Senior Luxury Cruise & Air Travel Consultant

Savvy Travel Limited is a New Zealand-based travel business operating across two complementary areas:

Wholesale Cruise Distribution: An established cruise wholesale and representation business working closely with retail travel agents, travel agency groups and international cruise suppliers. We support our travel trade partners with cruise product expertise, reservations, quotations, supplier information and the development of cruise and travel packages.

Luxury Retail Travel: A developing luxury retail travel agency specialising in premium and luxury cruises, international Business Class and Premium Economy airfares, and tailor-made travel experiences incorporating luxury accommodation, rail journeys, private touring and other specialist travel arrangements.

We are seeking an experienced travel professional who can support both businesses and contribute to the growth of our luxury retail offering.

This is a senior, hands-on role requiring advanced Amadeus expertise, extensive knowledge of international and wholesale airfares, strong luxury cruise product knowledge and exceptional customer service skills.

Key Responsibilities

1. Wholesale Cruise – Travel Agent Support

Work directly with retail travel agents, travel agency groups and trade partners.
Respond to cruise enquiries, prepare quotations and manage reservations on behalf of retail travel agents.
Provide knowledgeable advice on premium, luxury and expedition cruise products.
Support agents with cruise itineraries, cabin categories, inclusions, promotions, booking conditions and supplier requirements.
Develop cruise packages incorporating international airfares, rail, accommodation, transfers and land tours.
Liaise directly with international cruise lines and supplier reservations teams.
Manage booking amendments, payments, documentation and pre-departure requirements.
Build trusted, professional relationships with retail travel agents through responsive, accurate and proactive service.
Support trade marketing campaigns, cruise promotions and supplier initiatives.
Understand wholesale distribution, trade commissions, pricing structures and the importance of protecting travel agent relationships.

2. Luxury Retail Travel – Premium Customer Consulting

Support the development and growth of a startup luxury retail travel agency.
Work directly with premium and high-value customers to design exceptional international travel experiences.
Specialise in five-star and luxury cruises, Business Class and Premium Economy airfares, luxury accommodation and bespoke travel arrangements.
Develop personalised travel itineraries incorporating cruises, rail, private tours, transfers and unique travel experiences.
Provide knowledgeable destination and product recommendations tailored to individual customer preferences.
Manage the customer journey from initial enquiry and quotation through to booking, documentation and post-travel follow-up.
Deliver highly personalised, professional and proactive customer service.
Contribute to the development of customer service processes, booking procedures and operational systems for the new retail business.
Identify opportunities to build long-term customer relationships, repeat business and referrals.

3. International Airfares & Amadeus

Demonstrate advanced, hands-on proficiency in Amadeus GDS.
Research, construct, quote and book complex international air itineraries.
Understand cruise-related airfares, cruise line air programmes and air arrangements associated with international cruise departures.
Apply strong knowledge of airline alliances, routing rules, fare construction, ticketing conditions and premium cabin products.
Manage ticketing, exchanges, reissues, refunds, schedule changes and travel disruptions.
Identify competitive airfare solutions while maintaining appropriate margins and exceptional customer service.

4. Luxury Cruise Product & Reservations

Maintain extensive knowledge of premium, luxury and expedition cruise products.
Research, quote and manage cruise reservations across multiple international cruise lines.
Understand cruise line positioning, ship experiences, destinations, cabin categories, inclusions and promotional offers.
Provide expert recommendations to both retail travel agents and direct customers.
Coordinate cruise bookings with international flights, accommodation and other travel components.
Manage supplier communications, booking deadlines, documentation and changes.
Experience with cruise brands such as Windstar, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Silversea, Ponant, Azamara, Explora Journeys, Viking and other premium cruise operators will be highly regarded.

5. Tailor-Made Travel, Rail & Land Tours

Design complex international itineraries combining cruises, flights, rail, accommodation and land tours.
Research and arrange premium accommodation, private transfers, independent touring and small-group experiences.
Develop pre- and post-cruise travel packages.
Coordinate multiple suppliers to ensure seamless travel arrangements.
Prepare professional, accurate and detailed itineraries and travel documentation.

6. Commercial & Operational Management

Prepare accurate quotations and booking costings.
Understand wholesale and retail pricing, supplier commissions, agency margins and markups.
Maintain accurate booking records, customer information and supplier documentation.
Manage booking deadlines, deposits, final payments and supplier requirements.
Support the development of efficient systems and processes across both businesses.
Contribute ideas to improve customer experience, operational efficiency and commercial performance.
Work independently while collaborating with the New Zealand-based team.

7. Technology & AI

Demonstrate advanced Amadeus capability and proficiency with relevant cruise supplier booking systems.
Use digital tools and AI to support destination research, itinerary planning, documentation and productivity.
Verify all booking-critical information, including fares, availability, travel requirements and supplier conditions, through authoritative sources.
Maintain strong standards of accuracy, confidentiality and data security.
Identify opportunities to improve booking workflows and operational efficiency through technology.

Essential Experience & Skills

Minimum 7 years' experience in international travel consulting, airfare reservations, cruise sales or wholesale travel operations.
Advanced Amadeus GDS experience is essential.
Strong experience with international wholesale, consolidator and negotiated airfares.
Extensive knowledge of Business Class and Premium Economy international travel.
Experience with premium and luxury cruise products and reservations.
Demonstrated ability to construct and manage complex international itineraries.
Experience working with travel agents, wholesale travel businesses or travel trade distribution.
Excellent written and spoken English.
Exceptional attention to detail, organisation and customer service.
Strong commercial awareness and the ability to work independently.
Confidence communicating with both professional travel agents and premium retail customers.
Experience with cruise wholesalers, cruise lines or specialist cruise travel agencies.
Established knowledge of luxury and expedition cruise products.
Experience supporting a startup travel agency or developing new travel business processes.
Experience with cruise supplier portals, CRM systems and travel booking technology.

The successful candidate will be:
Highly experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about travel.
Professional, polished and confident communicating with retail travel agents and discerning customers.
Commercially minded, proactive and solutions-focused.
Meticulous, organised and committed to accuracy.
Comfortable working in both an established wholesale business and an emerging luxury retail agency.
Entrepreneurial, adaptable and willing to help build a new business.
Self-motivated and capable of independently managing complex travel arrangements.
Committed to delivering exceptional service and developing long-term customer and trade relationships.