Littlejohn, who was most recently vice president of reservations for AmaWaterways, takes up his new role on Monday (June 6) – one month before the maiden voyage of Crystal’s first river ship Crystal Mozart.

Crystal Cruises chief executive Edie Rodriguez said: “Walter comes to Crystal at a pivotal time for Crystal River Cruises, and his wealth of expertise and driving spirit will certainly help ensure excellence during the launch of our river experiences and this period of extraordinary growth.”

The luxury line has ordered six new luxury river yachts, with four of them due to be launched in summer 2017: Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Bach and Crystal Ravel.

Littlejohn, who started his career in travel by running his own agency Chartwell Vacations for 14 years, will split his time between Crystal River Cruises’ headquarters in Amsterdam and the branch office in Miami.

He will report to Crystal’s chief operating officer Thomas Mazloum and Carmen Roig, senior vice president of sales and marketing.