Books

The evolution of the cruise industry has continued to successfully grow over the past 50 years. Originally ships were primarily a means of transportation to cross the ocean, but then cruise industry visionaries found a way to create the modern cruise experience. As a result, cruising has evolved into a wonderful, diversified vacation experience, which continues on. Building new ships, offering new destinations, creating amazing onboard experiences with cutting-edge entertainment, gourmet dining options, unlimited activities, and more continues on. Thanks to great executives who worked extremely hard, first beginning their careers in entry-level roles, overcame challenges, using their talents, passion and expertise, they successfully moved up. And these people have been a part of the ongoing successful growth.

In this book, Good Ship Happens…Amazing Leadership Steering the Cruise Industry, these extraordinary leaders are inspiring. Sharing their amazing stories where they first began in their careers within the travel industry, and then how they transitioned into working for cruise lines is amazing. The different ways each of these professionals moved up, successfully overcoming obstacles, building their ongoing passion for the cruise industry are inspiring.

A few examples? One originally wanted be a flight attendant for an airline after graduating but didn’t meet the high requirements! She took a different direction. Another wound up getting motion sickness while working his first job onboard a cruise ship. One more? After graduating from college, this person wasn’t really focusing on getting his first job working for a cruise line, but a friend suggested this might be a possible option. He wound up successfully landing an entry level position working for a cruise line. And there are more.

Message from the Dog… Learning from Great Humans written by Cindy Bertram and Miss Zooey, Cindy’s puppy niece, provides inspiration via true stories from extraordinary human beings. And we need that now more than ever. Today the world has been evolving into a digital one with a lack of real human communication – in person, face to face, and talking in person rather than texting. In our book, Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans, Miss Zooey (the young lady who walks on 4 legs rather that 2 legs) and I share more about these amazing humans.

They are leaders in their own respective ways, have worked in different industries and they truly stand out. Want to learn more about how Captain Kate McCue actually became the first American woman Captain for Celebrity Cruises®, well-known cruise line? Or how Herb Kelleher, Co-Founder, and past Chairman of Southwest Airlines Co. actually mapped out an idea (on a napkin) to create and start Southwest Airlines Co. with a co-founder, which has become one of the most successful airlines today? Another is Rudi Schreiner, President and Co-Founder of AmaWaterways™, who is fondly known as the “Godfather of River Cruising.” Richard Sasso, Chairman of MSC Cruises® USA, is one more, who has more than 30+ years leading and successfully growing different cruise lines even during turbulent times. And Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, Chaplain, Loyola Ramblers Basketball team, became a national inspiration in her role when the team made it into the NCAA Final Four in 2018, as well as when the Loyola Ramblers were in the Sweet Sixteen 2021.

These are just a few of the successful stories we share in our book. What truly makes a difference today is that very much needed human touch. Yes, learning from great humans!

Message from the Dog… Learning from Great Humans is available for purchase onAmazon.com.

The fast-paced growth of the cruise industry, from ocean to river cruising, continues to evolve. But one surprising fact? There are an increasing number of women executives in top positions at these different cruise lines. In her book, How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today,Cindy Bertram shares the stories of these women executives.

Bertram says, “As you know, we have terrific leaders in the cruise industry, both men and women alike. But what is a bit more unusual? We have numerous women executives, and that’s something you don’t see in other industries.” She explains more and says, “In my book I shared the stories of six different women executives – Ellen Bettridge, Christine Duffy, Kristin Karst, Diane Moore, Edie Rodriguez and Jan Swartz.”

How they got into the cruise industry and moved up in their careers, along with successfully balancing out their personal family lives while successfully running a cruise line are key things Bertram covers. Bertram details the inspiring stories of Diane Moore, President, Paul Gauguin Cruises; Ellen Bettridge, President & CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection®; Edie Rodriguez, Americas Brand Chairman and Corporate Special Advisor, PONANT; Jan Swartz, Group President, Princess Cruises® and Carnival Australia; Kristin Karst, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner, AmaWaterways™ and Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line®.

How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Todayby Cindy Bertram and published November 2018 is available onAmazon.com.