Melissa Yates

Many of you know Melissa Yates, one of our much-loved Hotel Directors.

Melissa has been with P&O Cruises for over 16 years, working her way up through the ranks from receptionist to the most senior hotel position onboard.

Melissa's job is to ensure that the hotel aspect of the ship is running smoothly 24/7 and that ALL P&O Cruiselings are enjoying every minute of their holiday. A 'happy crew means a happy ship' is a motto she lives by and with 900 crew and 2,000 guests per cruise this is an extremely busy task.

We asked Melissa what her most memorable experience has been in her time with P&O, and she had many interesting stories to share.

Her highlights included her experiences during the 2019 bushfire season, when P&O rolled out the red carpet for any firefighters & their families that were travelling with P&O. She had the privilege of getting to know these inspirational Australians and making their cruise holiday unforgettable.

Meeting the Olympic swimmers ‘The Campbell Sisters’ and wearing one of their Olympic gold medals, was up there as a favourite. Descending down to the 'dry dock bottom' and standing underneath the Pacific Explorer - wow! Beating the security team and winning the tug-of-war competition on Boxing Day (fun and games with the crew makes for a hilarious day at sea right?).

Plus she has taken Cruiselings to some the biggest sporting events in the Aussie calendar including the Australian Open, Melbourne Cup and of course the State of Origin (come on you Maroons…sorry NSW).

Melissa can’t wait for cruising to resume and her ship family to be back together.

Fun fact: Melissa's Dad was a Captain at sea for forty years and paved the way for his daughter's love of cruising and travel.