The parent company of P&O Cruises and Cunard started a formal consultation process in the summer and immediately confirmed Paul Ludlow would take on the Cunard presidency in addition to his current role of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises President, while Katie McAlister would transition into a newly created role of Chief Commerce Officer for Carnival UK.

Stuart Allison's remit was expanded to set and lead the commercial strategy for both P&O Cruises and Cunard, with responsibility for brand, pricing, itineraries, fleet deployment, product strategy, marketing and CRM.

On Wednesday (23 September), a Carnival UK spokesperson said: “In June Carnival UK announced organisational changes to support operational efficiency and future growth across P&O Cruises and Cunard.

“Exact numbers are still being finalised but it is anticipated that there will be a reduction in headcount of a single-digit percentage.”

Abbie Gunner, former Trade Training and Events Manager at Carnival UK, is among the staff to have recently posted on LinkedIn about their role being made redundant.

She wrote: "After an incredible 22 years with Carnival UK and within the cruise industry, my role has been made redundant as part of a company wide restructure.

"It’s a lot to take in. I’m naturally sad to be leaving an industry and company that have been such a huge part of my career and life, but I’m also choosing to look forward with positivity and excitement about what comes next."