INTERVIEW with LISA SCHILLIG, DIRECTOR OF PORT AND MARITIME OPERATIONS AT BAHAMAS PARADISE CRUISE LINE

Interview with Lisa Schillig, Director of Port and Maritime Operations

What is your official title ?

Director of Port and Maritime Operations at Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line

Did you always work in port and terminal operations ?

No, I didn’t! I actually had a career in finance before finding my way to the Port of Palm Beach back in 1999. There, I worked as a Human Resources Manager and eventually became the Marketing and Foreign Trade Zone Manager. In 2009, I left the public sector to become a maritime agent and terminal operator – where I handled project cargoes from Charleston, SC to Miami, FL, for several prominent clients. It was this role that inspired my love of operations and being involved in the cruise and shipping sector.

How did you begin working with Bahamas paradise cruise line ?

In 2010, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line relocated its port and terminal operations from Port Everglades to the Port of Palm Beach, and this was when I began working with them. In 2015, I officially joined as director of in-house vessel agency and marine operations, and I’ve been working with the team ever since!

What challenges, if any, have you faced as a female leader in the maritime industry ?

The day I decided to turn in my high heels for steeltoed boots, I knew I was embarking on a new adventure. There is no class you can take to prepare you for a typical day in this field because there really isn’t a typical day. Our work includes everything from learning the rules of governmental agencies, dealing with port congestion, weather-related delays, and logistical challenges of delivering cargo to its destination – just to name a few. All ports operate differently with their own set of rules. Forging strong relationships with the different ports and stakeholders was a long process with a learning curve.

Have you seen an increase in female leaders in the industry since your start in 2010 with Bahamas paradise cruise line ?

Definitely! In 2009, I attended my first Breakbulk conference in New Orleans, where you could count on one hand the number of women in the room. I found out later that some were spouses of attendees. Each industry event I’ve attended over the years, the number of women in the room has increased. Over the years, we have kept in contact and often consult with one another on shipping and logistic issues. Many of these women are now directors within their respective organizations.

In your opinion, what sets Bahamas paradise cruise line apart from its competitors?

We offer our guests the option of a two-night cruise that can be combined with a resort stay of either two or four additional nights, which allows them the really unique opportunity to customize their getaway with options that fit their budget and vacation style. Our product is simply unique and isn’t available with any other cruise line; this is what sets us apart from the rest!

What do you appreciate most about your job, and why?

I appreciate the ability to be creative. Moving ship supplies and passengers, simultaneously, to meet arrival and departure deadlines means no two days are the same. Each day brings new challenges, which means I’m never bored!

Are there any community service projects or initiatives that you support or participate in outside of work?

Being involved in the community is so important to me, and I value my role as a representative of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, as well as the chance to bring more visibility to both our style of cruising and the Bahamas as an incredible, close-to-home, easy-to-access vacation. My most prominent roles within the community have been serving as President of Florida’s Foreign Trade Zone Association, as well as Chairman of Sunfest, Florida’s waterfront music and arts festival that takes place here in West Palm Beach for 18 years. n n n