On the road: Kirsty McIntosh, Norwegian Cruise Line

We speak to the people who make your job easier. This month: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Kirsty McIntosh

What does your job entail?

Working across a diverse range accounts, from cruise specialists and tour operators to independent and multiple high street agents.

My role is to promote our extensive, innovative cruise products, work with agents to create tailor-made packages, devise and deliver marketing plans and ensure front-line teams are fully trained on the high quality services on board one of the most modern fleets at sea.

How long have you worked in the travel industry?

For over 20 years, starting as a sales consultant, before moving into account management in 2002.

In my opinion, cruise is the most exciting sector of the travel industry to work in.

What’s the best thing about being on the road?

I love the diversity of working with agents, getting to know their teams, understanding their business strategies, helping them to sell with confidence and celebrating their successes.

What’s the worst?

It has to be traffic and constant road works. But then I just think about my favourite holidays and cruises and that makes the time go a bit quicker.

Favourite place to visit?

That’s a tough question to answer; I’ve visited so many amazing places. I love Europe and the United States and I’ve also been lucky enough to explore Asia and walk part of the Great Wall of China.

What do you listen to when you are in the car?

My music playlists vary. At the moment I’m enjoying the Foo Fighters, Coldplay and The Killers –but you really can’t beat a mobile ’80s party while travelling up and down the M6!

One thing you couldn’t live without on the road?

My phone. I rely on it for Google Maps, music and to be contactable if anyone needs me.

What’s your favourite thing about Norwegian Cruise Line?

Our Premium All Inclusive concept. It takes away the complications of what extras our customers need to pay for, there are no awkward conversations about gratuities and it makes the product so much easier to book for agents.

Biggest myth about Norwegian Cruise Lines?

That we specialise in Norway and the northern lights, when we’ve actually got 15 ships sailing to 98 countries globally and have more than 300 ports of call.

If agents want to find out more, what should they do?

Visit our dedicated agents’ website – it’s full of information, including an online version of our Travel Agent Manual. Or, join our Facebook page, Partners First – Norwegian Cruise Line UK and Ireland.