Vanessa Lee
Where were you born? In Brighton, Sussex, England
How long have you been in the business? Since 1976 – exactly 35 years ago!
How many people work for you? 5 fulltime staff plus project managers and consultants.
What’s the best part of the job? Freedom.
What was your first job? Serving sandwiches and cakes at Woolworths in Brighton.
Ever had a brush with fame? (Laughs) Many - but I don’t care. It’s not my thing. Unless it were the Queen.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Starting my own business.
What’s your favourite airline? These days? Air Canada. I fly them a lot and they are very good to me.
What do people not know about you? That I enjoy my quiet alone time more than people think.
Any hobbies or interests? Skiing, cooking, reading.
What keeps you awake at night? Work.
What was your proudest moment? Being asked to be the Godmother of the Avalon Vista.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? Pricing and sustainability of the European cruise market.
What is your greatest extravagance? Clothing!
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? Improved mentorship of young people.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight who would it be? The Queen.
What kind of car do you drive? An Infiniti G 30-something-or-other. (laughs) I never know these things!
What’s your worst habit? Procrastination.
What is your major bugbear about travelling? Schlepping.
How much do you travel each year? Roughly 4 months in total.
What’s your favourite destination? Italy.
What are you really bad at? My brain doesn’t work with technical things. Hopeless.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Still working. And still making a difference!
