LGBT Cruise Executive Interview: Celebrity UK Managing Director Jo Rzymowska
Jo Rzymowska plays a major role in the British cruise industry as Managing Director for Celebrity Cruises in the UK and Ireland. MeetMeOnBoard interviewed her recently about her plans for Celebrity UK, her role as an out lesbian in the cruise industry, and more.
Jo Rzymowska (right) with her partner Lynne Rickcord on an excursion in Australia 2015.
Can you briefly describe the scope of your responsibilities as Managing Director of Celebrity UK and Ireland?
In my UK & Ireland role, I have a passionate diverse team of approximately 100 people whose mission it is to ‘make our guests dreams come true’. We work in partnership with many sectors of the travel, leisure and media world to bring our modern luxury cruise holidays to life.
In addition to my role as Managing Director, Celebrity Cruises UK & Ireland, I have recently taken on responsibility for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region too. I am really looking forward to working with my colleagues in Asia and learning more about the opportunities in this amazing region.
You have an impressive background in travel management, having held senior roles at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Universal Studios and Thomas Cook prior to joining Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. How have you seen the travel industry change over the course of your career with regard to welcoming LGBT employees and customers?
My proudest moment was being recognised in the Top 100 list of LGBT people in business as compiled by OUTstanding in the Financial Times. When I started my career I didn’t think that what makes me who I am could be something that would help other people in being open in the workplace. Today I am proud to support travel industry initiatives to attract more LGBT people to choose travel as a sector to work in, and to promote and celebrate the great things that diversity in a work force bring to a business.
I wouldn’t work for Celebrity Cruises if it wasn’t a totally inclusive business that celebrates diversity. We have been celebrating our LGBT customers for as long as anyone can remember – in fact until recently we still hosted Friends of Dorothy parties and get-togethers. Thankfully now the name is updated and there is an LGBT welcome party on the first night of every one of our cruises all over the world. It is hosted by our senior officers, and it is usually the best night of the cruise. We are also proud to win awards as an LGBT-friendly cruise line and holiday choice.
Can you talk about being “out” as a lesbian in the travel industry? Was there a point in your early career where you felt more comfortable being discreet about that facet of your identity? Do you have “coming out” story as a travel professional?
I never thought that I would have the confidence to be ‘out’ as a woman in a high-profile role. I was over 30 years of age when I did come out and that was whilst working for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts with the encouragement of a great boss and great colleagues and I’ve never looked back! Everyone at RCL Cruises Ltd embraces diversity and inclusion and this has enabled me to grow and go from strength to strength.
What sort of marketing/PR/advertising does Celebrity UK do to reach the LGBT community?
We do have bespoke video and print content but our aim going forward is that we simply ensure that we include more diverse collateral in our mainstream marketing and PR communications. The world no longer exists of Mum, Dad and 2.4 kids and couples and families come in all different shapes and sizes and at Celebrity Cruises we embrace that.
Jo Rzymowska (middle) with guests onboard Celebrity Silhouette 2016.
How do you think the cruise industry compares with other parts of the larger travel industry in terms of reaching out to the LGBT community?
I believe the cruise industry overall excels in this area and most cruise lines welcome and embrace the LGBT community and have ensured that LGBT guests are welcome onboard and treated with the same respect as all guests and have done for a very long time. How many land-based resorts hold LGBT gatherings to enable like-minded people to meet?
What new Celebrity programs are you excited about introducing in the near future?
In the last year we have introduced new things such as film and food pairing experience with a new roof terrace venue, and new on-land tours including Chef Market Discoveries where our guests enjoy the markets and restaurants that our chefs choose in order to discover local ingredients, before having an incredible meal prepared with the produce bought that day.
We are also now planning the design of our new ‘Edge’ class of ships that are going to be unbelievable and a great addition to our brand…..watch this space.
Last year you helped found TTG LGBT, the first network in the UK for LGBT travel professionals. Can you tell us a little about what motivated you to initiate this organization?
Following on from my OUTstanding recognition, the News Editor at TTG approached me with the idea to set up the first LGBT travel network and together with Virgin Holidays, ABTA, Holiday Extras and Malta Tourist Board we are working together to encourage greater diversity and inclusion in the industry, both in the workplace and in our sales & marketing collateral. Our journey is only just beginning.
When you cruise, do you attend onboard LGBT gatherings?
My partner Lynne and I do attend the LGBT gatherings as do many guests, gay and straight. They usually meet at the Martini bar and the LGBT gathering is often where the party starts and ends!
Lynne Rickcord, Jo Rzymowska, Sue and Elena (Loyalty guests) at Taste of London 2016.
