With ELIZABETH KRSTEVSKI | Director of Operations – Norwegian Cruise Line
How/why did you get into the cruise industry?
I have always loved travel, and with cruising it provides a truly relaxing travel experience — the ability to visit more than one destination with only unpacking once, to relax by the pool, experience a variety of restaurants and bars, entertainment and spa treatments all within easy walking distance of your beautifully appointed Stateroom or Suite. I have worked in cruising for over 10 years now and love the challenge of this dynamic, fast moving and fun industry.
Where do you see yourself and your company in five years?
I joined Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings last year to help the company establish its first Australasian office, and over the next five years I will be working to grow the company’s three cruise lines — premium-contemporary Norwegian Cruise Line, upper-premium Oceania Cruises, and six-star luxury cruise line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
What is the key to your success?
Passion, commitment, and strong relationships are incredibly important, and part of my role is to further build and strengthen relationships with agents and trade partners.
What is your favourite destination, and why?
Hawaii, as it perfectly combines relaxation, shopping, culture, natural beauty and delicious cuisine. To best experience Hawaii, I would absolutely recommend Norwegian Cruise Line’s seven-day Hawaii inter-island cruise aboard the newly refurbished Pride of America which offers weekly departures year-round from Honolulu.
How do you spend days at sea?
Relaxing by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or enjoying the company of my travel companions over a cocktail and lunch paired with ocean views.
How can cruising continue to grow in the current financial climate?
Every year more and more Australians and New Zealanders are experiencing the relaxing and enriching holiday cruising provides, and as awareness and trial of cruising continues I believe the industry will continue to thrive.
What is something you wish more agents/consumers knew about cruising?
Cruising offers a huge range of choice, from larger contemporary cruise lines which offer kids club programs and a huge range of entertainment and bars — such as Norwegian Cruise Line, to food-focused cruise options such as Oceania Cruises, and ultra-luxurious, inclusive options such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which offer incredible personalised service and accommodation and dining on par with the world’s best hotels and restaurants.
What makes Australians/New Zealanders different to other cruise passengers?
Australians and New Zealanders are seeking unique holidays that entail quality food, wine, and immersive culture experiences. We love to travel and are happy to fly across the world to undertake an itinerary that appeals to us, but we also love to explore our own backyard — meaning the number of Australians and New Zealanders undertaking both local and long-haul cruises is growing.
What is your prediction for the future of cruising?
The industry will continue to grow and flourish as more people discover the joys of cruising.
What are your career ambitions?
To help drive forward the local cruise industry and introduce more Australians to cruising, and in my current role, to grow Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises in this market.
What advice would you give other people who want a job like yours?
The cruise industry is dynamic and fast paced and an incredibly fun sector to work in.
Cruise Favourites
Ship: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America
Ship Activity: Relaxing by the pool
Region: Hawaii
Shore excursion: Exploring Volcanoes National Park, home of Kilaueavolcano
Port: Honolulu
Onboard food/drink: An afternoon cocktail!
Perk of the job: Working across three very different cruise brands
