In a statement, the French cruise line thanked Giles for his “dedication and professionalism” and wished him well “on his next endeavour”. 

Ponant’s new UK and Ireland general manager Anthony Daniels, who was appointed in May after nine years with Hurtigruten, is now reviewing the business needs and will announce plans “in due course”. 

Ponant said: “Unfortunately, Danny Giles has decided to resign from his position at Ponant. We wish him well on his next endeavour and thank him for his dedication and professionalism whilst representing Ponant in the UK.”

Prior to joining Ponant, Giles spent more than a year at Silversea Cruises as national sales manager, nearly 10 years at Hurtigruten and more than six years at Balkan Holidays.

Posting on LinkedIn, Giles said: "Today (8 August) marks the end of my time at Ponant as I embark on a new adventure, not before a few months of garden leave.

Giles continued: "I have been lucky enough to visit and experience this incredible product in places I never thought I would ever get to see. I want to thank everyone from the offices in Marseille to the onboard teams who I have spent time with."

He added: "I leave you in the capable hands of my colleagues from the UK and Ireland team knowing that I have left my region in a stronger and more knowledgeable place about this product."