Cruise Planning & Shorex Assistant Review

My job title is 'Cruise Product & Shorex Assistant', and effectively I'm in a unique position where I have 2 different roles at once. I split my time across the week by supporting cruise product and brochure production, and for the other days I support shore excursions. On a day-to-day basis when working on shore excursions ('Shorex'), I am responsible for which excursions are on and off-sale, setting them up, setting our ships up with the documentation and all information they need in terms of Shorex, assisting with the pricing, and liaising with our Shorex agents from the Caribbean to the Eastern Mediterranean. When working on Product I assist with the brochure proudction, unit set up (which hotels we offer in our cruise & stay programme), and also educational materials. Of course, this is a very small snapshot of both roles.

My Excel and email skills have been vastly improved as these are both tools I need to use on a daily basis without fail. TUI have many learning and development opportunities, and I have been on some great courses to learn about other areas of the business, and also courses to enhance Excel skills, presentation skills, and effective training for instance. Another skill I've improved upon is time keeping - Having 2 different roles means I have various deadlines for both, meetings to attend for both, and also find time in between to help support the scheme. Time keeping is really important here.

The scheme itself is a huge opportunity. The fact that I work in such a great team is a bonus. The company in general has quite a good culture where we congratulate and appreciate our people - Everyone works hard here, so it's nice to be rewarded for this. My expectations of working here were definitely exceeded.

Personally, my manager's are super supportive. They are keen on my personal development and have a genuine care for my wellbeing and workload. It sometimes feels more like a family! As previously mentioned, the company has recognition schemes which we are all encouraged to use, and we are always pushed to focus on our own learning and development - There are a lot of resources available to us to enable this as well.

The scheme is still in its quite early stages, so I've actually been involved with the structuring of the scheme. It really has come together now with a strong learning and development platform, we have meetings to catch up on the scheme and with the scheme leader, and it just generally works.

Upon starting the scheme, we are assigned a 'buddy'. This is usually a school leaver from the previous year, and the idea is that they act as a sounding board for you with any issues or queries you may have. They can give advice, point you in the right direction, and also be a friendly face you can talk to and a friend.

We have regular "1-2-1's" with our managers, which is an opportunity to discuss any issues, anything you think went well and are proud of, explain something you may not understand completely (like new company procedures or announcments for instance), set your objectives and track how you are doing in relation to these.

I'm fortunate as I only live down the road from work and haven't had to move. For me the salary is suitable - During the second year there is opportunity for pay rise.

There are plenty of internal communications sent around to shout about volunteer activites or charity events, company events such as the Christmas or Summer Party, conferences which may be held abroad quite often, gym discount, and more.

Yes

TUI is a very people orientated business, and so is great to work for. The development here is great and its such a big company in the industry that it can open many doors. It's an interesting place to work too.

Show your passion. You want to work here? Let them know that. Why do you want to work here? Have you done your homework? Can you name 5 of TUI's main brands? Showing your knowledge on the company always comes across well and shows your interest. Always try and back up whatever you say with examples, and be yourself. Individuality is always appreciated. Also remember that nobody is here to see you do badly, so don't worry too much, if you've been called back for an interview it's for a reason!