Rosita Lincoln has worked in the travel industry all her adult life. She started as a tour guide abroad and then worked for a long time in charter travel, until last year when she joined Royal Caribbean Cruises as a marketing coordinator.
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ShareRosita is also a private traveller, often travelling with her family, which consists of her husband and three children aged 6-13. She has been blogging for a long time on her site Rosita travels and has also published the book "Rosita Travels - The perfect guide for your children's holiday".
Cruise travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, even among younger travellers. We took the opportunity to interview Rosita about the benefits of going on a cruise, the different types of cruise holidays and how to know which cruise to choose.
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Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your family and your interest in travelling? How and where do you usually travel on holiday?
I am a 40-year-old mother of three living in Stockholm who has spent half my life working in the travel industry. Just before I turned 21, I left my childhood home of Valbo to work abroad as a tour guide.
For 3.5 years I moved between Mallorca, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Turkey with varying positions where I ended up as headmaster at a guide school (2 months) for Swedish, Norwegian and Danish young people. From excited pupil at a guide school to responsible principal, the bag was tied and it was time to move back home to Sweden.
I met my Scanian husband Stefan abroad and we both still work in the travel industry. Taking into account both our professional affiliation, the travel has been characterised by charter trips together with our children who are between 6 and 13 years old. The first trip with children was a cruise in the Mediterranean - now that bag is also tied when I recently work with cruises.
Tell us about your job at the cruise company Royal Caribbean International! What is your role?
Since February 2016 I work as a Marketing Coordinator at Royal Caribbean in Stockholm. I am the sole representative in Sweden with a marketing role, so my duties are very varied. I am responsible for a variety of written content, from digital on the web (including a blog), press releases and social media to printed materials such as brochures and catalogues.
I am also responsible for negotiating and booking marketing - from print to podcast. In addition, I am responsible for collaborations with the press and social influencers. For example, I recently returned from a "blog cruise" with six amazing influencers.
Can you tell us about the cruises offered by Royal Caribbean International?
Many do not know that the Royal Caribbean International brand also includes Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. To facilitate the understanding of each brand, I usually make comparisons with well-known concepts in the charter industry. Imagine Fritidsresor's (now TUI) Blue Village and Vings Sunwing Resort - that's Royal Caribbean. Families with children thrive here!
In contrast to these charter concepts, Royal Caribbean's product offers so much more - that even the young couple without children or the retiree enjoys it just as much. The facilities, activities and entertainment on board are incredibly large and varied. This includes some of the world's largest cruise ships with Broadway musicals, water slides, surf simulator, climbing wall and more. But also secluded quiet places with an age limit (16 years), for those who want peace and quiet.
Now imagine instead the Blue Village and Sunprime charter concepts (with an age limit of 16 years). These are Celebrity Cruises. The difference is that children are welcome on board - but there are no climbing walls and a host of other enticing children's activities. Here, the focus is on design and even more personal touches - a little more stylish, a little more luxurious, simply put.
The trade mark Azamara Club Cruises have smaller ships (less than 700 guests). With more overnight stays in port, you get a closer experience of each destination - and reach ports that the giant ships can't reach. If you love travelling, you'll love Azamara Club Cruises.
Is it true that only pensioners go on cruises or are there cruises for everyone?
There are cruises for everyone - regardless of age, tastes, needs and desires! What can be most clearly distinguished on a cruise within Royal Caribbean is that Azamara Club Cruises attracts the oldest audience, Celebrity Cruises attracts couples (perfect for the honeymoon!) and Royal Caribbean suits all target groups! Audiences also vary depending on the cruise route and season. The longer transatlantic cruises, for example, appeal to an older audience. Families with children travel during school holidays.
How do you know which cruise suits your interests?
A very good and important question. In Sweden, cruises, other than the ships that operate in our close waters, are an unfamiliar form of travel for many. If you feel uncertain about the choice of several different shipping companies - and even different products within the same group, as I described earlier - I would recommend that you contact your nearest travel agency. Or why not google shipping companies to find tips from different bloggers/influencers!
What are your own experiences with cruises? What is the best cruise you have taken?
I made my first cruise in 1999 from Mallorca where I was working. No. 2, in 2003, was also the first trip as a parent. Then it took until 2015, when I had the opportunity to travel on a press trip with Royal Caribbean. And on that way I ended up in the cruise industry ...
Blog gave work thus. 2016 I have made two short cruises with Royal Caribbean and been on board Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises when they have been in port. My favourite is Celebrity Cruises, but if the children can choose a cruise, they will definitely choose Royal Caribbean.
What are the advantages of cruising compared to other ways of travelling?
An unbeatable number of experiences in a single week's holiday! Imagine ticking off 4-6 destinations (including 2-4 different countries) in one trip, while travelling in comfort and only having to unpack your suitcase once. This flexibility also allows you to relax in the midst of all the action. Plus, the ships are an experience in themselves!
What are your own travel plans for the future? Is there a cruise or other trip on the schedule?
The family is travelling to Thailand in the winter. 2017 will be a wonderful and varied year of travelling, including a friends' weekend to SopotPoland in April, cruise with the family on Freedom of the Seas this summer + also the nice hotel OBC in Crete. In the autumn 13-year city trip with my youngest daughter (city trip destination not yet decided). There will also be work trips to Oslo where our Nordic headquarters are located.
Finally, a question we ask everyone we interview: What is your dream destination?
Since I travel abroad a lot, both on holiday and on business, I actually dream of destinations in Sweden. I want to experience the northern lights, hike in the mountains, see Kiruna church and stay at the ice hotel. Southern Sweden is also fantastic. The list is long! I hope to tick off a dream destination in Sweden in 2017.
Thank you Rosita Lincoln for sharing your experiences and thoughts!
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Lennart says:
Cruises can be something when we get old!
19 November 2016 - 7:51
Role o Carina says:
Cruising can certainly be good, but we like flying the most!
This is the fastest way to reach your destination!
Take care and enjoy the weekend...
19 November 2016 - 10:00
Eva - People in the Street says:
Wonderful interview with inspiring Rosita! I have never been on a longer cruise (I have travelled by ferry, including to Germany and the UK) except to Vaasa and Åland, but I get a little hungry after reading this!
And Rosita, welcome to Norrbotten!
19 November 2016 - 10:42
Travel Friday says:
Great fun to read, go Rosita and go cruises!
19 November 2016 - 10:46
Comsi Comsa says:
Cruising is something for everyone who likes the sea. 🙂
Happy Saturday and hugs ♥
19 November 2016 - 10:56
Imelda says:
Cruises are wonderful! We have been on 8 different ones, ranging from different destinations in Europe to Istanbul and the Caribbean. Our favourite cruise line is Royal Caribbean - we have travelled with and without children and have always been satisfied. Now, however, it is the motorhome that attracts as the puppy always gets to follow the trips.
19 November 2016 - 11:09
Mr Steve says:
Cruising was something I thought about when I was young, but it never happened. It was a bit too luxurious and expensive then, I have a feeling. Now the range seems to be much larger and the prices much smaller, but now it is not relevant to me. Even if I could travel, I don't think cruise holidays suit me. I would feel too restricted.
19 November 2016 - 11:37
Ama de casa says:
Hmm... The ultimate proof that we HAVE become old, perhaps... We went on a 10-day cruise in April and absolutely LOVED it! Although Rosita actually writes that it is suitable for all ages - so there! 😉
We went with Princess Cruises (oops... 😉 ) and the choice fell on them because we found an interesting variant where the Panama Canal was included.
I can VERY well imagine crossing again 😀.
19 November 2016 - 12:19
Rosita says:
Thank you best Helena & Peter for letting me participate! ??
Lennart: A cruise is suitable for ALL ages! It is "only" to find the right shipping company and ship and you will have a fantastic holiday. I was 22 years old the first time I cruised, and loved it! Then with different interests than now, but still love it.
Rolle & Carina: keep in mind that you fly to the first destination, where the ship departs (quick and easy). Then - in a single holiday week - you visit several different destinations and up to 3 different countries! The ship leaves during the night so that every morning you (almost) wake up to a new place 🙂 Many experiences, quickly & smoothly.
Warm regards, Rosita
19 November 2016 - 12:39
Rosita says:
Eva & Resfredag- THANK YOU dear travel mates! I am so happy to be able to talk travel, and my focus travel interest, with Helena & Peter.
As you both know, I have a passion to experience more (!) in my own country. Now that I have put it officially on paper 😉 I really want and hope to make it happen. As a southern Norrlander, my love is extra big for Norrland. I will Eva ???
19 November 2016 - 12:43
Rosita says:
Comsi comsi, that's right! And for everyone who loves to EXPERIENCE the world ??? and likes to relax at the same time.
Imelda, so glad to hear that you love to cruise and have done several cruises. I understand that it is great to be able to bring the doggies on holiday now, in a motorhome. Motorhome is something I want to try (have done it as a child). Maybe when I go away and experience Norrland 🙂.
Best wishes,
Rosita
19 November 2016 - 12:48
Goatfish says:
I have many times had the word cruise on the tongue, but stopped there. While you get to see a lot, there is a lot of time on the boat and on the sea 😀 But, who knows?
However, I have been to Kiruna church 😀 - and seen the ice hotel, but not stayed there. /Gerd
19 November 2016 - 12:54
Rosita says:
Steve, you're right - the choice of cruises has become so much greater. Feeling "restricted" on board (boring, nothing to do) is a prejudice that the cruise industry struggles with. That idea could not be more wrong. The short cruise I did last time was on a ship that holds almost 9000 people (!), ie like a small Swedish village. You have 20 restaurant / cafes to choose from, about 40 bars / lounges / discos, you can enjoy a surf simulator, a cable car 9 deck above ground, climbing wall, several pools (including a large area with pool and whirlpool for adults only - age limit 16 years), gym, spa. You can watch a full-scale Broadway show with a live orchestra and 25 performers in the cast, see ice shows and water shows in a mighty Aqua Theatre. Keep in mind that you go ashore virtually every day. So you may feel you have too LITTLE time on board to experience everything you want to see and do. As I describe, different shipping companies fit differently depending on your wishes. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have ships that accommodate from about 36 people (cruise in the exciting animal kingdom of the Galapagos Islands) to Royal's world's largest, Harmony of the Seas. Celebrity's ships take a maximum of about 2 500 guests. I love Celebrity's ships! Check out e.g. Celebrity Reflection and Silhouette. I think, to cruise suits everyone. It is "just" to find the right one 😉
Best regards, Rosita
19 November 2016 - 13:01
Rosita says:
Ama de Casa - how happy I am to hear that you have cruised (regardless of which shipping company) and love it! Exactly, cruising suits everyone - young and old! That a cruise only suits "old" is precisely a prejudice that the entire cruise industry struggles with. Like that it would be boring, which is even more incorrect.
It is "only" a matter of finding the right shipping company for your interests and needs. As I try to help a little with above, gm description per target group. And sometimes, of course, you choose based on which destinations you want to experience. Cruising is a perfect way to experience the world, without having to drag the suitcase 😉.
Warm greetings,
Rosita
19 November 2016 - 13:06
Rosita says:
Geddish - hope you want to try a cruise sometime! You get to experience a lot and it's not as much time on board as you probably WANT! The ships transport you mainly during the night. Royal, Celebrity and Azamara all have the longest possible stops in port for you to experience as much as possible - sometimes even with an overnight stay. (But this differs between different shipping companies so investigate it! As well as research how big "the public spaces are, which affects the overall experience of a cruise). My family's upcoming Mediterranean cruise has a single day at sea. It is needed to experience everything on board (surf simulator, climbing wall, miniature golf, pools, shows on both stage and ice, etc.) Otherwise, we check off 3 countries and six different destinations in a single week. Wow!
Oh you have been to the ice hotel! A dream for me, like more "up there in the north". Södernorrlänning as I am born ?
Warm greetings,
Rosita
19 November 2016 - 13:14
Alexandra says:
I would probably love to go on such a cruise! I even love Finland cruises haha. But so far it has not really fit in the time, but it will! I love to go and look at these ships when they are in port in Stockholm sometimes in the summers.
I tend to fantasise that in the future, planes might be a bit more like ships. That is, you can walk around and do things and not just sit still and crowd in your chair. But still the transport speed that aeroplanes provide!!!
19 November 2016 - 13:43
Lena in Wales says:
I'd love to go on a cruise, but my husband doesn't want to.He still has the old belief that it's only for older Americans, so stupid. I think there's something for everyone, so I'll just have to go with a friend.
19 November 2016 - 13:47
Matts Torebring says:
We will probably travel more in Sweden too, when we don't feel young anymore. Then the motorhome sets no limits on where you want to go.
19 November 2016 - 15:58
Mr Steve says:
Rosita - Limited was perhaps my wrong choice of words. I understand that they hired you as a marketing coordinator at the cruise company. Had I been able to travel, I'm sure you would have "got me on the train".
19 November 2016 - 16:17
BP says:
The only cruises we've done are different variations across the Baltic Sea to Finland, Åland, Estonia, Poland and Latvia. But I know that my brother and sister-in-law just used Royal Caribbean Cruises. Since the brother-in-law is in a wheelchair, they thought it was absolutely wonderful to be able to travel that way. So sure, cruises are something for everyone!
19 November 2016 - 18:17
Motorhome Helge says:
My husband wants to cruise but not me. Therefore, it has become a motorhome that we cruise around Europe during the winter months. But when we get really old then I will offer to travel on a cruise ... We often see these large cruise ships in Gothenburg and other ports around the Baltic Sea. Truly impressive!
19 November 2016 - 19:11
Motorhome Helge says:
My husband wants to cruise but not me. Therefore, we have become a motorhome that we cruise around Europe during the winter months. But when we get really old then I will offer to travel on a 14-day cruise, perhaps beyond Asia. We often see these large cruise ships in Gothenburg and other ports around the Baltic Sea. Truly impressive!
19 November 2016 - 19:15
Solan says:
If all shipping companies had such a good PR woman as Rosita, everyone would cruise... Very inspiring 🙂.
19 November 2016 - 21:47
Henny says:
I'm glad you want to experience northern Sweden. We have a lot to offer even a traveller like you. I myself became a little hungry to test a cruise in the future.
20 November 2016 - 1:25
Rosita says:
ALEXANDRA, it's an experience just to look at these giants when they are in harbour. And when I see the tourists go ashore in Stockholm, I always feel so proud. Proud of my country and my hometown (immigrant) as I am 🙂 .
LENA I WALES - I believe and think just like you 🙂 There is a cruise for everyone. Hope you get a friend to try it.
Best regards, Rosita
20 November 2016 - 11:52
Rosita says:
MATTS TOREBRING - I also want to experience more in Sweden, together with my children. Great experiences are close by!
STEVE - Thank you! That makes me happy.
Warm regards, Rosita
20 November 2016 - 11:55
Rosita says:
BP - how happy I am that you draw attention to the fact that a cruise with Royal Caribbean also works for those with disabilities such as a wheelchair. The staff on board are incredible service people and public areas are well adapted to get around with a wheelchair. As well as of course some cabins are adapted! Here it is important to choose the "right" shipping company, all shipping companies or ships do not have the same generous space at, for example, the pool areas.
Best wishes,
Rosita
20 November 2016 - 11:59
Rosita says:
HUSBILEN HELGE - what wonderful experiences you get with your car! When you feel ready to look at a cruise, I suggest you look at Azamara or Celebrity, I think these can suit you very well.
Warm regards, Rosita
20 November 2016 - 12:02
Rosita says:
Hi SOLAN,
oh how your greeting warms. Thank you, please!
Best regards, Rosita
20 November 2016 - 12:02
Rosita says:
Hi HENNY,
Yes, I am really fascinated by Norrland. In my childhood (in southern Norrland) we only holidayed in Sweden, and a bit north. I was 15 years old on my first trip abroad, my family could not afford to fly abroad. Now I am travelling a lot with my own children, but I want to show them much more of our beautiful country.
I'm glad you're getting a little cruise craving!
Warm greetings,
Rosita
20 November 2016 - 12:06
Anna, Travel on a Cloud says:
Great fun to read! Rosita is really a great source of inspiration. So interesting to learn more about cruises, that there really is something for everyone. Also agree with Rosita that there are so many gems in Sweden for many to discover. I have not been to the very top of the north either! 🙂
20 November 2016 - 14:17
Rosita says:
Hi ANNA,
thank you for your words, how happy I am! Well, our elongated country certainly offers lots of gems to discover. There is so much more I want to see, so ... time to focus on actually ticking something / some every year ?? And yes, a cruise really suits everyone! It's "just" about finding/choosing the right one.
20 November 2016 - 17:45
Ditte says:
Thanks for a great read! And inspiring! Locking Rosita's blog from time to time.
We have cruised in Europe several times, (Mediterranean and along/Norwegian fjords, on the Atlantic, in the Caribbean, in Asia and in the Fiji archipelago and like it, but we prefer to avoid the largest ships because we find them rather impersonal.
I think I would appreciate Azmara Club Cruises.
Our best cruise was in the Fijian archipelago with Blue Lagoon Cruises and a ship that carried 60 passengers.
We are happy to cruise again and my preferred cruise in the future may well pass through the Galapagos and Antarctica.
Taking a trip through the Panama Canal and on to round Cape Horn is also on the wish list.
I think a cruise is very practical!
Thank you for another great Saturday interview.
20 November 2016 - 19:37
Rosita says:
Hi DITTE, so glad to hear that you have read my blog. And what fantastic cruises you have done! Understand you about the feeling of smaller ships. Personally, I prefer it too. Then I also include Celebrity's ships that take a maximum of about 2 400 guests - which is still a big difference from the world's largest (Royals, Harmony of The Seas) with room for about 6 500 guests. To Galapagos, Celebrity's ships are of course smaller, with room for about 30-90 passengers. Should add that Hurtigrutten also has fantastic routes in the Norwegian fjords. One is allowed to mention such things when it is actually good stuff ?
I'm taking the liberty of pointing out a blog post I wrote about Azamara so hopefully it gives a good guide to the brand. http://rositareser.se/azamara-club-cruises-exklusiva-kryssningar-i-mindre-format/
Best regards, Rosita
20 November 2016 - 22:08
Lizzie says:
We are a family that loves to cruise.I myself work on board Viking Line and when we holiday we use RCCL...we love the Oasis class.My husband was involved in building Oasis and Allure in Turku, Finland.Our first RCCL cruise was around Spain with Oasis making summer cruises in Europe...after that we were completely sold!Then it was a honeymoon with Allure in the eastern Caribbean and now in February we go and try Harmony to the western Caribbean + that we have another booked cruise with RCCL 2018 to the eastern Caribbean..Kidzen (9 and 10) also love to cruise .... it is completely our thing.Hope to be able to make longer cruises in the future then when you get more free time 🙂 Will look in and start reading your blog now Rosita.
22 November 2016 - 1:38
Rosita says:
Hi LIZZIE,
so glad to read your greeting and that you like Royal! I also really understand that the kids love it. The Oasis class in particular has a huge smorgasbord of activities. But also other ships as well of course - we ourselves will go with Freedom this summer. Feel free to check out my blog, there is a presentation about Harmony (the blog is not updated as frequently as the talented Peter & Helena update). You can also find me on Instagram (Rosita is travelling). PS, I also write a cruise blog for Royal: http://blogg.royalcaribbean.se
Welcome!
Warm regards, Rosita
22 November 2016 - 22:10