“I’ve had an incredible career”: Regent’s Beverley Vickers announces retirement

One of Canada’s leading cruise, hotel and marketing professionals is embarking on a new adventure.

Beverley Vickers, director of sales and marketing for Canada at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced that she is taking an early retirement, PAX has learned. Her last day at Regent will Nov. 1, 2024. 

“It's been a wonderful ride and if in some way I've contributed to the success of some of you, then I am satisfied and truly proud,” Vickers wrote in an email to partners last week, announcing the news. As of Monday, her successor has not yet been named.

Vickers will wind down a successful career that has taken her to many corners of the travel industry.

She got her start in cruise, working on board ships as a social director, shore excursion manager and cruise director. She later relocated to land to work for Marriott Hotels, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, and most recently, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“I’ve had an incredible career”

In an email to PAX, commenting on her retirement, Vickers wrote that it’s “a bittersweet time for sure!”

“I’ve had an incredible career in the cruise industry with 14 years at Princess and 14 years at Regent,” she wrote. “Being part of both companies was amazing, but particularly Regent, for having a role in them growing from the small, privately-held business it was in 2010 to the six luxury-ship fleet owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings it is today.”

Helping travel advisors move their premium cruise clients to luxury “has been so rewarding,” she added.

“I am so touched by the messages I am receiving from many advisors acknowledging that,” she wrote. “I am so touched! There have been a few tears shed over the past few weeks I can tell you that.”

The travel professional says it’s time to “pass the baton to new blood” and “give someone the opportunity to have the fantastic career I've had in a market that has changed, but is more open to luxury than ever before.”

“I hope one of the wonderful sales managers in our industry may seize the opportunity to apply for my position,” she said.

As someone who has arguably become “the face” of ultra-luxury cruising in the Canadian travel industry, Vickers’ career has taken her to some spectacular places.

She has many memories, but one that particularly stands out was the inauguration of the Seven Seas Explorer, “the most luxurious ship in the world,” back in July of 2016, she said.

It was one for the books: held under the night sky in Monte Carlo, the event included a live performance by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

“It was the best of the best! Never to be forgotten!” Vickers said.

Retirement, activated

So, what’s her retirement plans? Firstly, Vickers intends to get her house and life in order, and take up yoga “to work on my creaky body,” she said. She’s also excited to take Italian lessons once again.

Travel, she said, is not on her immediate agenda. (“I've travelled so much over the past decade,” she noted).

However, a Christmas Market cruise in November would be “a wonderful way to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season!” she said.

And, oh, you might want to get on Vickers’ nice list this winter. She’s planning on baking “lots of Christmas cookies” as she hasn’t had the chance to do so.

Above all, she’s grateful for the opportunities and support she has received over the years.

“Thanks to my amazing Regent family and to the Canadian travel industry for an amazing career!” she said.

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