Celebrity Cruises has seen “increased demand” year-on-year, with Celebrity Edge’s “halo effect” helping beat consumer uncertainty around Brexit.
Speaking at the line’s Agent Appreciation Awards in London, Jo Rzymowska, the line’s vice-president and managing director UK & Ireland and Apac, said Celebrity was “very pleased” with its sales performance during January.
“I think Edge has made a big impact,” she told TTG. “We’re seeing increased demand and, despite the [Brexit] uncertainty, people still want to go on holiday.
“Strong partnerships with our agents and our largest investment in TV, radio and out-of-home advertising for turn-of-year has really played a part too, so it’s the sum of all its parts.”
The line’s newest ship, Edge, which launched in December, will arrive in the UK this summer for a two-night trade sailing billed the Festival of Edge, on May 13-15.
Claire Stirrup, director of sales UK and Ireland, said 200 agent places for the voyage had already been won – with another 200 up for grabs.
“They [the remaining places] are going to individual agents who really understand where the brand is going, who we’re targeting and are selling some great holidays for us,” added Rzymowska.
About 1,000 agents will experience Edge by the end of the year, Rzymowska said, with the Festival of Edge to be followed by ship visits during May’s Clia Conference and fam trips to Rome and Barcelona during Edge’s European season.
Meanwhile, this summer will see the inaugural sailing of Celebrity Flora, which the line claims is the first ship ever to be purpose-built for the Galapagos Islands.
Rzymowska said there were currently no plans to take trade partners to see the 50-suite, 100-guest vessel under construction in Rotterdam ahead of its launch on May 26, but the line may host a trip once it is in operation.
“Never say never. But it would be a handful of agents and press,” she added.
