Boutique cruise line Azamara has added to its Australia and New Zealand sales team, taking its numbers from one to four.

Newly promoted regional sales manager Belle Osmic, who has been with the Azamara brand for the last four years, is now joined by two new business development managers Kristina Sambaher (NSW-based) and Jessica Marsh (Victoria-based).

Sambaher joins the team from a training background and has visited most agencies at some point over her 10 years in the tourism sector. Marsh has 14 years’ experience in the tourism industry, including a career as a travel consultant, followed by a business development manager for a few well-renowned brands across the Industry.

Natalie Bax, previously with the local Royal Caribbean Group team, has also joined Azamara to provide the sales support for the brand’s partners in Australia and New Zealand.

This comes as the cruise line announced it expects to resume sailings on 20 March 2021, just in time for the European summer period with Azamara Quest’s 12-night Spain Country Intensive voyage, Azamara Journey’s 9 April voyage from Lisbon to Barcelona, and Azamara Pursuit’s new series of Greek Country-Intensive Voyages starting on 9 May 2021.

Azamara said the dates were chosen based on individual country restrictions, as well as passenger survey results indicating that passengers would feel more comfortable waiting until 2021 to cruise.

“After very careful consideration, we have made the decision to pause operations until the 2021 Europe season, as we are still confronted with the many global challenges resulting from COVID-19,” said Azamara’s chief operating officer, Carol Cabezas.

“We plan to return stronger than ever next season, with reimagined guest experiences that will protect the wellbeing of our guests and crew yet remain true to the Azamara spirit of connecting people to cultures.”