Mike Tindall has opened up about his upcoming family holiday plans with wife Zara and their three children, sharing details of a cruise they are organizing. The former rugby star spoke exclusively to the Mirror during a celebration for his gin brand, Blackeye Gin, at The Other House in South Kensington.
Family Cruise Plans
Mike explained that the family has been trying to plan the cruise for some time, struggling to find dates that work for everyone. When asked if he would bring his children along, he answered without hesitation: "I would definitely do it." Rugby pro James Haskell added: "You've got to try it. I'd do a daddy-daughter cruise."
Mike and Zara Tindall share three children: daughters Mia, 12, and Lena, seven, and son Lucas, five. Mike noted that cruising has changed dramatically in recent years and is no longer just for older holidaymakers. "Cruising gets bracketed into an older generation, which I think has massively changed at the moment," he said.
Business Success and Friendship
The comments came as Mike, James, and Alex Payne discussed their partnership with MSC cruises, which now serves Blackeye Gin across its fleet. The trio are best known for their podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, and their friendship was on full display at the event.
James rarely missed an opportunity to tease his former England teammate. Discussing the cruise, James joked about the free unlimited pizza on board and then poked fun at Mike's supposed requirements: "Do they still play shuffleboard because he refuses to go unless they're playing bridge and shuffleboard?"
Bonding Over the Years
Mike revealed he first played with and against James in the mid-2000s, while both had known Alex Payne professionally for years before launching their business ventures. "The nine years have bonded the friendship," Mike said. James added: "When we first met, we wouldn't class each other as close friends. He was a work colleague, he was a mate."
Discussing their dynamic, Mike joked: "James brings the noise, Alex brings a lot of words, and I just make sure the quality's right." James described their roles: Alex is the responsible adult, Mike provides a steadying influence, and James himself adds energy as "front of the house."
Royal Approval for Blackeye Gin
Mike revealed that Buckingham Palace was one of the first to stock Blackeye Gin, which retails for around £35, to show support for the rugby pro. The gin has also received the seal of approval from Sophie Wessex, who previously favored Silent Pool gin. Blackeye Gin is now available in all bars and is included for guests with a Premium Drinks Package or those staying in the MSC Yacht Club.
Despite their close bond, the trio admitted they have only seriously fallen out once, ironically while on a cruise ship. James insisted the dispute was due to "the amount of unplanned alcohol" rather than cruising itself. He emphasized that laughter is key to their relationship: "We laugh everywhere we go. There's always moments, there's always a catastrophe, and out of a catastrophe we spend a lot of time laughing together."
