Azamara Club Cruises has announced the three officers of its new ship, Azamara Pursuit, which will join the fleet in August 2018.
Senior captain Carl Smith and cruise director Tony Markey, both from the UK, will join hotel director Ryszard Gusmann from Poland to lead a crew of around 400.
Richard Twynam, UK&I managing director for Azamara Club Cruises, said: “Between them, our three chosen officers for Pursuit have 30 years’ worth of experience with Azamara.
“They are passionate about travel and our Destination Immersion ethos, making them perfectly suited to the roles.
“We know that each of them are very popular with our loyal guests, so they will help to continue Azamara’s success.
“The fact that two of Pursuit’s officers are from the UK continues the drumbeat of good news for our market, after announcing last week that the ship will be christened in Southampton.
“Demand from UK guests is higher than ever, and so we’re delighted that the UK will have such a strong presence in the launch and future of Azamara Pursuit.”
Smith, originally from the Isle of Man, has sailed both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest after joining the brand in 2007.
He will be returning to the Azamara Pursuit ship after sailing it in 2003, when it was under different ownership.
Markey is originally from Newcastle upon Tyne and joined Azamara Club Cruises in 2008.
He will be in charge of the onboard entertainment and activities, leading a team of over 20 entertainers.
Gusmann is from Gdynia, north Poland, and has been with Azamara since it launched in May 2007.
He will oversee the hotel department of the ship, which includes food and beverage, housekeeping and guest relations.