• 4 min de lectura
• 4 min de lectura
Andrew Williamson, head of cruise & ferry, Portsmouth International Port, shares his cruise industry firsts.
June 22, 2026
My first memory of seeing a cruise ship was the iconic QE2 at anchor in Plymouth Sound during the 50th anniversary VE Day commemorations in 1995. Up until then my maritime world had revolved around the regular Brittany Ferries ships, but the sight of QE2 was something else entirely. I was completely captivated. In fact I persuaded my parents to take me on at least three harbour tours that day just so I could see her from every angle possible. Looking back that was probably the moment I realised ships were more than a hobby – they were going to be a lifelong passion.
I was fortunate to secure a cadetship through Viking Recruitment and Holland America Line. At just 17 years old, I joined my first ship, Veendam, in Miami in 2001. What followed was an incredible three-and-a-half-year journey through my cadetship at Warsash Maritime Centre, combining academic study with practical experience at sea. It gave me the opportunity to learn a profession while seeing the world, sailing throughout the Caribbean, Baltic and Australasia. Those years provided invaluable experience and a first-hand understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional guest experiences at sea. They also introduced me to the unique camaraderie of life onboard and cemented my desire to build a career in the cruise industry.
Looking back, my cadetship remains one of the highlights of my career. The combination of professional development, travel and the friendships formed along the way created memories that will last a lifetime.
I cannot recommend cadetships highly enough. They offer a unique opportunity to develop professional skills, gain real-world experience and open doors to a hugely rewarding and diverse industry.
My first experience as a cruise passenger was aboard Celebrity Solstice in the Mediterranean.
Experiencing a cruise from the guest perspective was fascinating, having already worked at sea. It reinforced how every interaction, detail and touchpoint contributes to the overall experience – a lesson that still shapes my approach today in my role ashore.
That voyage was the first of many, although old habits die hard. Despite the stunning destinations and scenery, I still find my holiday photos are more likely to feature gangways, terminal infrastructure and port operations than the local landmarks!
There are far too many people to mention, but several individuals had a profound influence on my career.
At sea I will always be grateful to Captain John Clark, who sadly passed away a few years ago, and also Gerry Hogan, my training officer aboard Wind Surf, who gave me the encouragement – and occasional push – I needed to learn the 'rules of the road'.
Shore-side, Ian Diaper has been incredibly generous in sharing his knowledge and insights into the industry. Their guidance, support and experience have helped shape both my career and my approach to leadership.
My first Seatrade Cruise event was Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami in 2022. As a newcomer to the event, I was taken aback by the scale of it – the sheer diversity of the global cruise industry gathered under one roof was incredible. It was an intense few days of networking, social events, doing business and making friends, with back-to-back meetings and chance encounters that seemed to create new opportunities around every corner.
Stepping out into the Miami sunshine (factor 50 sunscreen applied) between meetings only added to the experience. The energy, ambition and glitz of the city provided the perfect backdrop for an industry built on travel, innovation and creating unforgettable experiences.
It's also especially memorable because I had to leave early to fly back to the UK for my wedding. It was quite literally a race across the world, swapping the buzz of Miami for one of the most important days of my life. I'm often reminded just how close I left it, but I was determined to make both events work – and thankfully, I did!
Fuente: sea-trade cruise
