THE BASICS
Name: Isis Ruiz
Title: Chief commercial officer Company, city: American Queen Voyages; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
First job: My first job in travel was an entry-level marketing assistant for Carnival Cruise Line. It inspired me to return to school to study marketing. In high school, I worked as a tour guide, so hospitality was in my blood!
Where to next: I’m headed to Hawai‘i with my family; our group will range in age from 5 (my youngest) to 83 (my parent).
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life?
I’d pick Eva Longoria. I love her pro-Latina, pro- women message. She recently spoke to an organization I’m part of, and she was empowering.
What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry?
My dream job growing up was to be a linguist for the United Nations; I’ve always held a deep appreciation for the power of words.
What is your favorite book, movie or television show?
My favorite movie is Forrest Gump. I’m a history buff, so I love how it weaves in the world perspective in an endearing way. I love historical fiction; my favorite book is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, who creates strong female protagonists.
What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with?
Eleanor Roosevelt was ahead of her time and never afraid to push boundaries to make an impact. One of my favorite quotes is, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
THE BUSINESS
What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it?
I joined American Queen Voyages in April, so it was important to me to learn about our product and the communities impacted by our cruises. We’ve since launched a free air complement; we know flying can be tricky, so we looked to remove an obstacle for our travelers. We’re adding a new itinerary, Grand Ohio & Upper Mississippi Rivers, after the success of our Mighty Mississippi itinerary. The new voyage is the longest river cruise itinerary in the United States and a direct response to customer feedback.
What is your favorite aspect of the job?
I’ve always loved marketing, but I love that this position allows me to flex new and different muscles across multiple functions.
What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken?
I’m a risk-taker by nature. I view it as either high-risk or high-reward. As a history major who pivoted to marketing, I’m not a traditional marketer, either. After more than a decade with Carnival, I left for a new opportunity with an unknown brand. It ended up as high-reward.
Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry?
In the cruise industry, Vicki Freed and Joanne Schimelman, who gave me my first job. I remember her saying, “This isn’t rocket science, we can figure it out.” It’s stuck with me my whole career. I also pay attention to women leaders; I don’t know her personally, but I admire the way Kristen Cavallo at The Martin Agency is changing the conversation.
AS A TRAVELER
Tell us about a travel nightmare: I’ve been lucky. In the end, it all works out. I think it’s the mindset you enter the travel experience with.
Share a comical travel experience: As frequent travelers know, it’s carry-on luggage only! However, I was traveling to a colder climate and struggling to fit bulkier clothing in my carry-on; my mom was in town to help and suggested a bigger bag. I checked my itinerary and I was traveling alone, so, against my better judgment, I went with checked luggage. Of course my schedule changed, and I ended up traveling with the CEO. It only took five minutes for someone to mention my bag.
What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? Cruise ships, because there’s a peace and tranquility that comes with being on water.
What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? Everyone knows many industries are short-staffed; we are not immune. Recently, on board, an employee approached those in management, myself included, during a meal to share some issues employees were having. I first thanked her for her courage and candor, as that is not easy. Our executive vice president of Vessel Operations promised to address it that day, before departing the ship, and it was handled immediately. It’s important to take the same approach to employees as we do our guests.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 23, 20246 Wellness Experiences to Try Around the World from Four Seasons
Plan a wellness-focused getaway at one of these Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts around the world.
Sponsored Content
Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel
Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.
Daily
Apr 23, 2024Italian Airport Adds Vineyard to Its Roof
In Florence, Italy, plans for a new international terminal at Amerigo Vespucci Airport will include a 19-acre vineyard on its rooftop, part of the design by Rafael Viñoly Architects.
Daily
Apr 23, 2024Where to Find Some of Ireland’s Best Lighthouses
Surrounded by ocean on all sides, from the rocky Atlantic Ocean to the Irish Sea in the east and Celtic Sea in the south, Ireland’s beautiful coastlines also come with both historic and captivating lighthouses, many atop dramatic rocks and cliffs.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
Daily
Apr 22, 2024Meet 5 Women Shaping the Brixen/South Tyrol Travel Experience
Although a destination’s terrain, cuisine and cultural attributes always draw travelers in, it is often the people they meet that make the trip an enduring memory rather than a box to be checked off. It’s a job responsibility that people working around the Plose and adjoining town of Brixen (in Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region) take seriously. This is even more true for five women dedicated to introducing visitors to new aspects of the time-honored ski, leisure and hiking mountain destination in the Dolomites.
Explore The Chatwal Brand from City to Countryside
Daily
Apr 22, 20247 Reasons to Put Curaçao on Your Travel List
Slideshow
Apr 22, 2024Turtle Bay Resort Partners with Salesforce
Daily
Apr 19, 2024Daily
Apr 18, 2024Fort George Hotel & Spa Transforms Belize City from Gateway to Destination
Belize City is better known as a business center and a stop en route to Belize’s lush rural destinations, but Fort George Hotel & Spa promises to change things up and reframe the nation’s capital as a destination in its own right. Located in the city’s Fort George neighborhood, the hotel debuted as the first luxury hotel in Belize City, boasting sophisticated design, elevated culinary offerings, expansive guestrooms and an inspiring wellness program. The hotel also features a branded fitness center, plunge pool and K’IN Spa.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
Daily
Apr 18, 2024Explore the Secrets of the Distant Stars with Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas’ New SKY Gurus
Have you ever looked up at the sky and questioned the mysteries of the universe? For travelers looking to learn more about the stars and their secrets, head to SKY at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
ShareThis