Carnival Corporation has announced Howard Frank has been named chairman of Costa Crociere, the largest Italian travel group and a major force in cruising throughout Europe, Asia and South America.

In this role, Frank will support Michael Thamm, chief executive of Costa Crociere.

Last November, after 25 years with Carnival Corporation which included serving as chief operating officer and vice chairman since 1998, Frank stepped down to serve as special advisor to the chief executive and to the chairman of Carnival Corporation.

Frank currently serves as chairman of the Executive Committee of the Cruise Lines International Association, the world’s largest cruise industry trade organisation.

Costa, which operates Costa Cruises, AIDA and Iberocruceros brands, is Europe’s number one cruise company and the only Italian-flagged cruise line.

For 65 years, the ships of Costa Cruises have plied the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream holidays with the utmost in terms of fun and relaxation. 

Its fleet, the largest in Europe, has a total of 14 ships in service, flying the Italian flag, and one new ship to be delivered in October 2014.