Starting on 2 June, Smith will take up the role of vice-president of sales, UK and EMEA, and will help the ultra-luxury brand "achieve strategic growth in the UK and across Europe". 

He will be responsible for driving trade sales distribution across both markets, manage inside sales functions and collaborate with the marketing team to "ensure exposure and results". 

Smith will report into Matias Lira, Crystal’s senior vice-president, trade sales – Americas, UK and EMEA. 

Stephen Joyner, Crystal’s senior sales manager, UK and Ireland, and Susan Cameron, inside sales manager, UK and EMEA, will both report into Smith. 

Prior to joining Crystal, Smith spent more than 12 years at Carnival Cruise Line and a further six-and-a-half years at Carnival UK. 

Crystal said: "With more than 15 years’ experience in the cruise industry, Smith has an in-depth understanding of the industry and a proven track record of increasing market share and leading innovative sales initiatives." 

Lira added: "I am delighted to welcome Luke to the team and am confident that his knowledge, experience and impressive track record will prove invaluable as we continue to expand our sales presence within these important markets."

Smith, meanwhile, highlighted how Crystal’s trade partners would be "pivotal" to the line’s success going forward. 

"My primary focus will be on them, how we can work together as a true partnership and what they need from us both commercially and in order to fully understand what makes Crystal exceptional compared with our competition," he explained. 

"There is work to be done and I am open to feedback and honest conversation with trade partners across all markets to ensure that we build long-lasting and successful relationships.”

Smith is the latest Carnival Cruise Line team member to secure a new job after Carnival Corporation announced it would close the team’s UK office. 

Former account manager Danielle Kerton joined Riviera Travel on Tuesday (27 May) and Iain Baillie, Carnival’s former vice-president of International sales, was hired by Cunard to lead its UK and EMEA sales team in May.