As part of its UK expansion, the line has made two appointments, naming Hugh Clayson, formerly of Pandaw and Titan Travel, as its commercial manager, while Simon McDermott, who has worked for a number of cruise lines during his 30-year travel career, takes up the position of business development manager for the north.

Clayson will report directly into Lucia Rowe, managing director of A-Rosa UK and Ireland, with his responsibilities including sales development, market analysis, agents and operator contracts, commercial projects and providing support for the sales and marketing team as it grows and develops.

Both will start in their new roles on 1 May.

Also joining the team in the Welsh capital is Stefan Trottnow as cruise consultant, haved moved over from A-Rosa’s Rostock headquarters where he worked in the customer service and reservations department for five years.

Rowe said: “Hugh has such an in-depth knowledge of both the tour operating and cruise markets, and his commercial and marketing experience will be invaluable in helping A-Rosa expand its trade partnerships and network.

“Simon is well known with agents and he will be out and about as yet another brand ambassador flying the A-Rosa flag.

“He will be meeting with agents regularly and educating them about all the great things A-Rosa has to offer, plus our exciting plans for the future. He will also be involved in our agent educationals to ensure we get as many of the trade to sample our products as possible.”

A-Rosa is still recruiting for a business development manager to cover the south and will set up its marketing team, as part of the second phase of its UK office expansion, later this year.

Rowe added: “This is such an exciting milestone for us here in the UK. It shows our determination and loyalty to the UK market and despite the current uncertainty, we are still totally committed to growing here.

“Since we entered the UK market four years ago we have seen interest and demand grow and opening our first UK office in Cardiff gives a real home to our international brand. We look forward to welcoming many of our partners and agents.”