Luxury French cruise line PONANT has appointed Cecilia Abert as its UK brand ambassador. Cecilia is a well known and respected figure in the UK travel industry. She previously held roles as senior sales and marketing director at Regent Seven Seas and managing director of Hurtigruten.

As UK brand ambassador, Cecilia will help the current PONANT UK team in driving brand awareness, market penetration and customer acquisition. She will create affinity partnerships and lifestyle brand associations outside the traditional cruise sector, while participating in the broader UK communication and marketing strategy.

Stephen Winter, PONANT’s international sales director, says: “We are delighted to have Cecilia onboard. She has an impressive track record in the UK cruise industry and will be able to offer her insights and experience to help us strengthen our position as the luxury expedition leader in the UK and Irish markets.”

Cecilia adds: “It is a fantastic opportunity for me to be a part of the team. With so many exciting innovations; PONANT’s 30th anniversary, new ship launches, partnerships and new announcements, it is the perfect time to help PONANT anchor itself in the UK market.”

This comes at a time when PONANT is keen to underline its commitment to the UK market. Key announcements include the launch of seven additional small ships in the next three years and innovations such as the Blue Eye, the world’s first multisensory underwater lounge, along with the order of the first ever luxury cruise icebreaker powered by LNG.