Life in the time of COVID-19 with Cunard’s Katrina McAlpine
This week, we caught up with Cunard’s commercial director for Australia and New Zealand, Katrina McAlpine, to find out how she’s been faring throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are you reading?
I am reading a brilliant and harrowing memoir called The Prettiest Horse in the Glue Factory by Corey White. It’s about an Australian who went through the foster care system in recent years and reminisces on his parents as he remembers them, as well as different foster families. It’s a brilliant read – sad, honest and ultimately uplifting (well, so I am told – I haven’t quite finished yet).
What are you watching?
Godfather of Halem – it’s such a great show. I am keenly waiting for the release of the new Peaky Blinders season and Yellowstone’s new season too!
What are you listening to?
I find myself listening to a lot of music from home like six60, a local NZ band, and just some older music that I grew up hearing. Also, I have just been introduced to Joe Rogan’s podcast – where have you been all of COVID?!
What are you cooking?
Now that the weather is cooling down, it’s a great time to bring the slow cooker out and cook up some easy and hearty dinners.
How are you staying fit both physically and mentally?
Since COVID hit, I have been doing a lot more yoga both in-studio and at home. I also started doing karate eight months ago, inspired by my five-year-old son. I am absolutely loving it because it’s not only been great for my fitness, but it has also been a great way to step out of my comfort zone, meet some great people and, of course, form a new connection with my son.
What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the coronavirus hit?
We have all realised that bringing the human element into work is 100 per cent okay. Not only have we gotten to know our peers’ home design in the background of a Zoom call, but we have also seen their kids, who regularly pop in and out. I love that because you actually get to know more about the person on the other side of the video call. I now know most of my colleagues’ kids by name and even had a chat to them.
What have you learned about yourself amid the crisis?
I realised that I wanted to be able to give back to the community in a meaningful way, so I have since become a trained volunteer youth mentor with an organisation called Raise. It’s a program where you spend an hour a week at the allocated high school for the best part of three school terms, and work with a mentee, who has been identified as at risk of disengagement. The youth that we are working with are so awesome, and are all teaching us so much about ourselves too. They’re a really cool bunch of kids! I encourage anyone who might be interested in volunteering in a program like this to check out raise.org.au.
What’s your advice for others in the industry on coping with the crisis?
Find meaning and satisfaction in other areas of life outside of work. Work is really important, but so is finding that balance. Now, more than ever, is a great time to relook at other areas of your life that give you meaning. Invest in yourself and go and do that class you have always wanted to try, or look up some online training courses and upskill, or reconnect with friends and family. Whatever balance and meaning looks like for you, try and find that.
Where is your favourite domestic travel destination?
Kangaroo Island – it is a natural and raw beauty. The wildlife, rugged landscapes and mini-ecosystems that have developed there are absolutely amazing. And I kid you not, I actually saw a koala walk out of a bar – it sounds like the start of a bad joke, but it’s absolutely a true story!
What is the one international travel memory keeping you going through this time?
This takes me back to the summer of 2018 when I travelled through the Provence region in the south of France. I spent the day exploring country villages such as Gordes and Sault, indulging in the most amazing local produce at the markets, and of course visiting the incredible lavender fields all around that area. I finished off by sitting in this beautiful rustic restaurant called La Bergerie, drinking a local glass of rosé, eating truffle pizza whilst watching the sunset. I have caught myself a couple of times flicking through photos from this trip to bring back the memories!
Where do you want to travel to once international travel restrictions ease up?
Definitely back to Europe – there are so many amazing places to explore. I really want to get off the beaten track a little and see a few more of the lesser-known gems such as the Lofoten Islands in Norway or Meteroa Monastaries in Greece. I can imagine those two being really unique and tranquil experiences.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
cunard Kate McAlpine Life in the time of COVID-19 midweek interviewLatest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.