Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been in the industry?
I’m Kiki Lin and going on a cruise has been my dream since I was young. I still remember the moment when I was 17, standing by the shore in Tainan, Taiwan, watching a cruise ship sail past in the distance. As a small-town girl who had never travelled abroad, that sight planted a seed in my heart: “One day, I will stand on a cruise ship and see the world!”
In 1996, I fulfilled that dream when I boarded Sovereign of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship at the time with my boyfriend and now husband, for an unforgettable journey through the Caribbean. That experience made me realize that cruising is more than just travel—it’s a way of life, full of freedom and adventure.
In 1999, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the Set-Up Team for a brand-new ship. I travelled to a shipyard in Finland to help prepare Voyager of the Seas—then the largest cruise ship in the world—for its maiden voyage. I went on to work for Royal Caribbean for three years, gaining firsthand experience in the industry.
Later, I spent eight years in the banking industry, but my passion for cruising and freedom never faded. In 2014, I made the bold decision to return to the cruise industry and build my own team. Eleven years have passed, and I’ve helped countless travellers turn their dreams into reality, guiding them to explore the world by cruise.
What do you specialize in and why?
My expertise lies in leadership communication and high-end customer service, with a strong ability to listen to clients’ needs and craft tailor-made cruise experiences that exceed expectations. The biggest motivation behind choosing this field is my son. I have always dreamed of traveling the world with him, and becoming a cruise travel specialist has allowed me to balance both my career and family while enjoying a more flexible lifestyle. When my son turned five, I made the life-changing decision to leave the banking industry and pursue my passion for the cruise travel business. Being a cruise travel specialist not only enables me to help clients fulfill their travel dreams but also gives me the flexibility to spend more time with my family. It’s the perfect blend of career and lifestyle—a value I hope to share with more people!
I recently read a study that women above the age of 50 will drive $746 billion in travel spending by 2035 – coming in right after millennials. Does that align with your clientele?
Yes, this trend aligns perfectly with our target audience. Post-pandemic, we’ve seen a significant rise in female travelers over 50. More than ever, they are willing to invest in themselves and seek high-quality travel experiences.
Our primary clientele falls into two main categories:
- Families (40+): These travelers, often parents with children, choose cruises to create meaningful family moments without the hassle of planning every detail.
- Women (50+): They love traveling with friends and prefer premium, hassle-free experiences. Cruises, offering an “all-in-one luxury vacation,” allow them to explore new cultures and destinations without worrying about logistics.
This trend proves that cruising is no longer just for retirees—it appeals to a broader age range, especially independent, quality-conscious women. They are a key focus of our services!
Are you noticing any interesting trends from the bookings you have? Are your clients still travelling to the U.S. with the ongoing tariffs?
In recent years, I’ve observed a significant surge in interest among Asian travellers for cruise vacations. Many who previously focused on land-based travel are now actively seeking North American cruise itineraries, often booking through local travel agencies and professional planners. These travellers not only care about the itinerary itself but also value expert services to ensure a seamless experience. As for the impact of tariff policies, some travellers who used to depart from Canada for U.S.-based cruises have become more hesitant. In contrast, interest in European itineraries has noticeably increased—especially European river cruises and Northern Europe sailings. These journeys offer deeper cultural immersion while eliminating the fatigue of traditional land travel, making them particularly appealing to high-end travellers. This shift indicates that the cruise market is evolving—not only with growing demand from Asia but also with a broader range of destination preferences. We are actively adapting our products and marketing strategies to meet these emerging needs!
What’s your biggest piece of advice for travel advisors right now?
As a professional travel consultant, I believe that continuous learning and firsthand experience are the keys to success. This industry is constantly evolving, with new cruise routes and travel trends emerging all the time. To stay ahead, we must keep learning—whether through training programs, industry conferences, or even experiencing travel products ourselves. Only by truly understanding destinations and offerings, we can provide clients with personalized, well-informed recommendations.
I also firmly believe in this principle: “Compete on value, not price!” Engaging in price wars not only harms the industry but also undermines our credibility as experts. Instead, I encourage collaboration within the travel community—sharing insights and experiences—because this business thrives on relationships and trust. When we work together, we create greater value and deliver the best possible travel experiences for our clients!
Tell us a little bit about a booking that stands out – whether it’s the most expensive, the longest, the most adventurous, etc.
One of the most touching and unforgettable trips I’ve had the privilege of planning was for a 94-year-old elegant solo traveller, a lady whose journey was filled with love and memories. This lady had a special tradition: every time she boarded a cruise, she would always choose the same cabin number. For her, it wasn’t just a room, but a place filled with cherished memories. She had been a movie star and flight attendant in her youth, and her favorite way of traveling was with her husband, spending each important holiday together aboard a cruise. They got married on a cruise at the ages of 73 and 78, and spent 20 years travelling the world hand-in-hand, becoming VIP passengers on several cruise lines. She told me, “Our love and travels have never been apart.”
However, since the passing of her husband, holidays had become challenging for her. She shared with me, “I can’t spend Christmas alone at home, because that was the day we always traveled together on a cruise.” Hearing these words, I knew this trip was more than just a vacation—it was a way for her to honor the memory of her late husband and a journey to continue their love. Because the lady used a walker and found it difficult to go out, I visited her personally to plan a 14-day Princess Cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico, allowing her to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve at sea. I also arranged door-to-door services, including airport and hotel transfers, as well as a dedicated assistant on board, ensuring she could enjoy her trip without any worries. I want to thank Princess Cruises for their thoughtful service.
After returning, the lady invited me to her home to share beautiful photos from her cruise. She always looked so elegant in every picture, meticulously dressed, as though her husband was still by her side, traveling with her. This journey for her was a trip accompanied by memories. For me, it was the most beautiful aspect of cruising—it allows memories to continue, and love to remain timeless. Travel is not just about the places we visit; it is the most beautiful and romantic story of our lives.
What are your thoughts on FAM trips? Are they valuable? Why? Do they help you sell more? How can they be improved?
I strongly support the idea of cruise lines and hotels offering FAM trips for travel professionals, as hands-on experience is crucial for us to accurately recommend the best itineraries for our clients. For example, our team’s stellar performance with Celebrity Cruises is largely attributed to our participation in the Celebrity Edge FAM trip. This trip allowed us to truly understand the ship’s amenities, dining options, entertainment, and service, which in turn boosted our confidence in recommending it to clients. When clients inquire about a specific cruise, we don’t just provide information; we share our personal experiences: “This restaurant has a fantastic atmosphere, the balcony view from this room is breathtaking, and this facility is perfect for families…” These genuine insights are far more persuasive than any marketing brochure.
As for how FAM trips could be improved, I believe accommodation arrangements could be a point of focus. Sometimes, travel professionals are asked to share rooms with strangers, which can be a bit of a challenge. If we could have private rooms or stay with our own team members, the overall experience would be much smoother, allowing us to focus more on the itinerary and less on adjusting to unfamiliar roommates.
In summary, FAM trips aren’t just about the journey; they are key opportunities to enhance our professionalism and strengthen our sales skills. I’m excited for more of these experiences in the future, as they allow us to gain deeper knowledge of different products and, in turn, offer our clients the highest quality service.
What’s the biggest challenge you are facing in the travel industry right now? What do you think can be done to help it?
The biggest challenges facing the travel industry today stem from political factors, natural disasters, and climate change, all of which bring unpredictable disruptions such as itinerary changes, flight cancellations, and even safety concerns. That’s why we continuously emphasize risk management and adaptability as essential elements of travel planning.
First and foremost, travel insurance is a must-have safeguard. Many travellers tend to overlook this, but in times of unexpected events, insurance provides immediate assistance—whether for medical emergencies, flight delays, or trip cancellations, helping to minimize financial losses and ensuring peace of mind.
Secondly, teamwork and professional support play a crucial role. When disruptions occur, this is where travel advisors truly add value. With strong industry connections and resources, we can swiftly rebook flights, arrange alternative accommodations, or offer backup plans to minimize disruptions and keep the journey on track.
Finally, we encourage travellers to stay flexible and open-minded. While some things in travel are beyond our control, proper planning and professional support allow for a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience—even in the face of unexpected challenges.
Do you have anything to add?
With advancements in technology, I encourage all travel professionals to embrace AI as a powerful tool to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and provide more precise and personalized travel planning. The travel industry is constantly evolving, and adopting new technology will be the key to future success.
On a personal level, I have always been passionate about Disney travel—not just as a career, but as a way to fulfill a childhood dream. Growing up, I never had the chance to visit a Disney park, but today, I get to help countless families bring their children into this magical world. Seeing their joy and excitement is truly fulfilling.
Looking ahead, my vision extends beyond just serving travelers. I want to empower others with similar backgrounds to mine. As an immigrant, I understand the challenges of restarting a career in a new country. Over the years, my team has helped many immigrant parents launch their own businesses in the travel industry, allowing them to pursue a career they love while having the flexibility to be present for their families.
My goal for the future is to help even more people achieve this lifestyle of freedom through travel, unlocking new opportunities and a brighter path forward.
Nominator
“I am thrilled to nominate Kiki Lin for the Travel Agent Appreciation issue. Kiki is the heart and soul of Kiki Vacations, an esteemed travel agency based in Western Canada and active across the country. With a robust team of over a dozen advisors under her leadership, Kiki exemplifies what it means to be a natural leader. Kiki’s journey in the travel industry began as a former cruise ship worker, where she honed her skills and developed an innate understanding of the traveler’s experience. Her transition to leading Kiki Vacations has been nothing short of inspiring. She leads by example, setting high standards for her team and consistently delivering exceptional service to her clients. What sets Kiki apart is not just her professional expertise, but also her warm and welcoming personality. She always has a smile on her face, making everyone she interacts with feel valued and appreciated. Her positive attitude and genuine care for others make her an exemplary figure in the travel industry. Kiki Lin truly deserves to be recognized for her outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence. She is a remarkable individual whose passion for travel and leadership continues to inspire those around her.”
