Luxury Ambassador of the Month
Jesper Boas Smith, Founder of Gaia Travel & Bella Vista Travel · Denmark
What sparked your passion for luxury cruises?
"Working in the movie industry took to me film festivals all over the world. I was so busy that I completely forgot to book my private winter vacation. The only thing available last minute? A Sea Goddess cruise from Barbados to St. Thomas. My wife asked how I could imagine us – both in our late twenties at the time – spending a trip surrounded by what she expected to be a much older crowd. But after seven days onboard, she didn’t want to leave! So we stayed five more nights. From then on, 'yachting' became our favorite way to explore the world. By now we’ve spent over 1,500 nights at sea, on all seven continents."
Career
- 1983 - 1992: COO & Co-Owner Nordisk Film
- 1995: Founder & CEO Bella Vista Travel
- 2007: Monaco's Consul to Denmark
- 2020: Founder & Chairman Nordic Cruise GSA
- 2023: Strategic partner Aller Leisure
- 2023: Founder & CEO Gaia Travel
Which cruise destinations do you specialize in?
"I specialize in the most popular cruise destinations: the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Norway. I also have a lot of expertise in expeditions to Greenland, Antarctica, and other remote destinations like Kimberley in Australia. I love the combination of being pampered, discovering new horizons, fantastic food, the all-inclusive concept and… that I only have to unpack once!"
What was the best cruise you have ever been on?
"The best cruise I have ever experienced was definitely a Sea Goddess cruise from Bali, Indonesia, to Cairns in Australia. We had some truly fantastic experiences on this trip and visited unique destinations along the way. On board was an amazing group of guests, and the service and cuisine we enjoyed were absolutely Michelin level. We had even invited the famous Australian pianist David Helfgott – known as the inspiration behind the movie 'Shine' – to join us. And we filled the vessel with Danes!"
Is there a type of client that you would refuse to work with?
"I always aim to offer the best possible advice and recommend the right vacation for each client, tailored to their individual preferences. We try to make sure every guest gets a vacation that matches their expectations. If someone is clearly unwilling to adapt to the lifestyle a particular cruise line offers, we gently steer them toward another option – or sometimes suggest they work with a different advisor altogether. In over 35 years, I’ve only ever had one guest who ended up being 'blacklisted' by a cruise line."
What was the funniest request a client ever made to you?
"One client once seriously asked if it was possible to water-ski behind the cruise ship. Another wanted to know if, even though it’s no longer allowed to sail around the Rock of Capri, they could still do it – as long as the guests agreed to split the fine afterward."