Pimentel, Azamara president and chief executive, whose line currently owns three R-class vessels, said Princess Cruises was aware of his interest but no formal discussion had taken place.

“Let’s just say it’s not a secret to anybody that has an R-class ship [that] I am quite happy to take it. They can say that it does not work but our numbers show it does work, but again we change the product. I happen to love the ship," he said. "I hope that we can get it."

There are seven other R-class vessels currently sailing, with four operated by Oceania Cruises.

Azamara announced it had purchased Azamara Pursuit (at the time sailing as R-class ship Adonia) from P&O Cruises in September 2017 and the vessel was launched in Southampton in August.

“We know with Harri Kulovaara [Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd’s executive vice-president, maritime and newbuilding] and the new-build team we can rebuild them [the R-class] and guests will like them, even with the age of the ship – just look at Pursuit as an example.”

“I think the world is a big place and I would be happy to have the fourth [R-class] ship very quickly.”

In response to Pimentel’s comments, Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises’ vice-president UK and Europe, said: "Pacific Princess has published itineraries sailing from now through September 2020 and will continue to serve our guests as part of the Princess Cruises fleet."