Crystal Cruises has announced new appointments to its trade sales team.

The brand, which is now part of the A&K Travel Group, said in a statement it was “committed to rebuilding the partner relationships that made the cruise line an industry leader”.

Monique Ross, who worked for the line in its previous guise and also at Seabourn, is now director of strategic and national accounts, and will manage relationships with consortia partners.

Paul Girouard, also formerly of Crystal, will join the company on 3 October as regional sales director, east region, responsible for driving sales through travel agent partners in the eastern US.

In addition, Melissa Nightingale will be the regional sales director for the west of the US, while Jeff Herzfeld is joining as director of reservations, sales support and guest relations, with overall responsibility for the call centre at Crystal’s headquarters in South Florida.

A ‘new chapter’ for Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises vice-president, sales and trade partnerships Brandon Townsley said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Monique, Paul and Melissa back to the Crystal Cruises brand.

“Given their connections and contributions to the brand over the years, their roles and experience, insight and tenured relationships with the travel advisor community will be vital to the company’s success as we begin a new chapter of providing unrivalled six-star luxury experiences at sea.”

The line’s president Jack Anderson added: “Our goal is to build a sales team made up of trusted professionals who understand Crystal’s brand ethos.

“These initial hires will lead our trade sales efforts in the coming months, as we announce the return to service of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, as well as itineraries for 2023 and 2024.”

In the coming weeks, Crystal Cruises said it will launch a campaign to engage with agents.