shares her insights into recent developments and outlook for cruise...

Do you want to get to know decision makers in the cruise industry better this World Tourism Day? Join Claudine this week to celebrate tourism, as she spoke with Marie-Andrée Blanchet, Director of Cruise at the Port of Quebec! Marie tells all about her career in the cruise industry, sharing success stories from working at the port of Quebec for the last 10 years, Marie & Claudine discuss the changing cruise season in Canada, seeing the benefits of cruise ripple throughout the community of...

Join Seatrade Cruise's Holly Payne in conversation with Tal Danai and Lars Kruse, as they talk all things cruise and ferry interiors ahead of next weeks Marine Interiors Global Expo, in Hamburg. They discuss the influences they are seeing on ship design and build, from the growing importance of all aspects of sustainability. Plus, they look into the future to innovations that are shaping cruise and ferry design to continue providing exceptional guest experiences for a wide variety of cruise...

Cruise Convos Season 2 is out now! Don't miss episode 1 as Claudine Pohl is joined by industry trailblazer Denella Ri'chard, named in The Network Journal’s "25 Influential Women in Business" and Legacy Miami's "50 Most Powerful & Influential Business Leaders" of 2018. Denella sheds light on her path that led her to a career in the cruise industry and shares amazing stories working for Norwegian Cruise Line & Holland America line. Plus, the pair discuss starting your own business in...

Join Seatrade Cruise's Holly Payne and Rachel Wehrle in the latest episode of Cruise News & Trends, filling you in on all of the top news & trending stories from July 2023. Tune in as they discuss: New ships launching and newbuilds on the horizon from Explora Journeys, Seabourn, Crystal Cruises and TUI River Cruises Exciting New F&B partnerships and offerings from Virgin Voyages, Carnival Cruise line, Princess Cruises, and innovation at AIDA Cruises who are recycling food waste...

This weeks Season 1 finale sees Claudine joined by special guest Ryan Stana, CEO and Founder of RWS Global, to learn how he went from entrepreneur to Emmy winner! Claudine & Ryan discuss everything from being an only child to starting their own businesses, and everything in between - including winning an Emmy! Ryan shares insight into his successful career as an entrepreneur and the story behind starting RWS Global, from its inception to the growth of the business around the globe. Plus,...

Join Claudine Pohl this week as she chats with a port agent for the first time on Cruise Convos, Mim Larsson from SDK Cruise! Tune in to find out what life is like as a port agent, where no two days are the same! As Mim shares hilarious stories from her career so far. Plus the pair discuss how they have witnessed the industry evolve over their careers, and where it could be in 10 years!