Classic International Cruises has appointed shipping industry veteran Denys Hughes as an operations consultant, based in Perth.

Announcing the appointment, Classic International Cruises’ Managing Director, Grant Hunter, said the operational needs of the cruise line had increased in the wake of its growth and rising popularity in Australia where CIC’s flagship, the 16,000-ton Athena, was based in WA and SA every summer.

Mr Hunter said Mr Hughes had worked in the Australian shipping industry, chiefly in the operations sector, for 45 years and had worked closely with Classic International Cruises through the shipping companies he had worked for since CIC began annual summer programs in Perth in 2004.

“Classic International Cruises will greatly benefit from Mr Hughes’ experience and knowledge of the shipping industry to ensure our expanding Australian programs continue to run smoothly and efficiently and we warmly welcome him onboard,” Mr Hunter said.

Mr Hughes’ role will include coordination between port agents, Athena’s crew and the cruise line’s Australian office before, during and after the summer season, the coordination of Athena’s turnaround operations in Perth and Adelaide and liaison with providors and terminal operators.

Mr Hughes said: “It is been my privilege to have assisted with the well-oiled operations of Classic International Cruises in Australia since 2004 and I now look forward to working even more closely with the cruise line as a consultant. Passengers would be surprised to know how much work goes on behind the scenes to ensure they enjoy their cruise with us but it’s work I have loved for many years now.
“I also love cruise ships and Athena offers Australian passengers an authentic and traditional liner experience, with personal and friendly service from the crew and fine food and entertainment. In my time working for CIC, I have seen many passengers return onboard time and time again and now, as part of the CIC team, I will help ensure the traditions of classic cruising continue in Australia.”

Athena will return to Australia this December for a season of cruises from Perth and Adelaide before returning to Europe in April, 2013.