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An interview with Jamie Loizou of AmaWaterways

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In the latest in our series of 50th anniversary interviews, we spoke to a former Mundy employee now making waves in the world of river cruising...

Jamie Loizou spent nine years at Mundy Cruising as our Sales & Marketing Director, before passing on the baton in 2013 to our current Loizou, brother Alex. Jamie is now Managing Director at luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways, where he heads up the UK office.

Describe your company in no more than 50 words...

We are a family owned, family run, luxury river cruise company with the highest rated fleet in Europe according to the Berlitz Guide to River Cruising. Innovation, both in ship design and onboard product, are key to our success - overlaid with the magical sparkle of our staff and crew.

What is your proudest moment as it relates to your company?

The launch of AmaMagna back in July 2019 was a very special moment, as we had created a unique and stand-out product within the river cruise sector. Space, choice and quality are all key to this wonderful vessel. I was proud to see all the company's hard work vindicated.

AmaMagna on the Danube in Bratislava

Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know...

I was once a judge in a dog pageant with Elizabeth Hurley. We were selecting the dog with the waggiest tail…

Tell me what, in your opinion, is the one most significant thing that makes your cruise line different from its competitors?

The owners Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Gary Murphy. Their innovation, expertise, years of experience, leadership position in the river cruise industry, guest-centric planning and long term partnerships are all significant, but above all it is their warmth and personalities which filter through the whole Ama Family, as we like to call it, making it a very special company indeed.

What is the next big thing to come from your company?

Our Egypt programme which starts next year. The amazing AmaDahlia on the Nile is a stylish, intimate vessel with just 68 guests. Accommodation includes 24 balcony suites, and the onboard experience will be outstanding - combine that with the magic of exploring Cairo before the cruise, and the amazing treasures of the Upper Nile on included excursions from the ship, and you have a stand-out iconic experience which will be at the top of most people's bucket list.

AmaDahlia on the Nile

Why do you love Mundy Cruising and what do you think is the secret of their 50 years of success?

We are kindred spirits really. Two companies totally focused on their people, and the personal touch in all their business dealings. At Mundy I know they are driven by an ethos to do what is right - and in turn this is right for the success of their business. The experience of their team means that they can ensure their clients travel on the right product, and this engenders a high level of customer loyalty. And they are all lovely to deal with so we always want to help them.

Meet the author

Edwina Lonsdale is Managing Director and together with husband Matthew, owner of Mundy Cruising. Most recently she's cruised on Windstar and has also sailed with Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, SeaDream, Ponant, AmaWaterways and Aqua Expeditions. Her favourite destination is the Galapagos however she's also enjoyed cruises in the Mediterranean, Danube, Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, Brahmaputra, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, the Mekong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Caribbean and the Arctic. When she’s not travelling she loves reading, food and wine.

More about Edwina

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