Princess Cruises has announced the appointment of Eithne Williamson to the role of vice-president UK and Europe, starting late June 2022.

Williamson will replace Tony Roberts, who recently joined the line’s sister brand Seabourn as global vice-president, commercial operations and head of UK and Europe.

Her previous roles include marketing communications director for P&O Cruises and vice-president of fleet people operations for Carnival UK.

Williamson said: “I’m thrilled to be appointed as vice-president UK and Europe at such an exciting time for the Princess Cruises brand, with four ships based in Southampton for the first time this summer.

“I was able to sample the MedallionClass Experience on Sky Princess last season and I am looking forward to taking this amazing product to more travel agent partners and guests in the years to come”.

She will report to Princess Cruises senior vice-president Stuart Allison, who leads the international teams for the cruise line.

Allison will support the Princess UK and Europe leadership team in the interim until Williamson joins in June.

Roberts added: “It is bittersweet to be moving on from Princess Cruises but I am proud of the exceptional results and significant growth the team has achieved over the past six years.

“I have no doubt that this will continue under Eithne’s leadership given the unique breadth and depth of her more than seven years’ experience with Carnival UK across both commercial and operational functions.”

In late March, the sixth and final Royal-class ship in the Princess fleet – Discovery Princess – set sail on its maiden voyage.

The line has also reported “unprecedented demand” for Enchanted Princess’ new 2022 ex-UK season.