Keith Norman will head a small team with the brief of expanding the brand’s river cruise product, currently operated on its vessel Brabant. Norman was previously the brand’s sales manager – affinity and will report to head of sales Mike Evans.

“I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to grow and build upon the success of our popular Brabant sailings in Europe,” Norman said. “The new river sales manager role gives Fred Olsen a dedicated resource and focus to ensure that we can extend our presence within the competitive river cruise market.

“Longer-term, we would like to grow our river cruise fleet and continue to bring the best of our ocean product to the river cruise market. We are already reaping the rewards of our unique Fred Olsen experience on board Brabant, with a guest rating of four out of five and 2019 sailings more than 50% to target already.”

Fred Olsen entered the river cruise market last spring with the 156-guest ship. It will offer an expanded programme of 33 departures in 2019, from April to November, with durations between five and 25 nights. Brabant will sail the Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers.