The line’s president and chief executive told TTG he believed it would be “ideal if we could get somebody from the UK” to take on the role, following its decision to both christen and launch Pursuit from Southampton in August.

Azamara announced today that Pursuit will now sail its maiden voyage from Southampton instead of Barcelona following “unprecedented support” from the UK trade.

It will be the first time Azamara has christened a ship, with Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest both deployed straight after they were acquired and refit with neither ship given a godmother.

“That’s the objective [to have a British godmother] but we’ve got a lot of feelers out there,” explained Pimentel.

“It’s quite interesting because yes, there are people who are really well known, but we’re trying to get the person that best fits what we are about.

“I suspect that by the time we get into February we can release more information about who that might be.”

Pimentel also alluded to there being "interest" from US actress Meghan Markle for the position prior to her engagement to Prince Harry being announced publicly.

"I did try and go after somebody but she got engaged to a member of the royal family," he said.

I actually went to her agent and there was an interest until the engagement was announced and they said ‘I don’t think we can do this’.

“I asked why and they talked about being part of the royal family and of course her majesty has dedicated ships... so they said ‘we’ll call you back’, but we didn’t get anywhere.”

Pursuit, formerly P&O Cruises’ Adonia, was acquired by Azamara last September and will sail its maiden voyage around Norway from Southampton on August 1 ahead of its christening in the UK port on August 28.