Ambassador Cruise Line has announced that its Head of Distribution, Nicola Harper, has departed on maternity on Monday 10 February, ahead of the birth of her second child.
In Nicola’s absence, Ambassador’s Deputy Head of Trade, Karen Cameron, will step into the new position of Head of Trade (Interim). Karen will lead the team in addition to her current role at an exciting time for the business, which announced in early January that it had reached an agreement to merge with French cruise operator Compagnie Française de Croisières (“CFC”), forming the “Ambassador Group”.
Karen has worked in the travel industry for almost 30 years, beginning her career as a YTS trainee and progressing to management roles with Stewart Travel, Barrhead and Thomas Cook. At Carnival UK, Karen worked across P&O Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises as Regional Manager covering Scotland, the North and Northern Ireland and, more recently, she was Regional Head of Experience at Haven, part of Bourne Leisure. She joined Ambassador in January 2023 as Divisional Sales Manager – North, and was promoted to the position of Deputy Head of Trade in June 2024.
“I’m thrilled to announce that my daughter will soon be welcoming a new addition to the Harper household,” says Nicola Harper. “During my maternity leave, Karen will be stepping up to provide cover. With a great reputation in the trade, our new Deputy Head of Trade has considerable leadership experience and deep knowledge and insight of the UK holiday market. I could think of no one better to lead the team while I’m away as we continue to provide our valued trade partners with all the support and tools they need.”
Karen Cameron continues:
“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 partner’s 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, Ambassador Cruise Line, added:
“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.”
