Hello, I’m John and I am the Cruise Director here at Thorne Travel. 

I’m based in our Prestwick branch but you will also find me in our Kilwinning & Largs branch from time to time.

I have always been passionate about travel, especially cruising. I was delighted to join Thorne Travel back in 2016 as a Travel Consultant, having had a background in the hospitality industry managing bars and hotels.

The training and mentoring here at Thorne Travel has been exceptional and there have been lots of opportunities to develop my career as the business has expanded.

Our team is really fortunate in that we regularly get to travel the world, gaining first-hand experience of a range of destinations and resorts or, in my case, some of the most amazing cruise ships in the world!

I love my role here at Thorne Travel. There is nothing better than arranging holidays and cruises for our fabulous customers and helping them to create truly magical memories that last a lifetime.

Awards
It’s no secret that we are a multi award-winning travel agency here at Thorne Travel.

Our team works really hard to bring our customers the very best holidays with huge savings. However, there is nothing more rewarding than your hard work, product knowledge and outstanding customer service being recognised by our wonderful customers and suppliers through Award nominations.

Here are some of the Awards that I have picked up since joining Thorne Travel:-

• Regional Travel Agent for Scotland 2023 (Runner up)

• Regional Travel Agent for Scotland 2018 (Won)

• Rising Cruise Star 2018 (Runner up)

• New to Cruise Champion 2018 (Won)

• Overall Travel Agent Star of the Year 2018 (Won)

• Silversea Advocate Award (2019)

• OTT Cruise Guru Award 2020 (Runner up)

Favourite Places
It is always difficult to choose a particular destination as all of our holidays and cruises offer something new and exciting. While I love any opportunity to get onboard a cruise ship, there are three cruises that really stand out for me: –

Antarctica – A couple of us from the Kilwinning branch had the opportunity to cruise around Antarctica with Ponant Cruises. Antarctica is one of the most untouched and unusual destinations in the world. It was truly jaw-dropping to see the rugged snow capped mountains, Emperor penguin colonies, Humpback whales and the massive icebergs, some of which were as tall as a block of flats. This was definitely a bucket list destination!

Japan – I was lucky enough to cruise from Hong Kong, visiting nine different ports around Japan. It is a naturally beautiful country full of valleys, waterfalls and lakes. Japan offers a mix of ancient temples and ultra-modern cities. It is also home to some of the friendliest people in the world.

Norwegian Fjords – I’ve had the pleasure of cruising around the Fjords on a couple of occasions. The Fjords are world famous for their epic natural beauty, clean air and the occasional Troll sighting. The scenery is simply breathtaking!

Travel Tips
Here are some of my top travel tips: –

• Always book in advance for the best price!

• If you are like me and you don’t travel light, add extra luggage at the time of booking. It can be more expensive if you add it later.

• Try to take in as much of the local culture as you can while on holiday. This helps to create those magical memories.

Cruise Tip – Always take larger or more loose fitting clothes for the end of your cruise. I’m not sure why but the sea air seems to shrink your clothes. It’s definitely nothing to do with the unlimited world-class cuisine and those fabulous cocktails!

Where I have visited
Here are some of the wonderful destinations that I’ve visited since joining Thorne Travel:

Antarctica
Alaska
Austria (Vienna)
Belgium
Budapest
Bulgaria
Canaries (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura)
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Dubai
France (Paris, Le Havre)
Hong Kong
Ireland (Dublin)
Italy (Rome and Pisa)
Japan
Malta
Netherlands (Amsterdam)
New York
Northern Ireland (Belfast)
Norway (Norwegian Fjords)
Saint Lucia
Spain (various)
Vancouver
Iceland
Türkiye

I have had the benefit of being on so many ships

Here are some of the amazing cruise ships that I’ve experienced since joining Thorne Travel:

Amawaterways: AmaMagna
Cruise & Maritime: Columbus
MSC Cruises: Virtuosa and Bellissima
Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Jade
P&O Cruises: Britannia
Ponant Cruises: Le Lyrial
Princess Cruises: Sky Princess
Royal Caribbean: Brilliance of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas
Silversea: Silver Whisper
Virgin Voyages: Scarlett Lady

What’s the most unforgettable trip you’ve ever taken?
Antarctica, it was stunning and bucket list destination

What’s one destination that surprised you in a good way?
Norweigian Fjords, i didn’t want to go on this cruise but having been to the Fjords 3 times already is is the best cruise that i have ever done.
Are you more of a beach lounger or an adventure seeker?
Beach lounger defo, i am on Holiday well unless i am with Cick and i am forced to be the adventure seeker

What’s your dream travel destination that you haven’t visited yet?
i have visited most of the places that i set out to visit, next would be Thailand, its a beautiful part of the world and i would love to visit.
What’s your go-to travel hack or tip that you always share with clients?
always tip the staff on day 1 of a cruise and they will treat you like a king or Queen the rest of the voyage

What’s one destination you think everyone should visit at least once in their life?
Norwegian Fjords, its my favourite