Jones was made redundant by Balkan Holidays in April last year, while pregnant with her son, Jack. However, Ambassador saw an opportunity and offered Jones a lifeline – a short-term contract until Jack was born.

Fast forward almost a year, and Jones is preparing to return to the cruise line as a Strategic Account Manager. The role has been specifically created by Ambassador Cruise Line's Head of Distribution, Nicola Harper, for Jones, who will work three days a week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday – from 24 August.

Speaking exclusively to TTG, Jones said she wished she had joined Ambassador sooner.  "I felt like I was stuck at Balkan Holidays," she explained. "I generally like to stay with companies for a long time. I like to get to know the product.

"The Ambassador team is so lovely. Some of the team – Louise Tansey and Emma Rodgers – have been in the industry for years. I can learn from other strong female leaders here."

Jones confirmed she has enrolled her son into a nursery and is looking forward to the "settling in" days next month. However, she added:  "I do feel ready to have something for myself. I had some discussions with Ambassador on the days I would work and we settled on this. Because I already know the company I know I will be able to hit the ground running."

'It is a perfect fit'

Ironically, Harper first met Jones this year as she was on maternity leave when Jones initially joined the business. The pair met when they discussed whether Jones would be interested in returning to Ambassador in a part-time role.

"When I worked with Ambassador last year I was so grateful for that opportunity," said Jones. "I feel like I'm very loyal. The team were so supportive of my pregnancy, too.

"Obviously, it's a lot easier once you've worked somewhere before. You understand what they stand for and their values. I just feel like it a perfect fit."

She added: "The part-time role was a big thing for me. I want to spend as much time with Jack as possible. I did cry when they told me I got the job."

Jones reveals Newmarket Holidays' Account Manager Wayne Szczambura has been texting her constantly wanting to know if she had landed the job. "I'm excited for it to get out there," she continued.

'I would rather have Lynsey than anyone else'

Nicola Harper, Head of Distribution at Ambassador Cruise Line, said: "I'm in the same position – I'm part time. I do four days. In the industry, there's a bit of a perception that we need to do five days a week for senior roles. 

"But, in my view, as long as you're the right person it does not make a difference, you just need the right attitude. We should not be restricted.

"I would rather have Lynsey for three days than somebody else for five days. Lynsey will be coming on to support Karen and I. I do not want a team of robots."

Meanwhile, Business Development Executive Debbie Ballantyne for the north of the country has been promoted to Business Development Manager, while the cruise line is also recruiting for a Business Development Executive for the south of England.

"We're really delighted about this promotion because we want people in this business to grow. Debbie will now take on some commercial responsibility," added Harper.