Meet the Team
at Kimberley Cruise Escapes
With over 30 years of owning and operating one of the country’s leading travel offices, Betty Croft is an industry veteran and exudes the same passion for travel and new experiences as she did over 30 years ago!
Betty operated the “bricks and mortar” office for those years before launching the online 1300 CRUISE and the Kimberley Cruise escapes division as a response to the growing demand for specialist and informed cruise agents on the internet. Betty and her team have personally experienced over 120 global destination across many of the world’s major and leading lines such as Silversea, Crystal Cruises, (Yachts of) Seabourn, Cunard, Oceania, Orion and The True North, to name but a few. So when carefully assessing your cruise choices, ask for first hand recommendations as someone in the office would most likely have personally enjoyed the experience.
ROSS QUIGLY
Cruise specialist team member since 2007
After 6 years at sea between Crystal Cruises and The True North, Ross joined the team as an international luxury AND Kimberley expedition cruise specialist. Listing Antarctica on the same pedestal as he places the Kimberley, Ross loves nothing more than assisting folks to their “bucket list” experiences and takes the responsibility of ensuring it’s the best it can be-very seriously.
Ross’ favourite recent Kimberley moment: “So hard to narrow down. After dozens of Kimberley cruises, I can’t narrow down 1 specific sight. More so the feeling. For me, I love finding that by sitting on top deck once everyone’s in bed, and revelling in the fact it’s just me and the Kimberley starlit night. In a river “in the middle of nowhere”, I find that strangely spiritual”.
VERONICA BAILLIE
Cruise and travel specialist team member originating 2018
Veronica brings over 20 years of expertise in the travel industry, with a deep passion for cruising, particularly in the Kimberley region. Joining Luxury Cruise Escapes in 2018, she specializes in expedition and luxury cruises. Her firsthand experiences sailing the Kimberley aboard both the intimate Kimberley Quest II and the luxurious Ponant have enriched her knowledge, allowing her to expertly guide clients in choosing their ideal Kimberley adventure. Veronica is dedicated to helping clients plan unforgettable trips and is committed to returning to the Kimberley herself, drawn by its unique allure.
HEIDI BUTLER
International travel specialist team member since 2006
Heidi has been a travel specialist for 16 years and has always loved to travel from a young age. She has travelled extensively to many parts of the world spanning 5 continents and some 27 countries. You can confidently trust in her knowledge and experience. If there is a place she hasn’t been too she will soon find out about it and be able to present you with options to suit your travel requirements. Every client’s requirements are different and Heidi’s global expertise will ensure the perfect arrangements.
Heidi loves making travel dreams become a reality.
LISA UPTON
Your Cruise Team Specialist
Lisa Upton has experienced many and varying challenging roles within a variety of travel industry companies both nationally and internationally over the last 14 years. Lisa now enjoys teaming her global expertise with her wide ranging travel knowledge and, most importantly, her love for cruising as she assists her many loyal clients from 1300 Cruise.
Recognising her own interest to develop her career with a specialty in cruise travel, from 2010 to 2013 Lisa took on the role of Cruise Director aboard the small luxury super yacht True North and spent her time expedition cruising the remote destinations of The Kimberley, West Papua and Papua New Guinea.
Lisa’s vast travel experience combined with her acute attention to detail and customer service excellence ensures that she is a valuable asset to the 1300Cruise team.