Haslett, who announced his decision to leave Virgin last month after more than 14 years with the carrier, will join the cruise line on 20 February, taking over from chief commercial officer Leslie Peden.

He will report to Celestyal’s chief executive Chris Theophilides in a UK-based role with time also spent in the US, Greece and the company’s main European markets.

Haslett will oversee an international team of more than 60 staff covering all Celestyal’s commercial activities, including sales, business development, marketing, PR functions, contact centres and revenue management.

“I’m delighted to announce Lee’s appointment and welcome him to Celestyal. Lee joins Celestyal at an exciting time, as we intensify our efforts and invest in substantially broadening Celestyal’s presence in key markets," said Theophilides.

"We look forward to making additional exciting announcements in the near future as we continue our journey of strengthening Celestyal’s position as the leading provider of the award-winning, multi-destination holiday experiences in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean that the company has fast become known for."

Theophilides thanked Peden, who has been with Celestyal for more than five years, initially as vice-president for North America and later serving as the company’s chief commercial officer, for his "significant contributions" as "an integral part of the company’s senior leadership".