Ambassador Cruise Line’s Karen Cameron to lead trade team on interim basis

Ambassador Cruise Line deputy head of trade Karen Cameron is to lead the line’s trade team on an interim basis while head of distribution  Nicola Harper is on maternity leave.

Harper, who is expecting her second child and began her leave period today (February 10), praised Cameron’s leadership experience and “deep knowledge” of the UK market, adding she “could think of no one better” to lead the team in her absence.

Cameron (pictured), who has worked in the travel industry for nearly 30 years, joined Ambassador in January 2023 as divisional sales manager covering the north, before being promoted to deputy head of trade in June 2024.

More: Ambassador plans Caribbean cruises after merger with French operator

She said: “I couldn’t be happier for Nicola as she embarks on an exciting new adventure.

“During her maternity leave, I and the team will continue to offer every support to our trade partners’ efforts to increase Ambassador brand awareness and ultimately drive sales.

“We know that there is a big market for our affordable quality product, and the distribution team will be with them every step of the way through 2025 and beyond.”

Simon Weeks, chief revenue officer, said: “On behalf of the whole Ambassador family, I would like to pass on my warmest wishes to Nicola and her family as she temporarily departs the business.

“In her absence, the distribution team couldn’t be in safer hands, with Karen stepping up to cover Nicola’s maternity leave for what promises to be a busy year ahead.

“Karen has been a key part of the team since joining Ambassador, and under her leadership we know that they will continue to provide exceptional levels of service to agents the length and breadth of the country.”

Harper added: “I’m thrilled to announce that my daughter will soon be welcoming a new addition to the Harper household.”

Cameron began her career as a Youth Training Scheme trainee and progressed to management roles with Stewart Travel, Barrhead Travel and Thomas Cook.

At Carnival UK, she worked across P&O Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises as regional manager covering Scotland, the north and Northern Ireland.

More recently, she was regional head of experience at Haven.