Ambassador Cruise Line has appointed Nicola Harper as head of distribution, effective from 10 October.

In the newly created role, Harper – who has more than 15 years’ travel industry experience – will assume leadership of the Ambassador trade team, and will report to chief commercial officer Phil Gardner.

Harper joins from Aquilium Travel, where she held the position of head of operations and strategy.

She started her travel career as a senior retail manager at TUI UK before moving to Attraction World as national account manager.

Other roles have included trade partnerships manager at Thomas Cook and head of sales at Beds With Ease.

Ambassador Cruise Line has also recruited Ian Benjafield as head of communications.

Benjafield, who will report to chief marketing officer Gordon Nardini, will work alongside Rooster PR, who were appointed as Ambassador’s PR Agency in August this year.

His previous experience includes stints at Disneyland Paris, Tui UK, Thomas Cook and Travelodge.

Ambassador Cruise Line ‘standing tall’ in cruise market

Gardner said: “I am delighted to welcome Nicola to Ambassador in the newly created role of head of distribution.

“As brand awareness and interest in our premium-value product continues to grow, our focus on creating and fostering trade partnerships has never been so important to us.

“I look forward to working with Nicola as we continue to develop a brand and a business that stands tall in the UK cruise market.”

Nardini added: “As Britain’s newest cruise line, we have so much to say. We know our guests, trade partners and media want to hear from Ambassador about our company developments and the great experiences and memories we are creating on board.

“The appointment of Ian, with his varied experience and deep understanding of the travel PR landscape, comes at a pivotal time for the company as we continue on our current growth trajectory and look to share our story more widely.

“With the support of Rooster PR, Ian will also be key to the launch of Ambassador’s second ship, Ambition, to the market in May 2023.”