From Hotel Leadership to Luxury Cruise Retail: Nicole's Academy Journey

Some career moves change your job.

Others change your life.

For Nicole, that moment arrived when she stepped onboard her first cruise as an Ambassador, completing her very first cruise and beginning an exciting new chapter at sea.

With over ten years of leadership experience across some of the UK's best-known hospitality brands—Nicole had already built an outstanding career centred around exceptional guest service, operational excellence, and developing high-performing teams.

But like many ambitious hospitality professionals, she wanted something more.

A global career.

New cultures.

New challenges.

A chance to take everything she had learned on land and apply it in one of the world's most exciting working environments.

That journey began with the Cruise Retail Academy.

Nicole embraced every stage of the preparation process, completing the Academy's free training, using the Careers Platform, and taking advantage of the guidance and support available throughout her journey.

She invested in herself before ever stepping onboard, ensuring she arrived with the confidence and knowledge needed to succeed.

Today, she's officially onboard a wonderful ship as an Ambassador.

After completing her very first cruise, Nicole shared a heartfelt message that perfectly captures why preparation matters:

"The support, belief and perseverance, even during some hard points, has been unparalleled. I've learnt so much through the Cruise Retail Academy. The courses you sent across really did give me the perfect foundation to be able to succeed in this role. Thank you to Rob for his amazing support and guidance throughout the journey. Without Rob and the Academy, I honestly don't think I would have taken this opportunity."

Those words mean the world to us.

Because that's exactly why the Academy exists.

Not simply to help people secure a role.

But to give them the confidence to believe in themselves, prepare properly, and arrive onboard ready to thrive from day one.

Nicole's journey is proof that when preparation is combined with the right support, guidance, and determination, incredible opportunities become possible.

Congratulations, Nicole.

We're incredibly proud of everything you've achieved and can't wait to follow your adventure around the world.

The journey has only just begun. 🌍🚢✨