FACE-2-FACE: Elsa McLean

Business Development Manager Queensland and Nth NSW Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

1. What is the favourite part of your job?

Spending time with our loyal guests and enjoying their stories about moments on cruises that have stayed with them, and keep them coming back to Regent.

2. Why did you choose a career in the cruise industry?

I have always had the “travel bug”, so naturally being able to fulfil someone else’s travel dreams is such a delight and does not feel like work.

3. Biggest challenge facing the industry?

In Australia it is berthing space. Our coast is so beautiful, and more Australians would love to cruise along it, but the lack of infrastructure limits ship numbers.

4. Advice for up-and-comers?

It is cliche but find a brand that aligns with your values, a leadership team that inspires you, and a product that makes you excited to tell everyone about it.

5. Your best fam trip?

I was lucky to sail on the “Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built”, Seven Seas Explorer this year. I made friends for life with the travel partners I sailed with, reminding me that an all-inclusive experience allows social interaction to come alive.

6. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Assisting people in ticking off their bucket lists and creating new ones, while juggling family and my outside work passion – koala conservation.

7. How do you wind down a er a busy week?

I am not a “lie by the pool and read a book” kind of gal, anything involving nature and activity and I’m in.

8. The celebrity you would most like to cruise with?

Leonardo di Caprio – he has taken it upon himself to use his platform to advocate for endangered wildlife. This to me is the true test of anyone famous.

9. What should the cruise ship of the future look like?

I love the idea of the Freedom Ship - essentially a floating city that would circle the globe once a year and create an international lifestyle.

10. What are the three things you would take to a desert island?

My nieces Maris and Marley who can turn the dullest scenario into an epic adventure, my camera, and a bottomless glass of chilled Rose.