Midweek Catch-up with Princess Cruises’ Terri Cybuliak

Now don’t worry, working at Princess Cruises is not exclusively reserved for real-life princesses, although we did have to confirm that with the lines’ hotel general manager before interviewing her.

What’s your main goal for this year?

To lead the Sky Princess’ hotel team to deliver an unapparelled holiday experience for our guests and to be able to welcome more teammates back on board and our guests back with open arms.

I’m also looking forward to introducing MedallionClass cruising to more guests in the weeks and months ahead.

What’s your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?

I am very lucky to have met people from all over the world, at Princess, we have a diverse group of passionate hospitality professionals from over 50 different countries and their stories and experiences often inspire me to then visit their countries.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to travel! I have been very lucky during my career and have visited all 7 continents and over 125 countries, this has given me great insight into where I want to spend my travel dollars and where my curiosities lie. Quite often my travels take to cities, but I also enjoy hiking and scuba diving.

Have you managed to do any travelling since restrictions began to ease (domestic or international)?

I took a cruise! I was lucky enough to be able to sail on the Enchanted Princess for her inaugural sailing out of Fort Lauderdale for a 10-day Caribbean cruise. I also took the opportunity to spend some time on Vancouver Island, Canada an amazing destination with beautiful landscapes and charming towns.

What’s your favourite travel company, besides the one you work for?

I had one of the most amazing and memorable experiences on a safari in Kenya with an award-winning company, Cheli & Peacock Safaris – they are known for their sustainable travel focus. I also use Expedia travel extensively, they provide the option for more independent travel and allow you to build your itinerary to allow for full package holidays.

If you could invite three famous guests (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would you choose?

Amelia Earhart, Jacques Cousteau and Sir David Attenborough.

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the global pandemic hit?

We’ve seen people explore, discover and appreciate the wonders of their own countries – more than ever before. I’m lucky to come from an area in Canada on the West Coast where the climate is mild and there is plenty of outdoor adventures on our doorstep – the rise in local seeing this part of the world has been terrific to see.

What’s your advice for others in the travel industry on coping with the global pandemic?

Be patient and be kind! The pandemic has affected everyone differently and everyone has differing levels of comfort, some people are ready to shed all restrictions and others are slowly taking their time. I think that this pandemic has taught us how important human connection is and, to appreciate travel and discovery.

What book and/or TV show can you not get enough of lately?

I’ve only just started watching Game of Thrones! I’m probably one of the last on the planet to watch it and am trying hard to pace myself!

Do you have any travel goals for 2022?

My travel goals are to continue with international travel and Madeira is high on my wish list and having just called there on our current itinerary. The Island is full of adventure opportunities from hiking, diving and canyoning – there is plenty to see and do and the people are so welcoming.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

MedallionClass princess cruises Sky Princess Terri Cybuliak