Cruise Corner

In this special bonus episode of the Cruise Corner Podcast, Windstar Cruise’s Helen Beck and Augustus Lonsdale chat to us about the line’s groundbreaking ocean-to-river packages ahead of their launch in 2027.

Earlier this year, Windstar announced that its new all-suite yacht, Star Explorer, will sail a selection of European itineraries combining Europe’s most popular ocean and river destinations.

This will include the 10-night Impressionist France departure from Bordeaux to London which pairs the Seine and the Thames, and the eight-night Connoisseur's Delight: Northern Spain and Portugal departure which sails on the Garonne and Gironde rivers as well as the Spanish coast.

Helen and Gus join co-host Josie Klein to talk about the similarities between river and small-ship cruising before exploring how the initiative can help agents retain and grow their business.

How do you sell the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions 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 National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ head of UK sales Danielle Bates to discuss what makes this expedition cruise line so special. Bates also shares the three things agents should keep front of mind when matching customers with the line.

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.