It signals the line's most successful product launch of a new ship into the UK market with the brand also achieving its highest booking value per guest from the UK.
Popular itineraries for Celebrity Apex in 2024 include a new 12-night Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle sailing from Southampton, taking in Tromso and Honningsvag, and an 11-night Canary Islands and Portugal sailing, featuring an overnight stay in Porto, and calls in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Madeira.
Early reveal of Apex homeporting season
On feedback from travel agents, the line announced Celebrity Apex’s homeport season two weeks ahead of opening for the first time, with a pre-registration platform set up allowing passengers to indicate their interest. Travel agents subsequently reported record-breaking sales, with one claiming a six-figure booking yield in less than 24 hours from opening.
43% increase in visits to Celebrity’s agent portal
Celebrity has additionally seen a marked rise in travel partners consulting its agent portal Celebrity Central, documenting a 43% increase in visitors to the hub since the news of Celebrity Apex homeporting in Southampton for the 2024-2025 season was announced November 1.
A ‘phenomenal’ response to Celebrity Apex
‘Since the announcement of Celebrity Apex from the UK for the 2024/25 season, the response from this market in such a short space of time has been phenomenal,’ said Celebrity Cruises’ VP and MD Jo Rzymowska.
The region is Celebrity’s most profitable outside of the US. Rzymowska added ‘it underlines that the level of consumer demand from the UK for the relaxed luxury experience at sea uniquely offered by Celebrity Cruises…is a recipe for success.’
Travel agents
Agents accessing Celebrity Central can find a suite of training and marketing tools, including fact sheets, talking points, website banners, itinerary flyers, ready-to-use print adverts and tailored toolkits, including a focus on Celebrity Apex.
New training modules featuring Celebrity Apex from Southampton will be available soon on Celebrity Passport.
Agents selling Celebrity Apex can earn up to £20 per booking on all 2024 Apex bookings via Celebrity Rewards, and the line plans to host 600 agents onboard Celebrity Apex in 2023 - from ship visits to its Seminars at Sea.
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