Cruise Corner

It’s been 60 years since Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered the first non-scientific tourist journey to Antarctica. Fast forward to 2026, and his passion for not only exploring the world but conserving our most vulnerable environments is at the forefront of the cruise line him and his son would later go on to found.

For Danielle Bates, head of trade sales for National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, this form of travel is transformative. In this latest episode of the Cruise Corner Podcast, hosts Jack Carter and Josie Klein speak to Danielle about how she gets this message across to travel agents, aided by the ongoing partnership with National Geographic.

In the latest instalment of the Cruise Corner Podcast, we rewind the clock two weeks to the Cruise Summit, which brought 200 delegates together for a day of learning and networking at 30 Euston Square. Co-host Josie Klein and World of Cruising digital content producer Amaris Proctor hear from attendees about their highlights of the day and key takeaways.

How do you sell the Windstar Cruises experience in 30 seconds or less? In the latest episode of Cruise Corner’s How to Sell series, co-host Jack Carter is joined by Windstar Cruises director of international sales Augustus Lonsdale to explore what sets the small-ship line apart. Lonsdale also reveals the three things agents should keep front of mind when matching customers with the line.

In the latest episode of the Cruise Corner Podcast, co-host Will Payne is joined by Windstar Cruises’ Helen Beck and Augustus Lonsdale, who between them bring more than 40 years of cruise industry experience to the line. We discuss their careers, their time at Windstar and how their combined expertise is helping shape the small-ship cruise line’s next chapter. Plus, there’s time for the Cruise Corner's signature sign off as Helen and Gus pull a mystery question from our crystal ball...

In the latest instalment of the Cruise Corner's How to Sell series, Crystal Cruises vice president of trade sales UK and EMEA Luke Smith reveals his three top tips for travel agents looking to boost their ultra-luxury sales with the brand. From the USPs that set Crystal apart to the latest trade incentives, tools and training available to agents, Smith lifts the lid on all things Crystal before summarising his key takeaways.

In the latest episode of the Cruise Corner Podcast, co-hosts Will Payne and Josie Klein are joined by Crystal Cruises vice president of trade sales UK and EMEA Luke Smith to explore the inspiration behind the line’s renewed energy and ambitious goal to become the most trade-friendly cruise line in the UK. The trio also discuss the imminent arrival of the line's first new-build ship in 25 years, Crystal Grace, its push to attract a new generation of luxury cruisers and how Crystal plans to navigate the evolving travel landscape.

Up next in the Cruise Corner's How to Sell series, Princess Cruises UK, Ireland and EMEA sales director Yasmin McKechnie shares how the cruise line's portfolio of onboard amenities and shoreside experiences can entice travellers of all ages. According to McKechnie, Princess Cruises' range of ship sizes, partnerships with global brands and value proposition are just a few of the reasons that make cruising with the brand a once in a lifetime experience.

Taking on one of the cruise industry's most high-profile sales roles was never going to be straightforward. In the latest episode of the Cruise Corner Podcast, Yasmin McKechnie reflects on the exciting challenge that came with stepping into the role of UK, Ireland and EMEA sales director for Princess Cruises. She discusses her first eight months in the job, the future of the line and an exclusive new competition launching with Cruise Trade News. Plus, the Cruise Corner team analyses what the latest Barclays spending data means for travel agents and look ahead to 2026 Wave Awards following the announcement of this year's shortlist.

There are few people in the cruise industry who command a room quite like Azamara CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler. In the first episode of our new Cruise Titans podcast series, we sit down with one of the sector's most respected leaders to explore the journey that took her to the top, the lessons she's learned along the way, and what it's really like leading a global cruise brand. Alongside career advice for the next generation of industry professionals, Dondra shares the leadership principles and experiences that have shaped her remarkable career. Plus, in our new Ask the Expert segment, we put your questions directly to Dondra.

HX Expeditions’ Dr Verena Meraldi joins the Cruise Corner Podcast to talk about her journey from guest lecturer to becoming the cruise industry’s first-ever chief scientist, while highlighting the importance of citizen science in an increasingly vulnerable world.

A Swiss/Mexican biologist, Verena began her scientific career studying biology at the National University before moving to the University of Lausanne to complete her Ph.D. in Immunology in 2002. However, when asked if she ever expected to be applying her vast knowledge and expertise on a cruise ship, her answer was a short and simple, “no!”.

In this week’s Cruise Corner Podcast, Verena joins co-host Jack Carter to share her incredible journey and discuss why putting guests at the centre of HX Expedition’s science and education programme makes for a more impactful adventure.

If you loved hearing from Verena, why not tune in to part one of this episode, where we examine which travellers expedition cruising resonates with most?