Ungerer joined Explora, which is owned by MSC Group, following a long spell with Carnival Corporation, overseeing the launch of the brand and its first ship, Explora I.

Explora II is poised to enter service this summer, with a further four Explora ships scheduled to launch during over the next four years through to 2028.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chair of MSC Group’s cruise division, will assume Ungerer’s responsibilities until his successor is named. Ungerer will remain involved with the brand until the end of August in an advisory capacity.

"It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Michael as we have brought to life this incredible new brand and built everything from the bottom up," said Vago. "I would like to thank Michael for his efforts and contribution, and we wish him well for the future."

Ungerer added: "Creating a new luxury hospitality brand from scratch in today’s world has been a true, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an incredible journey.

"It has been a real privilege working with the visionary Pierfrancesco Vago and the entire Aponte family, which I am forever grateful for. Their firm commitment and their long-term generational view, as only a family owned and operated company can, made it all possible."