Frequent cruiser: Ian Crewsswell

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This was published 11 years ago

Frequent cruiser: Ian Crewsswell

Ian Creswell, cruise director with Celebrity Cruises at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney.

Ian Creswell, cruise director with Celebrity Cruises at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney.Credit: Marco Del Grande

Ian Cresswell has sailed on more than 300 voyages, all in the name of work.

Which was your favourite cruise?

I was pleasantly surprised by the aesthetic and culture of Russia and Scandinavia. The Baltic itinerary really surpassed any predisposed ideas I had. I really loved all the historic landmarks in Russia, not to mention the breathtaking Norwegian fiords and the colourful buildings of Copenhagen.

And the best hotel you've stayed in?

I think my "office" Celebrity Solstice, is the best hotel you could have. Where else do you have world-class entertainment, a huge variety of bars, excellent food, impeccable housekeeping (we're talking rooms cleaned and turned down twice daily), plus we'll drive you around to multiple destinations and you only unpack once. Cruising really is the best way to travel and when it's on one of our modern and luxurious ships, the experience can't be beaten. From Zumba dance parties to a hot glass show on our Lawn Club 15 decks above the sea, a high-flying circus-style production show, cooking shows, an opulent on-board spa, and loads more to keep you entertained and pampered, we've got something to make everyone's holiday memorable.

What do you need for a perfect cruise?

In my opinion, the perfect cruise is a mixture of many components. A desirable itinerary comes first. You have to be excited about the places you're going to explore. Next, I think the most fun part of cruising is the great friends you can make while on board. Then, you can enjoy everything the ship has to offer. For me, it would be getting involved in all the interactive events and then taking some time to just relax and watch the world go by.

What do you always take with you?

My iPad - for games, books and music - and my wife!

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What's your best piece of travel advice?

Prepare a little bit so you know the basics, history and highlights of where you're going and then try to do something a little bit spontaneous and adventurous. Get off the beaten track. Plus, if you're travelling somewhere international, try to pick up a bit of the local dialect so you can break down any communication barriers.

Where do you want to go next?

Back to Bora Bora, French Polynesia. As cliched as it sounds the pristine beaches and beautiful island are truly paradise on earth.

What was your worst cruise?

My worst and most memorable cruise was back in 2004 when it was hurricane season and we were coming out of Florida to the Caribbean. The itinerary we were on would lead us into the eye of Hurricane Ivan, so the captain had to turn the ship around and alter the course to avoid 45- to 50-knot winds and extremely rough seas. Even though we changed our direction, we were still feeling the effects of Ivan, and everything in the ship was rocking back and forth and things were falling off shelves.

Then, one night I woke up because the ship was shuddering, as it does when we make a sudden turn. Myself and many others went to the open deck to see what was happening, at which point I saw a small raft made of plastic barrels tied together with four refugees on board including a small child. According to maritime law, if there is any distressed vessel in the area, it is our responsibility to help them. We rescued them and brought them on board. By some miracle, a sailor on the bridge spotted them flashing a small torch. After giving them medical attention, we found out that they had fled Cuba seven days earlier with no water and were caught in the effects of the hurricane and were drifting in the ocean.

And your worst experience on a cruise?

I'm personally not a fan of cold weather, so I guess any time the weather takes a left-hand turn wouldn't be ideal. But bad weather is really just an excuse to stay inside and enjoy an "adult beverage".

What's the biggest packing mistake you've made?

After almost 10 years packing for and working on cruise ships, you would think I would be an expert, but somehow I always forget one essential item. The worst was when I forgot extra deodorant! Thankfully, there's always somewhere to pick up last-minute necessities.

Which is the worst hotel you've stayed in?

If you are ever in Niagara Falls, in the US, and the hotel or travel agent asks if you want a room with a view of the falls, take it. Unbeknown to me, the alternative was a view of the car park, which did not impress my wife.

What do you avoid on a cruise?

I avoid going to the very first place I see in port. I always feel like exploring a bit more and getting outside of the obvious tourist spots is the best way to have a more authentic experience and a more exciting adventure.

What do you hate about cruising?

I don't want to sound corny, but I hate wrapping it up. The worst part is saying goodbye to all the people you met. But the best part is then you get to start planning your next holiday. Bora Bora, here I come.

How many cruises have you done, and where?

I haven't counted them, but from November 2003 to present, I would say I've done approximately 300 cruises. I've been to the Caribbean, Baltic, British Isles, Norwegian fiords, Mediterranean, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Canada and New England, Australia, New Zealand and transatlantic and transpacific voyages.

How did you get started cruising?

Being born in Durban, South Africa, and raised in Melbourne, Australia, I have always been close to the ocean. After graduating from Victoria University with a bachelor of science, through a strange twist of fate my life took a seaward turn. In 2004, I joined Celebrity Century in the role of entertainment staff. I was an entertainer from a young age. Through this job, I travelled the world and quickly worked my way up the ranks, soon becoming the youngest cruise director in the Celebrity fleet. As head of entertainment on board Solstice, I manage a team of more than 80 talented professionals from acrobats to musicians, technical staff, and everything that falls in between. Ian Cresswell is the cruise director aboard Celebrity Solstice.

As told to Louise Goldsbury

Ian Cresswell is the cruise director aboard Celebrity Solstice.

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