‘I understand the magic of holidays’

Lynn Narraway is UK managing director at Seabourn and Holland America Line.

‘My favourite holiday memory is climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with my family in 2009. I was petrified, but my daughter stuck with me all the way. Standing at the top, I felt pure elation. That trip crystallised the magic of holidays and their power to bring families together.

I love working in an industry where the highlight of someone’s year is your business, but that’s also why getting it right is critical. After graduating, I wrote 100 letters to travel companies, joined a tour operator and have since worked for an airline. I’m now at the world’s largest cruise company, and have been in my current role since 2011.

Cruising is more experience-driven now – it’s not just about setting foot in Rome or Venice, but about immersing yourself in the culture and people. Seabourn has partnered with UNESCO to get behind the scenes at its world heritage sites, and Holland America Line works with BBC Earth to screen Planet Earth II with a live orchestra on board.

I travel for both business and pleasure, and am often found on my laptop in cafes in cities from Seattle to Dubrovnik. My husband is self-employed and we were lucky to have a full-time nanny when our children were small. My boss was supportive, too, so I try to take that approach with my employees.

Patience and motivation are key for any leader. I love mentoring my team.’

My 2019 trend prediction

Immersion and culture. Looking ahead to 2021 and 2022, Seabourn will welcome two ultra-luxury expedition ships, each with two submarines on board. Our Ventures by Seabourn programme lets guests kayak from the ship and see penguins, too.