MEI LU
Auckland
Summary
Experienced expedition guide with expertise in the Arctic, Antarctic, and British Isles regions. Skilled in leading educational excursions, wildlife interpretation, and guest experience management in extreme environments. Proven ability to deliver engaging presentations on polar ecosystems, hisotry and wildlife behavior while maintaining exceptional guest relations standards. Certified in Zodiac operations and fluent in multiple languages with strong cross-cultural communication skills essential for international expedition cruising.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Expedition Guide/Interpreter
Silversea Cruises
11.2023 - Current
- Led interpretive walks and educational tours in multiple international ports
- Delivered daily recap presentations and Zodiac tour commentary
- Operated Zodiac vessels for guest transportation and excursions
- Compiled wildlife and plant species lists for scientific documentation
- Maintained guest engagement through active socialization and knowledge sharing
- Assisted with embarkation/disembarkation procedures and shore excursion coordination
- Researched destination information and updated daily bulletin boards
Interpreter
Straker Translations
01.2022 - Current
- Delivers simultaneous and consecutive Mandarin-English interpreting services for legal and health sectors
Customer Replenishment Planner (FSNI)
Mars
03.2024 - 04.2025
- Built and maintained strategic relationships with Foodstuffs North Island key stakeholders, contributing to Mars winning National Partnership Award in 2024.
- Nominated for VMI of the Year for 2024 Foodstuffs North Island through exceptional performance and customer relationship management.
- Served as primary point of contact for resolving customer issues and claims, maintaining strong customer satisfaction metrics.
- Led regular KPI reviews and collaborative planning sessions with key stakeholders, resulting in First Place in 2024-2025 "Winning Together" program.
Interpreter / Expedition Guide
Hurtigruten Group
12.2019 - 09.2023
- Delivered simultaneous and consecutive interpreting (Mandarin-English) for diverse international guests.
- Presented lectures and guided expeditions while demonstrating cross-cultural sensitivity.
- Maintained high client satisfaction through effective communication and adaptability.
- Managed guest relations, resolving issues in dynamic, high-stress environments.
Market Services Supply Chain Specialist
Comvita New Zealand
01.2021 - 08.2023
- Supported global markets (China, Hong Kong, US) with strong cross-cultural coordination
- Maintained multilingual communication with international stakeholders
- Actively contributed customer insights to strategic planning through Mandarin-Engish consecutive interpretation in business meetings.
Sales & Marketing Assistant to Owner
Rotorua Duck Tours
Rotorua
03.2016 - 08.2018
- Increased Asian market revenue by 10% through bilingual marketing strategies.
- Managed relationships with key accounts using Mandarin and English communication.
- Represented brand at international trade shows, facilitating cross-cultural negotiations.
Education
Graduate Diploma - Interpreting
Auckland University of Technology
11-2025
Postgraduate Diploma - Supply Chain Management
Massey University
Auckland, New Zealand11-2023
Master of Arts - English Literature
Fuzhou University
China01.2012
Skills
- Simultaneous interpretation
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- Thematic interpretation
- Bamaha Seaman's book
- VHF Operator Certificate
- GPS Operator Certificate
- NZ Coast Guard Coastal Medic
- Intercultural communication
Timeline
Customer Replenishment Planner (FSNI)
Mars
03.2024 - 04.2025
Expedition Guide/Interpreter
Silversea Cruises
11.2023 - Current
Interpreter
Straker Translations
01.2022 - Current
Market Services Supply Chain Specialist
Comvita New Zealand
01.2021 - 08.2023
Interpreter / Expedition Guide
Hurtigruten Group
12.2019 - 09.2023
Sales & Marketing Assistant to Owner
Rotorua Duck Tours
03.2016 - 08.2018
Graduate Diploma - Interpreting
Auckland University of Technology
Postgraduate Diploma - Supply Chain Management
Massey University
Master of Arts - English Literature
Fuzhou University