OI: What initially sparked your interest in seamanship?
During my childhood, summer holidays were spent with the family in Northern Germany, most often on the islands of Poel and Rügen. Frequent excursions aboard ferries and fishing boats cultivated, from an early age, a profound affinity for the coast and a deep appreciation for life by and with the sea, and of course, for beautiful vessels. Both my great-uncle and my father went to sea and perhaps it was this legacy that quietly instilled in me the desire to one day pursue a profession intimately connected to maritime life.
OI: How has working in the maritime industry impacted your personal and professional life?
There exists but one profession that grants the rare privilege of truly immersing oneself in foreign cultures, architecture, and people: that of the seafarer. Life aboard a ship engenders, over time, a deep connection; not only with the vessel itself, but also with the distant shores upon which one sets foot. As a result, my understanding of the word home differs greatly from that of my friends and peers. Within the unique realm of maritime careers lies an extraordinary opportunity: to live and work across various countries, each offering new perspectives. This has profoundly shaped my awareness – to listen more closely, to learn from others, and to expand my mindset far beyond the familiar.
OI: With over 25 years of industry experience, what have been some of the most significant achievements in your career so far?
I contributed significantly to the operational growth of AIDA Cruises in the German market as Director Fleet and established an entirely new operational unit for Carnival Corporation while working in Shanghai, China.
OI: What would you say is the most challenging aspect of your job?
It is invariably understanding the final 5% of customer needs that proves the most challenging and the most vital in delivering complete satisfaction to a sophisticated clientele and esteemed guests. True success requires the continuous elevation of one’s own standards, the ability to anticipate desires, and an unwavering commitment to understanding the Client on the deepest level. Such refinement and attentiveness are the hallmarks of one industry: that of bespoke, ultra-luxury travel, tailored for the world’s most exacting travellers.
