Beadle, who announced last week she is to retire in November after three years with the line, insisted any potential comeback would not be in the near future: “I definitely won’t be doing a Frank Sinatra.”

“I can’t see myself coming back to do any full-time role,” confirmed Beadle, adding: “I have absolutely no doubt there will be the odd bit of consulting and it won’t be a pipe and slippers retirement… but nothing in the immediate future.”

Beadle, who during her time in the travel trade has also been managing director of Hurtigruten and sales and marketing director for Virgin Holidays, told TTG she had considered retiring last year.

“[Last week’s announcement] wasn’t a sudden decision,” she said. “I’m a great believer in having a three-year plan when it comes to work, so although I considered retiring last year, it felt right to complete my three years with Uniworld.

"Without a doubt I’ll miss the fantastic people and the camaraderie in our industry, but it’s quite exciting to be entering 2018 with a totally new look on life and I’m sure I’ll be following all the exciting goings on in travel from afar."