Simon O’Neill, who currently runs the Portfolio Suite for private appointments at Oasis’s Holywood location, will head up the new cruise centre arm after creating a business case for the venture to owner and managing director, Sandra Corkin.

O’Neill will recruit two colleagues to work with him in the new division, which will be opening soon.

Knock Travel’s two branches will be merged and will reopen as Oasis Travel at the Newtownards Road, Belfast location on May 30, and the new cruise agency will move in upstairs.

O’Neill, who has worked for Oasis for 10 years, told TTG he was "extremely passionate" about cruise, adding that he would insist all of his colleagues achieve Master Cruise Counsellor certification.

"I am very grateful to Sandra for this opportunity," he said.

"While some travel businesses are shrinking, she seems to just keep expanding the business."