Azamara chief operating officer Carol Cabezas is to assume responsibility for running the line after chief executive Larry Pimentel stepped aside.

The company confirmed that she would take the helm of three-ship Azamara while retaining her title as COO.

Cabezas, COO for three years,  was previously investor relations vice president for parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises.

She joined the world’s second largest cruise group in 2000 taking various roles at Celebrity Cruises.

Pimentel was president and chief executive of Azamara for more than a decade before making the decision to leave as the parent company reduced its US workforce by 26% amid a suspension of sailings due to the coronavirus crisis.

Vicky Garcia, COO and co-owner of US agency Cruise Planners, said: “Carol is small, but mighty – she will be a great leader to take the baton from Larry and further elevate Azamara to the next level.

“We have worked with her during her tenure at Celebrity Cruises, and look forward to her continuing to be a travel advisor advocate.

“I applaud her for stepping up during this difficult and unprecedented time as great leaders tend to emerge during time of crisis.”