Wilkinson, who has been appointed regional vice-president of business development, told TTG the new role would “give me more time to focus on how we can drive the business across the UK, Ireland and EMEA”. He added: “The whole objective in these changes is to free more time that I can invest with our travel partners to drive more market share and think more strategically about how we can attract new markets, such as new to cruise.”

The move, announced last week, saw NCL appoint Eamonn Ferrin as the new vice-president and managing director for NCL’s UK, Ireland, Israel, South Africa and Middle East market.

Ferrin, who has previously had roles at Airtours and Libra Holidays and more recently worked as a consultant for Cruise.co.uk, told TTG he was looking forward to seeing cruise “from the other side”.

“It’s helpful that I’ve seen it from the other side of the fence. It’s about working in partnership with all of our great partners, and travel agents remain critical to the way we grow our business,” he added.

Ferrin said he would also be meeting with the line’s agent partners, but admitted that first on his list would be going onboard an NCL ship.

Elsewhere Harry Sommer, president of international, promised significant investment in the line’s marketing spend, with a new marketing campaign starting this month, he confirmed.

TV ads will appear in January on both terrestrial and Sky channels within Scotland, the north and midland regions, featuring dedicated call-to-actions to specific agents.

There will also be an increased presence on digital channels, social media and emails.