P&O Cruises appoints Stuart Allison as chief commercial officer

Carnival Corporation has appointed Princess Cruises’ Stuart Allison as chief commercial officer of P&O Cruises.

Allison, who will start his role in mid-October, will join from Princess Cruises in Australia where he most recently served as senior vice-president for Asia Pacific, UK & Europe.

In his new position, reporting to Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow, he will be tasked with helping to deliver P&O Cruises’ long-term strategy and boosting passenger numbers.

More: P&O Cruises and Gary Barlow launch talent competition

Allison said: “Working with the team and alongside all our partners, I’m confident we have every opportunity to bring cruising to life for a wider audience and to reaffirm our position as Britain’s favourite cruise line.”

Ludlow said he was delighted to be welcoming Allison back to the UK, where he began his career with Carnival Corporation more than 25 years ago.

He added: “Stuart’s knowledge of and passion for our brands is going to be a huge asset to Carnival UK and he will be instrumental in our progress towards achieving our goals.

“Through 2024, with our new Excel Class ships in operation, we’ve been able to bring holiday happiness to more guests than ever before. With Stuart on board, I’m confident we can continue this strong trajectory.”

Allison’s upcoming role is a new position on the Carnival UK executive team.

He said: “I’m excited to be joining the P&O Cruises team at a time of such potential for the UK cruise market.

“While a record number of Brits cruised last year, there were tens of millions who chose other holidays.”