A trade training specialist has been recruited to the Virgin Voyages UK sales team.

Luke Day was on board training and development manager for the line’s first ship Scarlet Lady.

He previously worked for Virgin Atlantic before switching to the sister cruise line start-up in 2019.

Day said: “I am excited to take on the position of national training lead, helping more First Mates [agents] to understand what it means to sail the Virgin way and deliver on our purpose to deliver an epic sea change for all.”

The line’s associate vice president of international sales Shane Riley added: “Luke’s appointment further demonstrates the commitment we have to our First Mate partners.

“His extensive knowledge of Virgin Voyages and his experience of learning and development will make him a big asset to the team.

“Luke will lead all aspects of First Mate training and already has some great plans up his sleeve.”

The appointment came as Scarlet Lady made its debut running short UK cruises this summer from Portsmouth with further ex-UK departures planned for 2022.

Second ship Valiant Lady will be based in the Mediterranean next year. Third vessel Resilient Lady will run Greek island sailings next summer.

The 2,770-passenger Valiant Lady will launch in the UK next year with a short series of itineraries ahead of its summer deployment in the western Med from Barcelona.

The company last week announced a doubling of it UK sales team from four to eight.