Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has confirmed the appointment of Keith Norman as its first-ever dedicated river sales manager.

He will take up the role this week.

Norman, currently sales manager – Affinity, will report into Mike Evans, head of sales, and will be responsible for a small, dedicated team, aimed at growing sales across all distribution channels to facilitate the future expansion of Fred. Olsen’s river cruise product, currently operated on Brabant.

Fred. Olsen has recently confirmed its commitment to the continuation and growth of its European river cruise product – which started with its inaugural cruise season in April this year.

Norman said: “I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to grow and build upon the success of our popular Brabant sailings in Europe.

“The new role gives Fred. Olsen a dedicated resource and focus to ensure that we can extend our presence within the competitive river cruise market.”

He added: “Longer-term, we would like to grow our river cruise fleet and continue to bring the best of our ocean product to the river cruise market.”

Fred. Olsen’s 156-guest river ship, Brabant, will be building upon the success of its first river cruise season with an expanded programme of 33 departures in 2019, from April to November, with durations between five and 25 nights.

Once again, guests can discover the attractions of the Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers with Fred. Olsen’s warm, welcoming style of cruising, taking in charming cities, small towns and sumptuous landscapes.

Evans added: “I congratulate Keith on his new appointment, and look forward to working with him to put in place a dedicated team, to support awareness and sales, of our Fred. Olsen river product.”