WATCH: Celebrity Cruises celebrates 30 years
Celebrity Cruises has marked its 30th birthday with a look back at the years that were.
The cruise line has shared some of the moments that have defined its history in a fitting video tribute.
Since joining the Royal Caribbean family in 1997 – seven years on from its establishment by the Chandris Group – Celebrity has sailed to all seven of the world’s continents and launched three series of ships.
In 2000, the company introduced the Celebrity Millennium Series, the first new-build vessels for the brand following Celebrity’s acquisition by Royal Caribbean.
It was followed by the Celebrity Solstice Series in 2008, with five additional casually elegant ships emphasising the “intersection of indulgence and fun”, the cruise line said.
More recently, in 2018, the Celebrity Edge Series was introduced to critical acclaim, with the first-in-series Celebrity Edge being named to Time magazine’s ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to visit list in 2019.
In addition, the line began operating three smaller expedition ships that sail the beautiful Galapagos Islands, including the 2019 debut of Celebrity Flora – the first purpose-built ship for the islands.
Moreover, over the years, Celebrity has delivered plenty more industry firsts and innovations.
In 2000, the cruise line introduced speciality dining; became the first cruise line to use solar panels at sea in 2008, and introduced the first American female captain of a cruise ship in 2015.
While in 2018, Celebrity became the first cruise line in the world to introduce a cantilevered dining venue, the Magic Carpet, and in the same year was the first cruise line to replace plastic water bottles on board its vessels.
And in 2019, Celebrity became the cruise line to have an all-women bridge and leadership team commanding a cruise ship, among many others.
Celebrity president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said: “Having recently celebrated my 35th anniversary with the company, my time at RCL predates the acquisition of Celebrity Cruises, giving me a unique perspective in watching Celebrity grow from day one.
“I was a district sales manager in New England, at the time, and Celebrity was a formidable competitor that really started to change the complexion of premium cruising.
“For me, Celebrity’s legacy will be setting modern luxury cruising standards that are Celebrity’s to own, and then resetting and raising the bar, again and again.
“It is that spirit of pioneering that continues to take the brand and our guest experiences to new heights – and I’m not just talking about the view from the Magic Carpet.”
“As we look ahead to the post-pandemic world we will sail in, there is more progress to be made in our industry.
“I am confident Celebrity – and the entire RCL family – will continue to lead every step of the way. Our next 30 years will be even more incredible thanks to the ongoing support of our travel partners, our loyal guests, our captains and crew, and our shoreside team members.”
Adding to the birthday celebrations, Celebrity has launched a five-day flash sale until 1 June 2020.
For a limited time, your clients can book any stateroom on almost any sailing Celebrity offers and receive classic beverage packages, the unlimited internet package and $10 per person, per day to spend on board.
Your clients’ friends and family can get in on the action, too. Guests beyond the first two in a stateroom or suite can pocket 50 per cent on their cruise fares.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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