The 2026 Cruise Career Springboard launches today in Southampton
Princess Cruises welcomed students onboard as part of the Cruise Career Springboard programme
The Cruise Career Springboard programme 2026 got underway today with the generous support of Princess Cruises, who hosted the participants onboard Majestic Princess and at Carnival House in Southampton.
Three colleges are involved in the programme this year: Itchen College at Southampton, the North East Surrey College of Technology and Farnborough College of Technology. Twelve students were picked from each college, following a written application and tutor assessment. The students are supported by three industry mentors Graham Sadler, Jo Rzymowska and Peter Shanks, as well as programme founders Edwina and Matthew Lonsdale of Mundy Cruising.
The launch day was guided by CLIA Trainer Steve Paddit. Over the course of eight weeks, students will follow a wide-ranging programme with the support of Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, MSC, Explora Journeys, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, APT Luxury Travel, Aqua Expeditions, VIVA Cruises, HX Expeditions, AmaWaterways, Ponant Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Real Response Media, Lindblad National Geographic, ABP, Widgety, Crystal/A&K Travel Group and CLIA.
The Cruise Career Springboard is a programme which aims to create greater social mobility, diversity and inclusivity in the travel and cruise industries. It was founded by Edwina and Matthew Lonsdale from Mundy Cruising and is supported by leading industry figures who have all come together to invest in the next generation. The programme is now in its fourth year.