Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) bosses thanked the trade for helping to grow the business dramatically over the past five years.
Speaking at the naming of Magellan (pictured) in Tilbury, the line’s chief executive Christian Verhounig said the growth of CMV wouldn’t have been possible without support for loyal customers and the trade.
The ship was named by its godmother Gloria Hunnniford who joked on stage that the Queen’s naming of P&O Cruises’ Britannia had been her warm-up act.
Verhounig said: “Our cruise teams around the world will continue to provide an exceptional service to the travel trade and our colleagues on board will deliver a first class product and service.
“Magellan is larger than our other ships but she also has the intimate feel that has become the trademark of our brand.
This is a new exciting chapter of the CMV success story.”
Commercial director Chris Coates said the line had grown from “a base zero position” to having more than 100,000 guests a year.
He said: “The rise of CMV since 2010 has been a remarkable journey – from a base zero position to an internationally recognised organisation of considerable substance.
“Despite a touch economic climate we have a strong base in British German and Australian markets, backed up by a flourishing North American sales office. Over 75% of Magellan’s debut 2015 season is sold out.