Kelly, who was previously MSC Cruises’ head of sales for Ireland, will be based in Dublin and report into Rachel Poultney, Princess’s sales director UK & Europe.

It comes as the line continues to expand its presence in the country after “a record 12 months of year-on-year growth”.

Kelly will start her new position on March 18 and be responsible for managing and developing commercial relationships with the trade, as well as delivering further growth of Princess’s agent business through training and engagement.

She has worked with travel agents in Ireland for more than a decade.

Poultney said: “We are so excited to have Rebecca join the team – we’ve had a storming year in Ireland with huge potential for further growth. Now that we have Rebecca onboard we’re confident the success of Princess Cruises in Ireland will continue into 2019 and beyond.”

Kelly added: “This is a huge opportunity, not only for me, but also the travel agents of Ireland as Princess Cruises grows in the Irish market. I am very much ready for this new challenge and looking forward to getting out there with my Princess cap on.”