FACE-2-FACE: John WoodDow

Director - European Waterways

1. What is the favourite part of your job?

Experiencing our cruises firsthand and spending time with our charming guests and diligent crew members.

2. What is the key to success in the cruise industry?

Constant development - the industry is expanding so quickly that innovation is becoming increasingly important. With so many cruising options out there, we are always looking to make our cruises as authentic and unique as possible.

3. What is the biggest challenge facing the industry?

Our “hotel barging” industry is such a small part of the cruise sector that our biggest challenge is increasing awareness of our luxury boutique product that is so different to ocean liners and river cruisers.

4. Advice for up-and-comers?

Take the time to experience the product. There are significant differences between ocean cruising, river cruising and hotel barge cruising, and it’s important to know them.

5. What was your best famil?

There have been so many, but I’d have to say the Scottish Highlands. The scenery is breathtaking and there was so much to explore. That said, the food and wine in Burgundy takes some beating.

6. How do you wind down a er a busy week?

Spending time with the family, and if the weather permits, taking my own boat out for a spin on the River Thames with a bottle of wine in the cooler.

7. The celebrity you would most like to cruise with?

Bill Nighy looked an awful lot of fun in The Boat that Rocked.