Hayley Hogan

Senior Cruise Consultant

Encountering different cultures, soaking up beautiful scenery and experiencing something new in each destination are what defines my passion for travel.

My favourite destination

It may be a cliché but one of my favourite destinations to cruise to is the Caribbean. Cruising to the Caribbean is the best way to see many islands in a short space of time, to get a taster for the towns and villages you call into that you may wish to return to for a longer stay.

My very first cruise was to the Caribbean when I worked aboard Adventure of the Seas for Royal Caribbean - in fact, it was my very first holiday abroad by myself, on an indirect flight, at the young age of 23 - so many emotions!

This destination has a particularly special place in my heart, as I met my now husband in Grenada on a university trip! It was wonderful to revisit Grenada, and particularly the most beautiful Grand Anse beach, during our Eastern Caribbean cruise with Explora Journeys in 2024 - 13 years after we met and two years after being married.

The islands are full of vibrant, welcoming people, beautiful scenery and beaches, luscious vegetation and steeped in a humbling history. A variety of activities can be had in the Caribbean from snorkelling, zip-lining and quad-biking to hot springs, rum tasting and relaxation aplenty.

There is something for everyone on a Caribbean cruise, and with the small luxury cruise lines we sell, offering itineraries that take you to some of the quieter, remote locations, that often feel untouched, you can find your own little piece of paradise, just a short flight away.

Explore the Caribbean

My top cruising tip

I would encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and seize any opportunity to try something different to the norm. Whether it's food related, a physical challenge or stepping into the unknown, be bold and you'll likely enrich your holiday experience. More often than not it's these spur-of-the-moment decisions that lead to those amazing travel stories that you tell people for years to come, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Fact File

Years in travel: I've worked in travel for 10 years.

Years working at Mundy Cruising: 9 years

First job in travel: My first job in travel was a Customer Service Agent for Royal Caribbean International, when they were tri-branded with Royal, Celebrity and Azamara. I dealt with everything post-sales, hosted ship visits and worked on board Adventure of the Seas as a Loyalty Consultant.

Best cruise dining experience: The S.A.L.T. excursion with Silversea in Santorini, a 10-course degustation of Greek fusion food. It was exquisite with views out over the Cadabra - I'll never forget it!

Best non-cruise holiday: Hands down, South Africa; I joined a small group tour including Kruger National Park and I just loved the people, landscapes and wildlife.

Interesting fact about yourself: Both my husband and I are only children; our friends are our family and we value our friendships hugely - we are both very lucky with that.

Ocean cruise lines sailed: Seabourn, Explora Journeys, Riverside, Windstar, Hebridean Island Cruises, Ponant, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, SeaDream, Regent, Uniworld, Scenic, AmaWaterways, HX Expeditions, and Tauck

Areas you've cruised: Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Rhine, Main & Moselle, Danube, Southern Africa, North Africa, Indonesia, Galapagos, Australia, Arctic and Svalbard

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