Suzanne Rowe joins as head of sales Ireland with responsibility for the Irish market where MSC has just chalked up 10 years trading and its most successful year to date.

Lisa Burton and Carrie Jordan Dodd, meanwhile, bolster the line’s team of regional sales managers, taking on the Midlands and South West and Wales respectively.

Rowe will report to director of sales UK and Ireland Steve Williams, and will lead MSC’s team of RSMs which includes Alana Byrne and Erica Oglesby, who is returning from maternity leave.

Burton and Jordan Dodd, meanwhile, will report to head of retail Andrea Stafford.

The three new appointments comes after MSC last year experienced 50% growth in the UK and Ireland.

Antonio Paradiso, managing director MSC Cruises UK and Ireland, said Rowe’s appointment would allow the line to expand distribution by creating “engaging” and “inspiring” content and campaigns to encourage more people to consider cruise holidays.

Rowe joins following 25 years heading up Irish-based consultancy firm Konnections. Prior to founding Konnections, Rowe worked for Club Med, the Doyle Hotel Group and various other roles with high-profile hotel brands such as Ritz Carlton.

Burton joins from Kamegeo where she was marketing manager with responsibility for African destinations. She previously represented Three4, held retail positions with Midcounties Co-op and managed a Tui shop.

Jordan Dodd joins MSC from Tui and brings her expertise to the line’s South West and Wales region after holding a number of store manager roles in Somerset.

This year, MSC plans to expand in Dubai, the Middle East and Caribbean while placing the Irish market firmly amid its long-term growth strategy.

Williams added: “Our commitment to the Irish market remains at the very top of the agenda for MSC Cruises, and it is really exciting to find an all-rounder like Suzanne who is experienced in creating long-term strategic plans for an array of clients.

“Suzanne’s skills will be key to MSC Cruises development over the next 10 years as we launch a further 14 ships including MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa in 2019.”