Archive for the ‘Crew’ Category

faces: HOTEL MANAGER, Pierre van der Merwe

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Pierre has found a new home at SeaDream Yacht Club.

His first exposure to the hospitality industry was at a young age, when he worked both front of the house and as a waiter in family owned restaurants. Pierre attended the Graduate School of  Business at the University of Cape Town where he earned a degree in Hotel Management. While studying, Pierre worked in small boutique hotels in and around Cape Town. He held positions in various departments so he could gain experience in all aspects of hotel operation.

Once he graduated, he left Cape Town to work at a hotel on the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It was there, he says he “got the travel bug and wanted to see the world”. His first job at sea was aboard Cunard’s QM2 as a waiter. He also took an opportunity to work on the QE2 for her last world cruise.

Pierre elected to work for SeaDream because of the small size. On SeaDream he says “you are not just an individual, but part of a big family.” He added, “I like the opportunity to see the world and travel. I also enjoy meeting new guests every week and seeing so many repeat guests come back year after year. I really get to know our guests during a voyage.”

One of his more memorable experiences aboard SeaDream was when he arranged a renewal of wedding vows for a couple that had been married for 25 years. “The yacht was in Capri, Italy and it was very special. The wife surprised her husband and it was like they fell in love for the first time. The husband was so happy, and we as a team managed to make there voyage even more special.”

Of the places he’s sailed with SeaDream thus far, Pierre especially enjoyed the Baltic. “There are many places I would still love to visit. I would most like to visit South America in the near future” he said.

Pierre speaks English, Dutch and Afrikaans. He loves landscaping and gardening on his time off. He has a 5 year old dog named Charlie (a Boxer that is full of energy). We suggest golfers ask Pierre about his game…he is a single figure golfer (that is a handicap of 9 or lower!)