Burj al-Arab from

Medinat Jumeirah Dubai

TELL US ABOUT AN AMAZING CRUISE YOU ’ VE BEEN ON RECENTLY The cruise was 21 nights with Seabourn from Dubai to Athens , via the Suez Canal and Jordan . To be honest , it wasn ’ t a cruise or itinerary that even remotely appeared on my extensive bucket list of places I wanted to see . Spending a few days in Dubai prior to our cruise was such an eye-opener and I got to experience first-hand the amazing culture and cutting-edge architecture that makes the city such a unique destination . I was surprised at just how much it has to offer than just a convenient airport on the way to somewhere else . Then , I was simply blown away by Jordan — the history was absolutely phenomenal , none of which I ’ d been taught in school . The lectures were

totally enthralling and learning about the central role the Middle East has played in world affairs — going way back before the birth of Christ to the present day — was fascinating . Another major highlight was passing through the Suez Canal .

WHERE ELSE DID YOU VISIT ? Israel turned out to be a very emotional experience , which shocked me to my core because I ’ m not in the least bit religious . However , walking in the very footsteps of Jesus was an incredible journey that I appreciated because of the impact I could see it had on those around me . It gave me a deeper perspective and appreciation of those that do believe . My time spent in Israel was utterly life-changing .

CAN YOU TELL US WHAT IT ’ S LIKE BEING A HOST ON A DV CRUISE ? I feel I ’ m the luckiest guy in the world . I ’ ve flown for almost 35 years as cabin crew with Qantas Airways and have been very privileged to see the world as so few get to see it . Not only has Distinctive Voyages allowed me to extend my travel horizons , but I get to do it on the world ’ s best ships and cruise lines . Even more than that , I get to share these adventures with my guests . I love celebrating and sharing the riches that travel brings and this program has enabled me to elevate my travel dreams to another level . I could never have imagined I ’ d spend 21 days on one of the best ships and cruise lines in the world , traveling to some of the most lifeenriching destinations on the planet .

image : getty

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