One of the main jobs of the Guest Relations Manager on board a ship is to make sure everyone is happy and enjoying him or herself. A task, which is sometimes on display but also, involves operating behind the scenes.

Recently I met with Miriam Iaconelli the Guest Relation Manager on board Costa Classica.

Unlike most of the crew she does not have a whole department behind her and although she works with the hostess’ all the time she is actually very much a one-man band.

I started off by asking her whether that was something that bothered her?

No not at all, I like my independence, but life on board is really busy for me. Starting with greeting and meeting new guests as they embark

Where are you from originally and how long have you worked for Costa Cruises?

I am Italian and have worked for Costa for three years, The company has offices all over the world but of course the headquarters are in Genoa, where I first started.

What do you like most about what you do?

I love the sociable side of my work, with guests and of course with my colleagues as well. In fact I have just been ashore buying presents for some of them. (don’t tell them). Naturally, it is fantastic to see the world and earn money at the same time!

Do you have any funny questions fielded at you?

One thing I am frequently asked is if the ship has ever sunk? Occasionally I do feel like being a bit sarcastic and saying yes, but we have brought it back to the surface, so it’s fine now!

What about the passengers, are there regulars?

Oh yes, I know many of them well. Some of the cabins are booked 2 years in advance or more, by clients.

Do you deal with any handicapped people on the boat?

On the Classica there are 6 especially adapted cabins. The warmth of the Italian
temperament usually means that any passengers with special needs are quite spoilt on board!

Do you ever have to deal with weddings or perhaps a birth?

It used to be that the captain could officiate at weddings but I don’t think that applies any more. We have had wedding receptions on board though, and that has been good fun. I do not know of any on board births but I do believe at one time that if a baby was born out at sea it could take the nationality of the boat. That does not happen nowadays though.

What are your future plans?

I usually work quite a few months together and then have about 6 weeks off to see my family back in Italy. Then I get a phone call and it is interesting because I never quite know where I will be asked to go next. It is one of the special excitements of my job.

Lucy Daltroff

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Posted in Interviews, Ships Crew