Celestyal has launched a package holiday arm for the UK market, which combines flights, hotels and shore excursions with its sailings around the Greek islands, the Mediterranean, Maldives and the Gulf.
The new brand, Celestyal Travel, will become a member of the Hays Independence Group, offering both ATOL and ABTA protection.
The company, which will be based in Guildford, will have a contact centre for agents with five members of staff, all of whom have visited the line’s two ships, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery.
Initially, it will offer 12 packages, but promised more will follow. They range from a four-night ‘Iconic Greek weekender’ in August 2025 to a 13-night ‘Gulf Explorer’.
Business Development Vice-President Janet Parton has also taken on the role of Managing Director of Celestyal Travel. She said: “The concept of Celestyal Travel was driven from direct feedback from our valued agent community and trade partners, who told us that they wanted to be able to sell flight-inclusive Celestyal packages to their UK guests.
“We realise that many travel agents do not have their own ability to dynamically package, and as a direct result we are delighted that they will now be able to confidently sell a Celestyal cruise with flights, hotels and transfers.
“With commissionable bookings and a dedicated UK call centre, we’re demonstrating our commitment to the trade, ensuring agents feel supported every step of the way. The fantastic sales that our tour operators and OTAs deliver for us remains unchanged and we continue to work closely with all of our agent partners.”
Packages are dynamically priced and fully customisable to each guest, she said. They include return flights from the UK, pre- and post-hotel stays on a bed and breakfast basis, a cruise, transfers, all meals, soft drinks with meals, wi-fi, port fees and gratuities on the ship, plus a complimentary bonus of €50 of onboard food and beverage spend in the form of a CelestyalPay preloaded onboard tab for each travelling adult.
In addition, bespoke tailor-made options include all of the above as well as curated onboard and ashore experiences, added Janet.
