Travel Insider Interview: Cathy Larson, Seabourn and Holland America Line
Although we live in the same metro area, we tend to run into Cathy Larson when traveling elsewhere like on a Europe cruise or enroute to Alaska. Cathy is a career travel industry insider who loves exploring new destinations so she can share first-hand knowledge when encouraging others to experience the world via Seabourn and Holland America Line cruises.
We asked Cathy to share her insights on travel and exploring the world with Seabourn. She also shared some of her personal photos of her favorite destinations.
The Jones: What inspired you to join the travel industry?
Cathy: I have always loved to travel. After graduating from college with a degree in Marketing, I went to work for, what at the time was, a start-up airline named People Express. Everyone did a variety of jobs, but I mainly worked as a flight attendant for 5 years and was able to travel a lot domestically and to Europe.
After a short stint as a sales representative for a travel insurance company, I joined Holland America Line. I just celebrated my 20 year anniversary in January of this year. In April of 2011, the Seabourn and Holland America Line sales forces were combined and I now have the privilege of representing this incredible luxury cruise line as well.
Why do you think that travel is important?
Cathy: I believe travel is important to broaden your horizons, to help understand that we are all citizens of one world with very diverse backgrounds, opportunities and histories.
I also just love to see new places and to experience the beauty, food and people of different regions.
Do you have a favorite destination?
Cathy: I have been very fortunate in that I have been able to travel pretty extensively. While I don’t have one favorite destination, some of my favorites have been:
St. Petersburg, Russia, the Amalfi Coast of Italy, Alaska, the Greek Isles, Norway, Sweden, Dubrovnik, Croatia, England, Tahiti and Australia
Still high on my list to see are – New Zealand and Africa
What personal benefits have you gained from traveling?
Cathy: An appreciation of how fortunate we are in this country and the many things that we take for granted as well as a better understanding of and appreciation of history. US history is very short in comparison to many places.
Seabourn has six ships in Europe this summer sailing 75 different itineraries. Which one do you most want to sail?
Cathy: Lisbon – Barcelona as I have not been to Portugal or Spain.
From your travels, do you have a practice or insight that makes your travel experiences more enjoyable?
Cathy: Always be flexible and travel with an open mind. I see many travelers not enjoying their vacation because they expect it to be like it is at home. Or, they become very upset when things don’t go exactly as planned. Things rarely go exactly as scheduled from start to finish so you must be able to roll with the changes and not let it ruin your trip.
Learn more about the Falkland Islands and its penguins with these resources:
Falkland Islands: Penguin Paradise
Falkland Islands (Bradt Travel Guide)
NOTE: this post was updated on 8/20/2020.
Share your comments or questions via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram.