Get To Know | Yvonne Russell, International Cruise Expert

Since 2021, Yvonne Russell has been working with Carnival UK as a German speaking International Cruise Expert. Every day, Yvonne works with our German guests and travel agents, answering a multitude of queries about our ships, cruise offers and even helping our guests’ beloved dogs to sail with their owners. This is possible onboard the likes of Queen Mary 2, after all!

About her team, Yvonne said, “They are great! It is really lovely to visit the office and catch up with everyone, you feel a part of a team and we always help one another whenever we can. You don’t stand alone, and can always count on those around you.”

We spoke to Yvonne to find out more about the role of an International Cruise Expert and working at Carnival UK.

What do you do on a typical day?
“Most of the day is spent taking calls, speaking with guests excited about booking their holidays. Between calls, I answer emails, responding to various guest inquiries and providing them with useful information to help plan their ideal holiday.

Additionally, I collaborate with a team of international agents to facilitate bookings from Cunard and P&O Cruises international guests, a lot of them being German speakers. As part of our services, I also assist guests with booking flights where they choose to book a complete package with us.”

What do you love about the role?
“It’s never boring! There is always something new to do. There is a really good variety to this role, and really nice to have the German colleagues and clients around me, as it feels like ‘home’. The role is also very flexible in terms of balancing family life and work commitments.”

What skills and attributes do you need to be successful in this role?
“You need to be friendly and patient, as well as have very good customer service skills. A good sense of humour is always beneficial, as there is always time for a laugh with guests or agents on the phone. A basic knowledge of IT and operating systems also helps, but assistance is never far away. We even have our own Tech Bar at Carnival UK, who are on hand to provide support when needed.”

Why did you choose to work at Carnival UK?
“Carnival UK is a reputable company that has been thriving for a long time. This alone speaks volumes and makes them a great choice. The care for colleagues here is excellent and they offer numerous benefits that go beyond a generous discount on cruises for you and your loved ones.

For instance, they cover expenses related to eye tests and glasses, provide a medical health plan with access to a digital GP, offer group discounts on various activities including theatre tickets, have a pension plan in place, and they offer hybrid working arrangements. This is a really important one for me and my family life. This flexibility is key, especially for individuals with young children, as it provides the ability to adjust work schedules around their families.”

What have been some of the highlights from working with Carnival UK?
“After the pause in operations, employees were able to step back onto the ships for a night, enjoying all that the ship has to offer and allowing our fleet colleagues to prepare to welcome our guests again. I was lucky enough to enjoy a Queen’s Grill suite on Queen Victoria for the night and it was lovely.

We also have team away days organised by the business. Last year we went to an escape room followed by food and drinks. This year, we will be going on a treasure hunt through Southampton.

My family also took advantage of the discount on cruises and enjoyed one week sailing from Malta to Greece and Turkey. We had the best time, and we’ve already booked to go to Norway next year!”

If you are interested in a German speaking International Cruise Expert position, click here to learn more and find out how you can apply.