Jennifer Vandekreeke is the former.

And not only would she offer you her prized possession, but also help iron out your kinks, protect you from frying your hair and ensure you always feel confident in your skin. 
 
For those of you who don’t know who Jennifer is AKA JVK, she is Carnival Cruise Line's Vice President and General Manager Australia. After I stuffed up her title 12 times in 2 minutes, she kindly shortened it to, “Australia. Just Australia,” the moniker she is known as in the Carnival family.
 
Personally I have cruised on Carnival three times, every time on the Spirit: in 2014 with my eldest for her 10^th Birthday, in 2015 with my middle girl for her 10^th birthday, and in 2016 with the whole family for my husband’s birthday. But I had no idea who Jennifer was back then.
 
In short, Ms Vandekreeke was at the helm of Carnival’s international commercial operations in Australia prior to the arrival of Carnival Spirit in 2012 and Carnival Legend in 2014.  And from what I saw first-hand, she has succeeded in making Carnival the most popular family cruise line in Australia. 
 
Let me back-track though and describe my meeting with Jennifer.

A few months ago, I was invited to join the crew and passengers aboard the Spirit for the Longest Conga at Sea. While I was excited to join the event, the only caveat was to be at the dock before 4:30am. Yes 4:30 IN THE MORNING. Before the sun, before my English Breakfast and hours before my usual alarm sounds. At 2:30am, and with sleep-crusted eyes, I somehow stuck my contacts in and proceeded to tame my fraggle hair with my straightener. And miraculously made it to Campbell’s Cove just as the Today crew were arriving.
 
As we waited in the semi-darkness for the tender to take us to the Spirit, a loud, cheery, American voice broke through the pre-dawn silence. There was nothing mellow about Jennifer, in fact I have never seen a more vibrant, exuberant person at this hour. Before I knew it, we were hugging hello (she’s a hugger) and I was ushered aboard the tender.
 
During that short boat ride, the chatter did not cease. The Carnival crew - who were accompanying us - were as excited as I was, and through the excited babble, a huge, (American) belly laugh was often heard rising above the voices. I was feeling a little nervous; all these happy, laughing people knew each other, and there I was, all alone. Stepping out to the rear of the vessel, I thought I’d try to be as inconspicuous as possibly, take a few snaps and try to melt into the inky backdrop. 
 
However, standing next to me, admiring the Sydney skyline, was Jennifer. With the wind whipping my hair I made some silly comment about how I wasted my time doing my hair when I woke up.
 

And in those few words, I thought: this is my kind of woman.  
 
During the next few hours, I was escorted around the ship in VIP fashion, with Jennifer checking in on me to see if I needed anything. She ensured I boarded first, got a close-up of the cake, was in prime position to take livestreams and photos, and talk with the much-loved Maitre'd Dessi and Capt. Vittorio Marchi.

The Conga was INCREDIBLE (you can see all the footage here) and the vibe was like nothing I’d ever experienced on any cruise ship. A wonderful way to celebrate Carnival's 5th Birthday in Australia.
 

At every opportunity, Jennifer introduced me to her beloved crew, addressed every crew member by name, knew their positions, their interests - even their spouses names, what type of car they drive and where they holiday! I was gobsmacked. I’ve worked in smaller organisations where my ‘boss’ had no idea I even existed. Without sounding corny, it really DID feel like the Carnival team was one big, happy, family.
 
By about 7:30am, the excitement had died down. I was absolutely knackered and sat down in a quiet little spot to have some breakfast, and try to digest the morning’s festivities. Jennifer I think had the same idea, and before long we were sharing a table and some French Toast.   

I wanted to find out more about this powerhouse of a person in a relaxed setting. We chatted about our kids (we both have 12-year-olds – although she has twins), the little town she calls home near Maine and the challenges of launching an American cruise line in Australia. Before long, we were surrounded by others – one even came bearing her favourite coffee.   
 

Jennifer Vandekreeke has this effect on people; her joy is infectious and people are naturally drawn to her. Beneath the polished, cheerful exterior, there’s a mettle that has been built over years of diligence, professionalism and effort. For me, Jennifer is the epitome of what an intelligent, passionate, hard-working person – woman/mother – can achieve without transforming into a soul-less machine. You can be a female and rise to the top of the game without losing your humanness. 
 
And the proof is in the pudding, or French Toast. A company, a cruise line’s success and reputation comes from the environment it builds. A wonderful ship devoid of community is just an empty hull. Cruisers notice these things. And while each person who boards may have no idea who Jennifer Vandekreeke is, her touch and her influence is in every aspect of the entire cruising experience. Things naturally flow from the top, and when that person is JVK, Carnival Australia is most definitely in good hands.