Nick Hughes to join Scenic Group as sales director UK and Ireland

He added: “Travel agents and tour operator partners are central to building the business for Scenic and Emerald Cruises.

"The consumer demand is there, our mission is to support our industry partners both existing and new and help them to build their knowledge and confidence so they can help create stories for life for their customers with Scenic and Emerald. This is going to be a real privilege.”

Meanwhile, Eithne Williamson, Princess Cruises UK and Europe vice-president, praised Hughes’ efforts during his time with the ocean line. 

She said: “It’s been a great year for the Princess UK and Europe sales team, and we are thankful for the wealth of knowledge and experience that Nick brought to the team."

Williamson continued: "While he will be missed at Princess, having the opportunity for wider remit with a smaller privately-owned business that is closer to home is one Nick couldn’t turn down.

"We wish him well in his future as we look forward to continued success of Princess supported by our brilliant partnerships with valued travel agents.”

Williamson also confirmed Princess had begun searching for a new sales director, adding: “[We’re] starting internally by looking across our valued and talented employees at Carnival.”