Gemma Bradwell will cover the north of England while Sabrina Piscioneri has been tasked with looking after trade relationships in the south of England.

Viking said both Bradwell and Piscioneri are from travel agency backgrounds and will support current managers in the regions with agent training programmes, events and promotional activity.

Neil Barclay, Viking’s head of sales, said: “As Viking and our fleet continues to grow, so too does our investment in the trade.

“Both Gemma and Sabrina’s experience will be key in assisting travel agents to expand their understanding of our cruises and help them feel better equipped to sell Viking Cruises, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the travel trade.”

Piscioneri said: “Having worked in the travel industry for a decade, I’m really excited to be taking on a new challenge with Viking Cruises, and to be part of an industry that I’m really passionate about.”

Bradwell added: “I cannot imagine working in another sector so dynamic and rewarding. I look forward to being part of the Viking team and working with its affiliated partners”.

In addition to bolstering its sales team, Viking had also pledged “more engagement” with agents through its marketing channels, including its Madefortrade.co.uk agent website and trade magazine, Hei!