Ambassador Cruise Line has launched a recruitment drive to fill the newly created role of deputy head of trade, along with other business development posts.
The no-fly line said the recruitment push follows its most successful season launch, with revenue more than doubling year-on-year in the first month of trading since the 2025-26 programme went on sale on March 21.
It said the new deputy head of trade will play a “key role in leveraging existing commercial relationships to maximise sales opportunities” as the business looks to enhance service levels for agents and trade partners.
Reporting to Nicola Harper (pictured), head of distribution, the successful candidate will manage trade members and key partnerships “with an emphasis on revenue generation and relationship building”.
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Meanwhile, the cruise line is seeking business development managers and business development executives.
The exact structure of the team will be agreed at the end of the recruitment process “to play to the strengths of those that apply”, said the cruise line.
The trade team currently numbers 10 and three or four extra people will be recruited, depending on the skill of applicants.
Ambassador has also reported a “healthy outlook” on future sailings across both its ships, Ambience and Ambition.
Recent trade developments include the launch of a year-long, UK-wide ship visit programme for trade partners and three dedicated agent fam trips later this year.
Harper said: “As the Ambassador brand goes from strength to strength, recent developments illustrate just how highly we value our agent partners who provide the backbone to our success.
“We have enjoyed a record-breaking launch and this is due to the strength of our partnerships with the trade.
“With these new roles, our agent partners can rest assured that Ambassador will be with them every step of the way as we look to work even more closely with the trade to increase brand awareness, provide the service they deserve and ultimately drive sales of our incredible premium value cruise experiences.”
She said the trade share of sales was “considerable”, thanks to the “amazing” relationships the cruise line has with agents.
“What we think is exciting for the cruise world is that, Ambassador in particular, but also the wider industry, is experiencing a full rebound with very strong forward booking levels,” Harper added.
“The public has regained its confidence in cruising and this confidence is evident in our general booking and enquiry levels.
“We know that Brits love to travel, and despite the challenges of the current climate, we’re seeing that people still want to have a memorable holiday with a minimum of hassle.
“While airport queues, flight cancellations, exponential increases in travel costs and economic factors, such of the high cost of living, were all key themes throughout the past year, getting genuine value for money is key when it comes to choosing which type of holiday to enjoy.
“Furthermore, our regional port offering is a game changer, meaning guests from across the UK can enjoy an Ambassador sailing experience when departing from a port that is close to home.”
Earlier this month, it was announced that Ambassador Cruise Line chief commercial officer Phil Gardner is to leave the line, triggering a senior management reshuffle.