In a statement to announce the move, Lahmich expressed a desire to focus on her family and “possibly” move back to roots in the north and “spend more precious time with my mum in the Lake District”.

She will leave her role on 1 July and will continue leading the sales team at Seabourn until then. 

Lahmich joined Carnival Cruise Lines in 1996 as a sales executive before rising through the ranks to become director of sales for Holland America Line and Seabourn.

Her current role is director of sales for Seabourn, with responsibility for the UK, Europe and Middle East and Africa (MEA) markets. 

Lynn Narraway, Seabourn vice-president, UK and MEA, said: “Wendy has spent the most amazing 28 years with the Carnival family working for Carnival Cruise Lines, then Holland America Line and finally exclusively for Seabourn.  

“Wendy and I have worked together for many years and, while am very sad that she is leaving, I do however fully respect her decision, as I know how much her mum and family mean to her and have long been aware of her desire to spend more time in the Lake District and Derbyshire where she also has family and friends.”

She added: “Wendy is one of the most respected and popular figures in the industry and her peer group. 

“Her ability to initiate, develop and grow partnerships is outstanding. She is a great negotiator and still able to keep the business requirements of both Seabourn and our partners at the forefront.”

Narraway said it had been “a huge privilege” to work alongside Wendy all these years, adding that Lahmich had become the “face of each brand”.  

“I know that not only will she be missed by her team and work colleagues but also by all our travel partners,” she concluded. 

“I am happy to say that Wendy will be with us for a little more time. She will leave the company on 1 July, and until that time she will be as involved in the business as always and will be able to pass over all her experience and knowledge to her replacement. She will no doubt continue to fly the flag for cruise.”

Lahmich added: ‘While I am deeply sad to leave the Carnival family, an industry I love and all the great friends I have made over the years, I feel it is now time for me to start the next chapter in my life, to focus on family, possibly move back to my roots in the north and spend more precious time with my mum in the Lake District.”