The new team, exclusive to the Celebrity Cruises brand, also sees an enhanced 16-strong sales team headed up by Nicki Tempest Mitchell as director of sales and supported by head of sales, Michael English. Kathy Barbrooke has also been appointed to the role of head of guest and trade services and will oversee a 50-strong dedicated trade and guest services call centre for the UK & Ireland based in Weybridge, Surrey.
The trade support team will be headed up by Ian Sutton, recently appointed as trading support and planning manager, who will be supported by two executives.
The recently announced appointment of marketing and PR director, Toby Shaw, sees Shaw heading up an expanded team of 11 people dedicated to marketing and PR.
Jo Rzymowska, Celebrity Cruises managing director, UK and Ireland, said:
“This is an incredibly exciting time for Celebrity Cruises. I’m looking forward to leading the brand’s first fully dedicated team and kick-starting a new era, and a gear change, for the cruise line as we continue to evolve. I have a great team with me who are all eager to develop the brand. 2014 is set to be a big year for us.
“The new year will launch with the continuation of our work with renowned explorer, Ben Fogle, as we continue to delve into the destinations we visit and offer more enriching experience for our guests. We’ve lots more exciting projects and developments in the pipeline and I can’t wait to get my teeth into this new role.”
The new team structure for Celebrity Cruises follows a decision earlier this year by parent company RCL Cruises Ltd to evolve its UK and Ireland business structure in response to business growth. From 1 January 2014 there will be three dedicated businesses each working solely on the Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International or Azamara Club Cruises brands. Previously, team members have been tri-branded.
2014 will start for the new team with the cruise line's most comprehensive ever turn-of-year campaign, with significant added value offers. In order to support agent bookings, any 2014 European sailing booked by 28 February 2014 includes any TWO of the following:
- Complimentary classic beverage package, worth up to $1,400
- Up to $300 on board spend Free gratuities
Celebrity Cruises continues to focus on its stand out, modern luxury offering cutting-edge design, luxurious staterooms and offering some of the best onboard facilities at sea while visiting some of the world’s most incredible destinations. The cruise line’s newest ships feature real grass lawn on the top deck, acclaimed restaurants and offer guests one of the largest and rarest wine collections at sea. Guests can enjoy relaxing in the onboard Elemis AquaSpa, shopping in designer boutiques such as Bulgari and Michael Kors, up-to-date technology in the Apple iLounge and take an iPad tour of the ship’s art collection which includes pieces by Anish Kapoor and Damian Hirst.
Our View at Off Radar
With the steady hand of Michael Bayley at the helm of Celebrity Cruises this further investment to the busy UK cruise market is likely to pay off. The only challenge could be the volume of competitive in the UK and potential pressure on discounting.
