Beyond the Deck: Cruising Through Stories with Alice Ager
- Pri Mills
- 14 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Alice Ager is not your average travel industry leader. With over 15 years in travel—from the bustling hotel scene of Asia to the refined elegance of luxury cruising—Alice brings depth, charisma, and a human touch to every aspect of her work. Today, as Managing Director of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises in Australia and New Zealand, she’s steering the brand forward with heart, humour, and a deep love for transformational travel.
We caught up with Alice to hear more about her journey, her family adventures in Egypt, and what trends she thinks will define travel in 2025.
Can you start by introducing yourself? Tell us a bit about your background and your role in the travel industry.
I’m Alice! I started in the travel industry 15 years ago in hotels across Asia and then moved into luxury cruising—10 years in total, from selling luxury ocean voyages with Regent Seven Seas to now heading up Uniworld’s river cruise offering across Australia and New Zealand. I currently lead our sales, marketing, and reservations teams here in ANZ.
What inspired you to get into the travel industry, and what keeps your passion alive?
It started with a new boyfriend (who’s now my husband!) telling me he was off to Africa for work—with British Airways. He casually mentioned he was “hosting a famil,” and I was immediately intrigued. All I wanted to know was: what’s a famil and how do I host one of those?! Fifteen years on, I still love hosting famils and seeing agents experience the magic firsthand.
What’s one travel experience that’s really stayed with you?
Last Christmas, we took our teenage boys on Uniworld’s Splendours of the Nile itinerary in Egypt, and it was unanimously voted our best family holiday ever. As a parent, it was a dream to travel without the stress of logistics—everything was seamlessly handled. But what made it extra special was what came after: we all became obsessed with ancient Egyptian history. We’re still following archaeological news together as a family! Just a few weeks ago, a new tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings—King Thutmose II. Our dinner table conversations have never been more exciting.
Where do you think travel agents should focus their attention in 2025?
I’ve got two suggestions. First, get to know the Genesys marketing tool—it’s brilliant for sending automated and tailored EDMs to your clients. Second, make the most of ABC (Agent Bring Consumer) events that cruise lines offer. These events are such a powerful sales tool and often under-utilised. At Uniworld, we call them Aperitivo with Uniworld—they’re relaxed, social, and super effective. uniworld.com/events
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you?
I’ve hosted more famils than I can count, but the buzz never fades. Every trip still feels like a fresh adventure, and I secretly judge destinations by how much fun they are to host! 😄
Alice’s infectious energy, insight into the luxury market, and down-to-earth love for storytelling make her a standout in the travel space. Whether she’s hosting agents, leading a team, or sailing the Nile with her kids, Alice reminds us that travel is at its best when it’s both seamless and full of soul.
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