About Us
A FATHER-DAUGHTER PROJECT FROM MUNICH
The Story Behind CruiseMap
CruiseMap is a heartfelt family project — born out of a genuine passion for the sea, photography, and storytelling.
A Dinner, an Atlas — and an Idea
Leonhard Seidl — Leo — has been a journalist and publisher since 1991, and before that worked as an IT consultant, including for Roland Berger & Partner. From 1994 onward, photography became an increasingly important part of his work: programs such as Foto-Poster-Drucker, Foto-Kalender Druckshop, and Fotobuch Druckerei were created — all driven by the same idea: helping customers turn their most beautiful memories into attractive printed keepsakes to share with others.
In 2005, he obtained his first yacht sailing license. More followed, culminating in the offshore sailing license that permits worldwide navigation. Since then, Leo has sailed more than 15,000 nautical miles across various oceans around the world.
The decisive spark came after a cruise through the western Mediterranean:
„We had just returned from our sea voyage ‘Pearls of the Western Mediterranean’ and invited friends over for dinner. I pulled out my old Diercke atlas and traced our route with my finger. Not everything fit on one page — I had to flip back and forth. We showed the photos on a smartphone. There were 450 pictures. After everyone had left, one thing was clear: next time, I wanted to present our journey in a more compact and emotional way. I remembered an old nautical chart showing one of James Cook’s routes. Exactly like that. That was the moment the idea for CruiseMap was born."
— Leonhard Seidl, Founder CruiseMap
Father & Daughter — United by Their Love of the Sea
We were aboard the MSC Grandiosa in October 2020
Leonhard Seidl — Founder & Developer
Journalist, publisher, and software developer for more than 30 years. Passionate sailor with over 15,000 nautical miles at sea, hobby photographer, and inventor of CruiseMap. He is the technical and conceptual soul of the project.
Katharina — Content & Marketing
On board since 2021. A passionate traveler and expert in uncovering the hidden stories behind the world’s great routes — far beyond what guidebooks reveal. With more than 10 years of experience in content and social media marketing, she gives CruiseMap its voice to the outside world.
„Traveling has always been my passion. I’m also known for remembering the most unusual facts and stories. At CruiseMap, I can combine both: travel and fascinating stories. I love discovering the hidden background information you encounter as a cruise guest — far away from the typical tourist attractions found in guidebooks."
— Katharina, Content & Marketing
The CruiseMap-Crew
To continuously provide new content, Leo and Katharina work together with a small, carefully selected network of experienced journalists — people who share a love for cruising and who research, prepare, and tell stories with the greatest possible care.
Together, we look forward to sharing many new stories with our customers and readers.
Ihre CruiseMap-Crew
Every CruiseMap is a smile — and a piece of unforgettable memory.
