Kelly Joannides has taken on the new role of Senior Commercial Cruise Executive at Advantage Travel Partnership. Travel Gossip found out a bit more about her…
I never travel without… a book. You never know when there’ll be a delay and you’ve nothing better to do.
When I travel I never get tired of listening to… Kings of Leon, the best band ever.
My weakness is… cheese and chocolate. If it’s not in the vicinity, I’m fine. But as soon as I’m made aware that either of the two are in close proximity, it’s game over.
The next place I’ll visit is… Japan, the Azores and the Galápagos islands. They’re all high on my list. Japan for the culture, scenery, anime and food, and the others for the jaw-dropping nature and wildlife. As a scuba diver, the Azores and Galápagos islands are like paradise to me. I’ve already swum with hammerheads (my best experience to date), but I’m desperate to meet a thresher shark.
The three things I’d take to a desert island are… a snorkel (both functional and entertaining!), The Kite Runner (my fave book of all time) and a guitar. I can’t play, but I’d relish having the time to learn and I just couldn’t imagine a life without music.
My perfect date would be… a game or two at [interactive gaming venues] Fairgame, Clays or Activate in London [pictured above, right] followed by dinner at the Ivy Asia. And I’d never say no to a night at Ronnie Scott’s. I’m equally just as pleased with a cheap and cheerful trip to the cinema and a picnic in the sun – so long as cheese is involved.
Born in… South Africa.
Brought up in… South-east London, INIT! I also lived in Thessaloniki, Greece, for a brief time.
The motto I live by is… never live the same day twice (if you can help it).
When I travel, I miss… my homemade ginger shots and my routine at the gym – I hate missing a callisthenics session.
My ambition is… to take over the world of cruise alongside Jonny Peat [Advantage Travel Partnership Director of Cruise, pictured above, left]. That, and to make sure I don’t kill the new plants I’ve received as a housewarming gift for my recent move to Kent.
In my new role I will… help drive even further success for Advantage in the cruise space by driving bold innovation, deepening competitive advantage and accelerating success at every turn.
