Meet our expert Cruise Sales Team

What are your top three bucket-list destinations or travel experiences?

Canada, New Zealand and Norway.

What are your three travel ‘must-pack’ essentials?

Camera, binoculars and my family.

Do you have a top cruising tip you could share with customers?

When buying souvenirs in Norway, keep all your receipts and you will be able to claim your tax back in your last port of call.

How long have you worked in the travel industry?

I have worked at Saga for over 23 years, first as a Customer Care Adviser, then in our Holiday Sales team before joining Cruises.

Where are your areas of expertise?

I have been in the cruise department for many years, dealing with Saga’s ocean cruises and river cruises.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like listening to music, especially from the 50's, 60's and 70's. I also like to read thrillers and believe it or not, colouring with coloured pencils. If socialising, I do like the odd game of cards.

What do you love about cruising and visiting new places?

I like meeting the locals and getting a taste for the local area. For instance, I went to Cyprus many years ago, and as we regularly ate in a particular restaurant, we made friends with the family who ran it and got lots of treats for our last meal there."

What are your top three bucket-list destinations or travel experiences?

I have been lucky to have done so many of them already, but would love to go back to Norway. I was lucky to get to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø before Covid-19 happened but would like to see more. I’d like to visit a few more European cities, and enjoy some family beach holidays, as well as seeing more of Italy. Also on my list is San Francisco as I would like to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and visit Alcatraz Island. Sorry, that was more than three, but it's hard to pick!

What are your three travel ‘must-pack’ essentials?

My GoPro, a multi-use travel adapter and teabags!

Do you have a top cruising tip you could share with customers?

Make use of the cabin service and have your breakfast on your balcony at least once during your cruise so you can enjoy views of the sunrise.

How long have you worked in the travel industry?

I have worked with Saga for 19 years, in various areas – from our Europe, UK, River and Long Haul holidays to where I am now, selling our fabulous cruises.

Where are your areas of expertise?

I have had lots of experience dealing with customers and ensuring we find the right holiday for them.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like going on holidays myself, with friends or family, looking for new places to tick off my bucket list. The trouble is that Saga keeps introducing new destinations, making my list much longer!

What do you love about cruising and visiting new places?

Cruising is like visiting lots of mini holiday destinations, and then you can choose your favourite and go there in more depth next time."

What are your top three bucket-list destinations or travel experiences?

Norway for the beautiful fjords, Canada in the fall, and Antarctica to see the penguins!

What are your three travel ‘must-pack’ essentials?

A good book to relax with, sunglasses and sun cream if it's going to be hot.

Do you have a top cruising tip you could share with customers?

I think it's difficult to understand just how good our cruises are until you have experienced them. What makes our cruises so special is our wonderful team on board. The staff are just so kind and caring, nothing is too much trouble. My top tip would be to pre-book any excursions before you go as the popular ones sell out very quickly. Also, make sure you try the included 'cocktail of the day'!

How long have you worked in the travel industry?

20 years.

Where are your areas of expertise?

Our own wonderful ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure. Also Holland America Line, having cruised aboard the lovely MS Koningsdam.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending quality time with my family. Lots of lovely long walks and going to the gym when I have the opportunity!

What do you love about cruising and visiting new places?

It's so exciting discovering new places by sea. My personal favourite is arriving into smaller ports, when local people come out of their homes to wave and greet you as you sail in!"

What are your top three bucket-list destinations or travel experiences?

The Northern Lights and the Galapagos Islands.

What are your three travel ‘must-pack’ essentials?

Mosquito repellent (they love me!), a good camera and some comfy shoes.

Do you have a top cruising tip you could share with customers?

Thankfully I don't suffer from travel sickness, but I always take tablets a couple of days before sailing and for the first few days on board, just to be on the safe side.

How long have you worked in the travel industry?

Nine years.

Where are your areas of expertise?

The Baltic and the Canaries.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m very partial to skiing and fishing.

What do you love about cruising and visiting new places?

Trying new food, learning a new language (as much as I can), meeting new people and exploring new countries."

If you could only visit one place where would it be?

New Zealand. The peace and tranquility without too much change can be found nowhere else.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Gaming, TV, documentaries, long drives and walks along the beach.

How long have you worked in the travel industry?

22 years – and all for Saga!

What do you love about cruising and visiting new places?

The friendliness of people and staff on our cruises. There are always activities to keep you busy. Visiting new cultures and exploring can be very eye opening."

If you could only visit one place where would it be?

The feedback I get from my customers about the Norwegian fjords is fantastic, cruising through the clear waters below the breath-taking mountains.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I have two wonderful granddaughters that keep me busy. We love going for long walks along our beautiful beaches.

How long have you worked in the travel industry?

I have worked for Saga Holidays for about 17 years, starting off in the UK department, then Europe and Long Haul. Also Classic Journeys and Ultimate Retreat Holidays, before joining Cruises.

What do you love about cruising and visiting new places?

We get the chance to experience what our customers experience. I love to visit old and new places so I can share my experience with my customers."

If you could only visit one place where would it be?

My ultimate destination would be Australia, mainly because of the outdoors lifestyle, diverse scenery and incredible range of activities on offer.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

After training for my PADI Scuba Diving licence in the Florida Keys, I ventured to Egypt to test out my diving skills. My other underwater experiences range from snorkelling off the coast of Mexico to completing a shark dive in South Africa.

How long have you worked in the travel industry?

Over 20 years. I began as a tour guide at Cheddar Caves before in France. I then travelled to America to work in the Everglades National Park. After graduating from Brighton University with a first-class degree in Management and Travel, I joined Saga.

What do you love about cruising and visiting new places?

Cruising with Saga brings amazing surprises, whether it be a brass band reception at a maiden port or a championship volleyball tournament on the quayside!"

If you could only visit one place where would it be?

Greece, because of the country’s selection of fascinating islands and beaches, along with the overwhelming hospitality of the people.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and socialising with friends.

How long have you worked in the travel industry?

15 years.

What do you love about cruising and visiting new places?

It’s the chance for adventure and new experiences."

If you could only visit one place where would it be?

It has to be South Africa because of the amazing animals.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I spend most of it with my family.

How long have you worked in the travel industry?

19 years.

What do you love about cruising and visiting new places?

Cruising is definitely all about the service you receive and the people you meet. Also, finding yourself in a different place every morning you wake up, and seeing how the local people live."

If you could only visit one place where would it be?

Australia’s Whitsunday Islands are definitely on my bucket list. Their remoteness and beautiful beaches sound amazing, as does the thought of living in such peace and tranquillity.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m a very keen sportsman, in particular football. I also enjoy running and working-out in my garage.

How long have you worked in the travel industry?

I started at Saga at the tender age of 16 and have been part of the furniture ever since… 19 years in all!

What do you love about cruising and visiting new places?

I love lazy days at sea, being waited on hand and foot, lapping up the attentive 5-star service. Then the contrast of exploring so many exciting countries, some of which you might not visit otherwise. What more could you ask for?"