Expedition line Swan Hellenic has announced that Tom Dumbrell is to join the line as UK sales director.

Dumbrell has previously held national account manager and senior sales management positions at Tauck, Belmond UK, Australian Pacific Touring, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and ROL Cruises.

Swan Hellenic said Dumbrell will help the line “identify gaps in the market and drive rapid expansion during the year of its return to the seas”.

The line, which relaunched last year, intends to launch three new ships. The first in the fleet, SH Minerva, is scheduled to arrive in November 2021.

SH Minerva and the second ship – arriving in April 2022 – will carry 152 guests. A larger P6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in 96 staterooms is due to set sail at the end of 2022.

Senior vice-president of global sales and marketing Alfredo Spadon said: “I’m excited to welcome Tom into the Swan Hellenic family. His solid experience, dynamism and passion for the cruise industry will I am sure play a key role in re-establishing the Swan Hellenic brand and building awareness within the UK trade, where our heritage began some 70 years ago.”

Last year, the line joined CLIA to build its profile and relationships with agents across Europe.

Speaking to Cruise Trade News about the line’s plans, vice-president of marketing Mario Bounas said: “We’ve breathed new life into a brand with a rich heritage and a hugely loyal fanbase, among agents and consumers alike.

“This is a brand that perfectly embodies pioneering trips to lesser-known locations and a shore excursion programme that will provide extraordinary in-destination experiences, all backed up by world-class on-board lectures and speakers.

“What the market is already showing us makes for a positive future, with a move towards smaller, more exclusive ships and bucket-list trips.”