All-New Episodes!
Season 2, Episode 8: Lisa Lutoff-Perlo of Celebrity Cruises
Season 2, Episode 6: Julian Pfitzner of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Season 2, Episode 8: Lisa Lutoff-Perlo of Celebrity Cruises
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 shares her story of of resilience and determination in a male-dominated industry and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.
She also shares insights from her new book, "Making Waves: A Woman's Rise to the Top Using Smarts, Heart, and Courage," offering valuable leadership lessons for aspiring professionals.
👉 Listen to the full episode here!
Season 2, Episode 7: Susie Flores of Countdown Travels
Season 2, Episode 6: Julian Pfitzner of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Season 2, Episode 8: Lisa Lutoff-Perlo of Celebrity Cruises
Hear from a travel advisor's perspective 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 social media to become one of the top 100 travel advisors in the USA.
Explore the world of content creation, unravel the mystery behind the enduring popularity of booking through travel advisors, and the unique value they bring to the table – a human touch, specialized knowledge, and a genuine understanding of the cruise experience.
👉 Listen to the full episode here!
Season 2, Episode 6: Julian Pfitzner of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Season 2, Episode 6: Julian Pfitzner of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Season 2, Episode 6: Julian Pfitzner of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Join Claudine and Julian, the CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, for a captivating episode filled with career reflections, leadership tips, industry successes, and a sneak peek into the future of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
Julian takes a moment to reflect on the highlights of 2023 for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. From growing shore power initiatives to achieving stellar guest satisfaction, boasting the largest champagne selection at sea, and hosting weddings in Antarctica, Julian shares the key successes that defined the year and provides a glimpse into the cruise line's future plans.
👉 Listen to the full episode here!
Season 2, Episode 5: Cruise Convos with Dan Cockerell
Season 2, Episode 3: Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Season 2, Episode 6: Julian Pfitzner of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
This week, Claudine Pohl chats with Dan Cockerell, a seasoned consultant with 26 years at Walt Disney Company. From a parking attendant to Vice President leading 12,000 cast members, he shares leadership insights and work philosophy. Join the conversation on good leadership and fostering a strong company culture
👉 Listen to the full episode here!
Season 2, Episode 4: Anne Kalosh of Seatrade Cruise
Season 2, Episode 3: Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Season 2, Episode 3: Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
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 in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends.
Click below to listen now.
Season 2, Episode 3: Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Season 2, Episode 3: Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Season 2, Episode 3: Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
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 career in cruise led to him creating the worlds 1st accredited personal change model - Scared So What.
Click below to listen now.
Season 2, Episode 2: Marie-Andree Blanchet of Port of Quebec
Season 2, Episode 1: Denella Ri'chard - Where Travel Can Take You
Season 2, Episode 1: Denella Ri'chard - Where Travel Can Take You
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 Quebec, and so much more!
Click below to listen now.
Season 2, Episode 1: Denella Ri'chard - Where Travel Can Take You
Season 2, Episode 1: Denella Ri'chard - Where Travel Can Take You
Season 2, Episode 1: Denella Ri'chard - Where Travel Can Take You
In the Season 2 premiere episode, Claudine 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 the pandemic, and celebrate Denella's new success as a television producer and host, starring in award-winning travel shows streaming across the globe!
Click below to listen now.
Season One
Season 1, Episode 10: Ryan Stana of RWS Global
Season 1, Episode 8: Simone Maraschi of Cruise Gate Hamburg
Season 1, Episode 10: Ryan Stana of RWS Global
It's the Season 1 finale, and Claudine and 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, and gives insight into the work he does in creating memories for cruise guests world wide!
Click to listen now!
Season 1, Episode 9: Mim Larsson of SDK Cruise
Season 1, Episode 8: Simone Maraschi of Cruise Gate Hamburg
Season 1, Episode 10: Ryan Stana of RWS Global
Join Claudine 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!
Click to listen now!
Season 1, Episode 8: Simone Maraschi of Cruise Gate Hamburg
Season 1, Episode 8: Simone Maraschi of Cruise Gate Hamburg
Season 1, Episode 8: Simone Maraschi of Cruise Gate Hamburg
In this week's episode, Claudine is joined by Simone Maraschi, Managing Director at Cruise Gate Hamburg to discuss what makes Hamburg such a special cruise destination, all year round!
Simone shares insights into how sustainable initiatives have shaped Hamburg Cruise Port, with a strong commitment to improving and reducing their impact on the environment, and - of course! - the pair look forward to Seatrade Europe coming to Hamburg this September, and Hamburg Cruise Days on the river Elbe!
Click to listen now!
Season 1, Episode 7: Ilana of Life Well Cruised
Season 1, Episode 6: Tom Goetter of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Season 1, Episode 8: Simone Maraschi of Cruise Gate Hamburg
Tune in this week as Claudine speaks with Ilana from Life Well Cruised - a full time cruise blogger!
Claudine and Ilana talk all things cruise content creation, and the impact of creating authentic content to connect cruise lines with cruise guests of all ages & interests!
Ilana talks some of her favourite memories of cruising with her family and offers Claudine some tips for her upcoming trips!
Plus, as always Ilana looks back, to offer her younger self some advice - tune in to find out what she says!
Click to listen now!
Season 1, Episode 6: Tom Goetter of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Season 1, Episode 6: Tom Goetter of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Season 1, Episode 6: Tom Goetter of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Learn about life as a top chef at sea! Join us for a hilarious and inspiring conversation with Tom Goetter, VP Hotel Operations at Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, an esteemed world-renowned chef aboard Scenic Eclipse, on this week's episode.
Tom recently showcased his culinary prowess on the hit TV show "Top Chef: World All Stars" and is currently captivating audiences on "Maritime Masters." Together, Tom and Claudine discuss life onboard as a Top Chef and his remarkable journey learning from acclaimed chefs around the globe to his current role as a visionary leader!
Click to listen now!
Season 1, Episode 5: Kris Endreson of MSC Cruises USA
Season 1, Episode 6: Tom Goetter of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Season 1, Episode 6: Tom Goetter of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Claudine chats with Kris Endreson, VP Strategic Sales at MSC Cruises USA, the fastest-growing cruise line around the world!
Kris shares insight into their current growth in the North American market, current projects, and what the future holds.
Kris also shares her history in the industry and how travel has changed her life for the better!
Click to listen now!
Season 1, Episode 4: Rafat Ali of Skift
Season 1, Episode 2: Russell Benford of Royal Caribbean Group
Season 1, Episode 3: Carol Cabezas of Azamara
In this week's Cruise Convos Special, Claudine is joined by Rafat Ali, one of the most influential people in tourism worldwide - and founder and CEO of Skift, a respected source of news and insights into the travel and tourism industry.
Rafat shares some outside perspectives on cruise trends and traveler behavior, and Claudine quizzes him on how technological innovations will likely change travel marketing, tourism operations, and traveler expectations into the future - from FinTech to generative AI!
Click to listen now!
Season 1, Episode 3: Carol Cabezas of Azamara
Season 1, Episode 2: Russell Benford of Royal Caribbean Group
Season 1, Episode 3: Carol Cabezas of Azamara
It’s International Women’s Day! On this week’s episode, Claudine chats with Carol Cabezas, President of Azamara.
Claudine and Carol talk about Carol’s journey as a trailblazing female leader in the cruise industry. Carol also teases some of the epic initiatives and itineraries happening at Azamara under her leadership and discusses how the industry can continue connecting with a younger generation of travelers.
As always, Carol looks back on her younger self and offers some amazing insight into overcoming life’s challenges!
Click below to listen!
Season 1, Episode 2: Russell Benford of Royal Caribbean Group
Season 1, Episode 2: Russell Benford of Royal Caribbean Group
Season 1, Episode 2: Russell Benford of Royal Caribbean Group
Claudine and industry trailblazer Russell Benford, VP of Government Relations at Royal Caribbean Group, discuss celebrating Black History Month in the US this February and taking the opportunity to reflect and tell the stories of generations that came before. Russell shares a truly inspirational story with Claudine about his great-grandparents and how their story has shaped who he is today.
Turning to Russell's career in cruise, Russell and Claudine discuss why he chose to work at Royal Caribbean Group after spending 23 years working in local governments across South Florida.
Click below to listen now.
Season 1, Episode 1: Alex Zeitz of Virgin Voyages
Season 1, Episode 1: Alex Zeitz of Virgin Voyages
Season 1, Episode 2: Russell Benford of Royal Caribbean Group
Claudine catches up with good friend Alex Zeitz, Director of Customer and Employee Experience at Virgin Voyages, to learn more about him and his journey in the cruise industry.
Don't miss the exciting discussion about what Virgin is all about and what it's really like to take a Virgin Voyages cruise - and what it's like to work on board!
Alex shares some of what Virgin does to make the crew feel at home and create a culture of belonging so staff can be themselves!
Click below to listen now.
All-New Episodes!
Season 1, Episode 1: Alex Zeitz of Virgin Voyages
All-New Episodes!
We are excited to relaunch Cruise Convos with Seatrade Cruise Talks!
In this new podcast series with Seatrade Cruise Talks, Claudine chats with cruise industry leaders across the globe to discover what it takes to make our cruise industry so EPIC.
And if you have something to share, reach out to join the fun!
