The pledge comes after the company, part of the Stewart Travel Group, already doubled its headcount over the past three years.

Stewart Travel head of cruise Rhiannon Kilbride said: “To fulfil our growth ambitions for the next part of our journey, we are looking to grow our sales and service functions 35% and immediately recruit new cruise experts and boost our administration and customer service teams.

“These 30 new jobs will make sure we continue to fulfil the highest levels of personal service.”

Kilbride said the company’s growth had been fuelled by greater cruise options available to consumers. “It offers a great-value way to see the world,” she said. “It’s not for an elite any more, with ships being created to appeal to different audiences.

“Cruisers are looking for experiences beyond sightseeing and cruise lines and cruise specialist agencies are meeting these demands.”

Kilbride said “massive strides” in technology had made cruise more appealing to younger travellers, while lower pricing was allowing new-to-cruise clients to experience some of the sector’s newest ships at an affordable entry level.

Kilbride added the move came in anticipation of further ship launches in 2020, including P&O Cruises’ Iona, which will be dedicated to the UK market.