My Grandson Went Missing on a Cruise Ship… What Happened Next

About this episode

Paul Thornton shares his journey from various careers to becoming a cruise enthusiast and storyteller, discussing the emotional aspects of cruising.

Ep59: Paul Thornton Today I flipped the script on fellow podcaster Paul Thornton—lifelong cruise enthusiast, author of The Joy of Cruising book series, and host of The Joy of Cruising Podcast . Paul shares his unconventional journey from military psychiatric work to corporate finance, entrepreneurship in the video rental boom, and eventually academia—before finding his true passion in cruising and storytelling. A transformative 2018 family cruise sparked his writing career, which evolved into a podcast where each episode captures unique, human stories from the world of cruising. The conversation dives into the realities of cruise culture from a passenger’s lens, the power of storytelling, and the emotional highs (and occasional fears) of life at sea. From near-misses with a missing grandson to unforgettable themed cruises, Paul brings decades of experience—and perspective—to the mic. 🔑 Key Takeaways Passion evolves over time Paul’s career path proves it’s never too late to pivot toward what you truly love. Storytelling is the heart of cruising Whether through books or podcasts, compelling human experiences drive engagement. Cruising is more than a vacation For enthusiasts, it’s…

People in this episode

Host: Sam Catling

Guest: Paul Thornton

Topics covered

• cruise culture
• storytelling
• personal journeys
• family experiences
• themed cruises

Keywords

• cruise
• storytelling
• podcast
• family
• themed cruises
• military
• entrepreneurship
• pandemic

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Joy of Cruising, The Joy of Cruising Podcast, The Joy of Cruising book series

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