As it celebrates ten years’ cruising from Australia and another record cruise season, Princess Cruises has taken an important step in its growth story with the appointment of a public relations manager for Australia and New Zealand.

Meg Koffel, with ten years’ experience in public relations, marketing and events in the private and public sectors, including six years devoted to tourism, has started in the new position this month.

Princess Cruises Commercial Director in Australia Alan Stuart said recruitment of a brand specific public relations manager was a natural progression for Princess Cruises, which has played an integral part in the remarkable growth of the local cruise market.

“We are delighted to welcome Meg Koffel to the local Princess Cruises’ team and look forward to the valuable contribution she will make as a leading public relations practitioner in the tourism sector,” Mr Stuart said.

“Meg joins Princess Cruises at an exciting time with three of our ships, Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess, based in Australian waters and Diamond Princess cruising from New Zealand for the summer cruise season.

“With Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess also visiting this cruise season, a third of Princess Cruises’ worldwide fleet of 16 ships will either be based in or visiting our region during the current summer cruise season.”

In her new role at Princess Cruises, Meg Koffel has responsibility to drive communications in Australia and New Zealand.

She has joined Princess Cruises after more than four years at Intrepid Travel where, as spokesperson for the company, she became a regular travel commentator on the Seven Network’s Sunrise program.

Meg previously held marketing positions at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and Tourism Western Australia, where she was responsible for trade marketing and trade public relations activities.

“I am excited about the opportunity join Princess Cruises’ local team and an iconic cruise brand renowned as the destination experts and for service excellence,” Meg said. “I am looking forward to sharing the Princess Cruises’ story with the line’s loyal followers as well as newcomers to the brand.”

In its continuing focus on the emotional connection to cruising, Princess Cruises recently launched its new year-long blog, ‘Linked by Sea’, which will explore the many relationships that begin or are rekindled at sea.

“I can’t wait to read local contributions to the blog from people sharing their own stories of friendships and romances that began with Princess Cruises,” Meg said.