Azamara Club Cruises has appointed Sophie Higgins as Head of Sales on a 6 month contract to head up its sales activity for the UK & Irish market.  Her primary responsibility will be to further establish and develop new and existing partnerships with specialist agents for the upscale boutique brand and assist in the recruitment of a dedicated business development manager.

Starting at the beginning of May, Higgins will be reporting directly to associate vice president and general manager, Jo Rzymowska and will be devoted to implementing an effective sales and marketing platform for Azamara Club Cruises’ two 694-guest ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest.  With almost 20 years cruise industry experience across a number of well known brands, Higgins is well positioned to take-up this challenging role.

Jo Rzymowska, Associate Vice President and General Manager, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line UK and Ireland, said, “We are enormously pleased to welcome Sophie to our sales team.  Sophie’s experience in the sales and marketing luxury cruise line arena means that she will bring a great deal of knowledge and expertise to the team.  In appointing Sophie to this new role, Azamara Club Cruises is really demonstrating our commitment to the UK and Irish market, as well as providing greater capacity for the growth of this brand in the fastest growing market outside of the United States.”

Higgins was formally Director of Sales and Marketing for The Cruise Portfolio for the last five years where she doubled the annual sales in a little less than four years.  Prior to this her sales roles include those for Silversea Cruises, Cruise Club International, P&O Cruises, as well as four years with Celebrity Cruises.

In the Head of Sales role, Higgins will be responsible for managing the relationship between Azamara Club Cruises and major trade distribution partners, as well as working closely with the UK and Irish sister brands Heads of Sales within the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line portfolio.  In this new position, Higgins will be accountable for identifying and delivering growth, developing sales and marketing plans for each main partner, and enhancing mutually beneficial commercial relationships.