Jack Carter, Group Editor, Cruise
An award-winning travel and lifestyle journalist, Jack has spent the last 10 years writing and editing for both consumer and trade publications in the UK, Asia and Australia. He began his career at Haymarket Media Group title Conference & Incentive Travel, where in 2016 he was named Features Journalist of the Year at the Business Travel Journalism Awards, before later joining Ink Global to oversee the publisher’s paid content team. Prior to joining Real Response Media as group editor, cruise, Jack was lifestyle editor at APL Media, producing print and digital content for the Guardian, The Evening Standard and National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine.
Will Payne, Editor
Will is an experienced journalist with a passion for cruise and travel writing. He began his career as a local reporter with KM Media Group before landing his first role as a travel trade journalist with TTG Media in 2021. In 2023, Will joined Cruise Trade News and World of Cruising as deputy editor, before being named editor of Cruise Trade News in June 2025. During his time as journalist, Will has honed his investigatory and news gathering skills and is passionate about championing the cruise industry.
Josie Klein, Deputy Editor
After graduating with a degree in law followed by a masters in broadcast journalism, Josie began her career in journalism as a local reporter at the Dorset Echo before landing her first role as a travel trade reporter in 2022. After taking a short career break to spend some time travelling, she returned to the sector in 2026 and has continued honing her news gathering and feature writing across trade and consumer media.
Phil Couzens, Art Director
Phil started his career designing DVD and PSP covers for Sony and Universal Pictures before moving to Japan where he worked on Metropolis magazine, Japan’s number one English lifestyle publication. After six years he returned to London to freelance for The Guardian Group, before working as art director at Zest Media. At Real Response Media he leads on all elements of design work.
Lina Slater, Chief Operating Officer
Lina started her travel career at lastminute.com, working her way up to head of European Partnerships across seven markets and growing and building new partnerships to drive growth. With a huge passion for digital and technology, she then moved to Travel Supermarket, prior to joining Cruise Trade News. As COO, Lina leads the sales and commercial team to grow the digital and print propositions.
David Ramsden, Head of Commercial
Before joining Real Response Media as Head of Commercial – Cruise, David spent more than six years with Jacobs Media at Travel Weekly, most recently serving as Sales Manager. In that role, he held commercial responsibility across a broad portfolio of media platforms. He began his career in media sales at Palladian Publications, working within the oil and gas sector before moving into travel media. Outside of work, David is an avid sports fan with a particular passion for football, golf and cricket, both watching and playing whenever he gets the chance.
Abbie Downes, Senior Partnerships Manager
Abbie joined Real Response Media from Jacobs Media Group, working with tourism boards, associations, cruise lines and travel tech brands across media and events. She worked with partners on UK B2B brands Travel Weekly, Aspire, and ATAS, as well as growing the presence in the Middle East with brands Connecting Travel & Connections Luxury. Abbie first joined the travel industry in 2015 at SLC Representation, managing a portfolio of Australia & New Zealand clients including Sydney Opera House, Tourism Noosa & Explore Central North Island, promoting to the travel trade through marketing, training and events.