Wood takes up a newly created head of product role with the cruise agency after a three-year stint with Royal.

She will oversee day-to-day management and strategic direction of Cruise1st’s product department.

This includes responsibility for all ocean and river cruise product, as well as partnerships with individual lines to negotiate exclusive offers, stopover tours and hotel add-ons.

Dale Sourbutts, Cruise1st managing director, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Melanie back to the team in the newly created head of product role.

“Melanie’s experience and expertise with the cruise lines combined with her existing understanding of our business means she will be a huge asset in helping to steer the future direction of the Cruise1st product team.”

Wood added: “It’s great to be back. With the launch of our new live TV show, our plans to create even more unique, bespoke cruise products and experiences this year, our continued growth across ocean and river cruising and the ever-increasing cruise market, 2020 is going to be a big year for Cruise1st and I’m so excited to be part of it.”