Cruise Consultant of the Year, Sheron Konig of Travel Associates Rockhampton, was thrilled about her win at the recent CLIA Australasia Cruise Industry Awards. Here, Sheron talks about the ‘awards’ she receives from clients, a very special trip on the QM2, and much more.
You’re the Cruise Consultant of the Year! How does that feel?
I’m so excited for myself and my team in Rockhampton (regional QLD). It is a huge honour to be chosen.
Competition was fierce for the CLIA Awards. To what do you attribute your big win?
I was blown away by the news that this year saw the most nominations. And the quality of the judging panel was so diverse.
I really don’t know what attributed to the win, but I would like to think that it was our belief in the cruise industry and getting over 18 cruise wholesalers to do a road trip in March to regional Queensland before the cruise borders were re-opened. This made our Cruise Expo a success and gave our clients the opportunity to talk to the cruise lines directly. For me personally, it was a chance to meet some representatives face-to-face as well.
What are you most excited about that’s coming up for cruising?
The variety, oh my god! Disney (for families and die-hard Mickey fans), Virgin Voyages (for those young professionals who want to party still) and everything in between.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
The excitement on my clients’ faces when I give them their “happy pack” or documents.
And also, when a client pops back into the office after their trip and gives you feedback on how the trip went. This information is always important in our roles.
It is also very humbling when the client comes back from their holiday and says, “I got you a little something”. It shows that they were thinking of you and the work done together to make the trip a success.
I have lots of keyrings and magnets from all over the world. But every one of them is a person, a family and a wonderful trip.
What do you love most about the cruise industry?
Cruising is cruisy! It is relaxing or as busy as you want it to be. The ship gets you to where you want to go without too much effort from yourself … and you have a chance to visit many different places and have unique experiences.
What’s your most memorable cruise experience?
Queen Mary 2 with my 87-year-old mum at the time (2012). She felt she was too old to travel overseas, so we flew to Perth, boarded QM2 and cruised to Sydney. The ship was marvelous, and for a woman of her era, was the epitome of style and grace.
Read our big wrap on the CLIA Australasian Cruise Industry Awards.
