Located on the southwest coast of Norway, Haugesund is a historic town recognized as one of the country’s premier cruise ports. As a cruise port, it appeals as a gateway to exploring Norway's coastal landscapes and rich Viking heritage.
10.04.2024 - 22:19 / forbes.com
Paul Ludlow is the President of P&O Cruises.
On a sunny Wednesday morning, we sat down to discuss Paul's journey from sales administrator to cruise line president and his plans for the 21st-century evolution of what is dubbed Britain's best-loved cruise line.
Growing up on the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England, Paul got his first taste of travel working as a tour guide for an educational tours company, EF Travel. He showcased the island and taught English to visiting school children.
"In hindsight, I think I probably realize now that my first job as a tour guide meant I had a future in the travel industry – I started so young, showcasing the local area, and I absolutely loved it," Paul says, beaming.
From there, Paul's journey to becoming the president of P&O Cruises began.
"I don't think you ever set out thinking that that is your final destination," Paul chuckles.
After studying Business at Bournemouth University, Paul remained in the south of England, on the doorstep of P&O Cruises, one of the largest employers in the region at the time.
"I got my foot in the door at a low level in the business. My first role was sales administrator, over 23 years ago now!
I realized very quickly that the cruise industry is such an exciting place to be – back in the day, it was tiny compared to where it is today," says Paul.
Paul recounts the first time he set on a cruise ship: "I was overwhelmed by the scale, the choice, and the amenities available on the ships.
Looking back now, you could perhaps fit several of those ships into the size of the ships we have today at P&O Cruises," says Paul.
"It was a fast-growing industry and an exciting place to be, and I stuck with it," Paul adds.
Paul worked his way through P&O Cruises' parent group, Carnival Corporation, as the previous UK managing director of Princess Cruises before landing the top job of president of P&O Cruises.
"Every day is different – I have huge variety within my role.
Cruise ships are like floating cities with theatres, fine-dining restaurants, and even hospitals. Parts of our organization are dedicated to each of those areas—it's my role to be responsible for all of that!" says Paul.
"I'm very fortunate to travel on all of our ships to all four corners of the world, and I get enormous joy out of that.
We have over 15,000 people working for this business, and I really enjoy my interactions with each of them," Paul adds.
I wonder what the most significant challenges are in Paul's role?
"We're a very complex business. Often, you'll make a change in one area of the business, and it'll have a consequence in another part of the business.
So one of the challenges is understanding that interplay, making sure that you have all the stakeholders
Located on the southwest coast of Norway, Haugesund is a historic town recognized as one of the country’s premier cruise ports. As a cruise port, it appeals as a gateway to exploring Norway's coastal landscapes and rich Viking heritage.
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