![A day in the life of a Riviera river cruise crew member](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/riviera-day-in-life.jpg?imwidth=680)
A day in the life of a crew member
Cruise director Anette Taylor ensures the smooth running of a river cruise from start to finish
![A day in the life of a Riviera river cruise crew member](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/riviera-day-in-life.jpg?imwidth=680)
Name: Anette Taylor
Nationality: Canadian (born in Germany)
How long have you worked for Riviera?
Since 1999.
What does your job involve?
To list all things encountered during cruising would take days to write. It is most important to ensure that the guests have the best possible cruising experience, exceeding their expectations. Some of the requirements are to particularly acknowledge our many returning clients and to oversee and streamline the day-to-day operation. I give information and produce a daily programme. I communicate with the guests, captain, hotel manager, on-board crew and land suppliers.
I help guests with any of their concerns. This could include lost luggage, forgotten medications, accidents and even hospitalisations. Sometimes all that is needed is a friendly shoulder and a chat. To be available and to have a friendly and open attitude is key. In-depth knowledge of the itinerary and any excursions is also required.
![A day in the life of a Riviera Cruise crew member](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/riviera-anne-taylor.jpg?imwidth=350)
Can you talk us through a typical day?
Everyday brings different challenges, for example embarkation and disembarkation days very much differ from cruising days. You must anticipate flight delays, guests missing their flights or trains, traffic jams and so on. Again, good communication between the land operators and the ship and Riviera Operations is most important. Sailing days vary according to the area you are in, the weather, any diversions due to low or high water etc.
Preparation of the daily programme to keep guests properly informed has to be done on a daily basis. Everyday we give comprehensible, practical and informative briefings on the ports we will visit to ensure guests are well informed about the excursions and the area we will visit. When appropriate we will give lectures on diverse subjects, for example the history of Portugal or unusual German customs. We will also do commentaries on any areas of interest we sail past, for example castles of the Rhine Gorge. And let’s not to forget entertainment. Maybe a quiz, call my bluff or other local guest entertainers.
How involved are you with passengers and how do you help them out?
We are very much involved with our passengers. It starts when first meeting them, maybe at the airport, and continues through the cruise until they depart. Guests are always invited to talk to us to ask questions and to communicate any concerns they might have. We will do our outmost to accommodate and help with pleasure. We also escort all excursions to ensure smooth and timely operation.
What do you love most about cruising?
Being a cruise director enables me to meet all kinds of people from diverse backgrounds. It also gives me the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and experience of the areas, countries, nationalities, cultures and historic sites I’ve been lucky enough to learn about in my 38 years of cruising the world. I enjoy the challenges every day brings, from organising a taxi for one of our guests to looking after everyone when itineraries have to change.
This may be due to high or low water levels or more serious incidents like volcano eruptions or mechanical failures. The best part is to be part of the ‘Riviera Family’, working with colleagues on board and at the Riviera Travel offices and not to forget, the friendships I’ve built with some of our guests over the years.
What’s your favourite river cruise and why?
The Rhine/Moselle cruise is one of my favourite cruises. The two rivers are very different in nature. The Rhine is majestic and the busiest waterway in Europe. The Rhine Gorge and its castles are absolutely breathtaking and deserve to be a World Heritage Site.
![A day in the life of a Riviera Cruise crew member](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/riviera-rhine.jpg?imwidth=350)
The Moselle is gentle and meandering with many gorgeous small towns and villages giving you the opportunity to relax and enjoy some of the famous local wines.
Why do you think passengers like Riviera Travel cruises so much?
Passengers love cruising with us because they get value for money, personal attention, consistency and the care of experienced cruise directors and concierges. Excursions are included, giving our guests the option to explore the places we visit with experienced local guides, strike out on their own, or relax on board.
Our ships are five-star ships with great cuisine and that extra special touch. The crew is friendly, knowledgeable and passenger-focused. Riviera Travel has been in business since 1984 and has grown through vigilance, paying attention to detail and by listening to the feedback of its clients. Customer service is at the heart of Riviera Travel.
What do you do in your free time?
In between cruises during the travel season, I catch up with my family (dog included), follow up on appointments and prepare for the next cruises in my schedule. During down time from January to March, foremost on my mind is to look after the home, redecorate, do some private travelling, cook up a storm and do a bit of watercolour painting.
Why would you recommend our readers sail with Riviera Travel?
For all of the reasons I have mentioned. Our itineraries are different from the usual cruising. We are for exploring-minded clients who want to travel to enrich their lives, be it educational, cultural or just for fun. It’s all there.
View our partner’s full collection of river cruises and more or call 0330 818 8569.
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