Paul Mundy, founder of the namesake specialist cruise agency, has died aged 89

Described as a “visionary and an innovator”, the cruise industry pioneer launched the agency in 1970 alongside his wife Judith before selling the firm in 1999.

In 1970, Boeing introduced the 747, and ocean cruising looked like a risky bet, with the advent of the jet plane threatening to eclipse sea travel.

Mundy’s family firm had already closed its passenger division to focus instead on freight, but Paul had a stubborn vision – that there was much more to cruising than mere travel.

Fifty years on, Paul and Judith’s legacy is preserved at luxury cruise specialist Mundy Cruising, a company which remains proud of the vision of its founder.

Paul Mundy hailed a ‘supportive mentor with a wicked sense of humour’

Edwina Lonsdale, managing director and co-owner of Mundy Cruising, started working for Paul Mundy in 1989. “What a mentor,” she remembered. “Paul knew the industry inside out, and his connections stretched across the world.

“All the great and the good of the cruise industry crossed our threshold in those early days to visit this highly respected guru, a pioneer of the modern day cruise industry.”

Paul is survived by his wife Judith. They were married for over 60 years. A celebration of his life will be held in due course.