THE PAIR

(Post-material milieu, engaged-sovereign educated elite with post-material roots)

Kathrin and Robert have been married for 30 years. Kathrin was a doctor and professor at Heidelberg University Hospital. She now only works part-time on research projects. Robert is the founder of Save Planet Liners. He takes his work with him on his travels.

Robert: "Of course, we're traveling with Save Planet Liners! Ever since I founded the company, I couldn't wait to get on board the ship. It's incredible to see my dreams and visions come true. But what I hadn't considered was how the passengers have helped shape the experience of the journey. It's so beautiful to see a community grow and new opportunities arise with every guest we have on board. It's the togetherness of passengers and crew that makes the crossing to New York or Miami such a special experience."

Kathrin: "I mean it's definitely been a collective effort and a lot of heart and soul that has gone into this project; it's been amazing to see how the company has changed and grown with the passengers, I couldn't be prouder of it to be honest. The beauty of this project is that it feels like a group effort where everyone is contributing to a great cause to make travel healthier for the planet. And of course Robert manages to make it all meet his aesthetic standards too! I mean, it's a really beautiful experience. I've been on board a few times now, and each time it's been a unique experience in its own way."

Robert: "It really was, wasn't it? I think that's what I love most about it, how each group enriches and enhances the trip."

Kathrin: "Yes, I mean, I didn't want to leave, Robert almost had to leave me on board after the first trip!"

Robert: "I think she enjoyed the cocktails a little too much..."

Kathrin: "I could honestly live off these Negronis."

Robert: "And the crew is so incredible, I mean, the team we have is dedicated to taking care of all our guests' needs and requirements."

Kathrin: "It's also just great to talk to them. The people you get to know on the ship really become people who have a stake in your life, you know."

Robert: "Yes, they are all great, I couldn't do it all without them. Someone from the crew helped me to develop the co-working spaces. I've always loved the open and positive atmosphere of a modern hotel co-working space. For me, it's important that we have facilities on board that allow people to work as much or as little as they want. Also, the versatility of the program is very important to me."

Katrin: "Yeah, I mean, I remember one trip, the first one I think, where I just had to work. I had a lot of meetings and I just had to do an endless amount of work and it was like working from home. I mean, so easy! Then the second trip was mainly about yoga, relaxation and enjoyment, and there was the same brilliant service and a completely different experience."

Robert: "That's right! And this time, after the yoga class for beginners and a nice cappuccino in the bar on the sun deck, we sit in the library in the morning and write reports, concepts, expert opinions or simply answer emails. Sometimes I meet with the officers and managers. They keep me up to date on what's going well and what needs to be improved. And then, between 1 and 2 p.m., we usually have a snack in the bistro or bar. That and dinner are probably my favorite things to do during the day."

Kathrin: "My husband and the food! The ship also offers physiotherapy treatments, because who doesn't love a SPA day! A wealth of treatments and coaching sessions with the Retreat & Resilience Center team. Something I'm personally incredibly proud of is the wellness department with doctors, psychologists and physiotherapists offering guests a holistic therapy and counseling process if they wish to participate. I think it's incredibly important that all participants from this program leave the ship feeling fulfilled and ready for their next step, whatever that may be."

Robert: "Last summer we had our first trip with Save Planet Liners, it was the maiden voyage from Hamburg to New York. I understandably didn't have time for anything back then. However, now in the winter months, Save Planet Liners is not going to New York, but from Marseille to Miami, because of the difficult seas in the north."

Kathrin: "The idea of the Transformative Wellness Program is to prioritize well-being and happiness in everyday life in the long term. Our aim is to spark a discussion on board and make people feel that it's a safe space where they can learn how to look after themselves, each other and the planet in the process."

Robert: "Yes, well said."

Kathrin: "Thank you. Everyone who takes part in the Transformative Wellness Program first undergoes a medical examination and their personal needs and expectations are determined in a discussion with our medical staff. On this basis, we create an individual program that is tailored to each guest. The program is then implemented during the stay on board. Wait a minute, what time is it?"

Robert: "17:30, I think? (Looks at the clock) 17:41."

Kathrin: "Oh, I'm really sorry, I have to go. I'm giving a presentation in the creative room at 6 pm. I just need to go to the library and talk to the content team." (To the interviewers) "It was great talking to you! Bye darling." (kisses Robert goodbye)

Robert: "Kathrin is a forensic scientist and she had posted this presentation on the SPL app before we left. I think she's really excited to share her work! It's incredible to work together on the ship like this, it's really made this project a collaborative effort and I'm so grateful for all her work and support. I feel like together we are making some really positive changes. With a Negronis or two, of course!"