Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer for Athens-based cruise line Celestyal, didn’t beat around the bush in an online press conference. “Consistent feedback” from travel advisors and guests was that the line’s fare structure and multiple drink package options was creating “general confusion” in the marketplace.
The line’s management took that feedback to heart and set about finding ways to simplify its offering. The results are quite interesting – and definitely simpler.
Next month, a single fare package dubbed “Celestyal One” will replace the line’s current “Experience” and “Experience Plus” packages. Celestyal One will include the cruise fare, complimentary essential WiFi for all guests, filtered coffee, tea, water and juice throughout the day (6am-10pm), unlimited free soft drinks in the main restaurants with meals, port fees and taxes and crew gratuities.
Celestyal is radically simplifying its beverage offering -- by getting rid of all beverage packages.
Lee Haslett, global chief commercial officer (CCO), Celestyal. (photo courtesy of Celestyal)
These will be replaced by a prepaid food and beverage wallet called “CelestyalPay,” which will be used onboard for any non-complimentary food and drink purchases. Guests can either add the charges to their account as they go or can preload money to their CelestyalPay wallet prior to sailing, to receive added bonus credits from the cruise line. For example, a €200 preload would come with a €35 bonus, while a €1,000 purchase earns a €250 bonus.
Guests can use their stateroom card to pay for any purchases through “Celestyal Pay” and check their balance throughout the cruise either online or via guest services.
The good news for advisors is that they’ll earn 10% commission on preloaded CelestyalPay amounts, as well as on Celestyal shore excursions.
The new fare structure is being enhanced by an increase in complimentary eateries onboard Celestyal’s two ships: Discovery (formerly the AidaAura); and Journey (formerly Holland America Line’s Ryndam). Guests can continue to take advantage of the main restaurant Thalassa and buffet-style Taverna, and can now dine at the Greek Deli or Pizza Oven (Celestyal Discovery only) as additional complimentary informal eateries available in the afternoons.
“We’re passionate about high value – whether it’s value for time, money or experience. So, we’re thrilled to be introducing our new ‘Celestyal One’ fare structure and ‘CelestyalPay’ as a direct response to feedback from our guests and travel agent partners,” said Haslett.
“Our new simplified approach offers enhanced inclusions, more choice, more flexibility and out-of-this-world value.”
Courtesy of Celestyal Cruises
The changes will take effect on all bookings starting December 11, 2024, for cruises departing from March 21, 2025.
For 2025, Celestyal will cruise year-round, with seasonal offerings in the Greek Islands, the Adriatic and the Arabian Gulf.
In more news from Celestyal, Haslett and Brandon Townsley, VP & Managing Director North America, announced a further investment in the line’s newest ship, Celestyal Discovery. The project will see 47 additional cabins added, most of them in premium categories, on Deck 11.
The new staterooms will include:
· Two “Grand Horizon Suites” featuring expansive balconies and a unique position above
the bridge.
· 30 newly designed “Junior Dream Suites,” a new stateroom category on the ship.
· 15 additional and spacious interior “Cosmos Cabins.”
(Courtesy of Celestyal Cruises)
All additions will be completed on Celestyal Discovery by April 2025 and the new cabins on sale from December 10, 2024.
Haslett noted that over half of Celestyal’s guests are sourced in North America, and says the line “very much plays to the North American audience” in planning its itineraries, excursions and onboard programming.
He thanked travel advisors for their support and feedback. “We’re having a phenomenal year and next year is shaping up to be even better. Support in the North American market has been truly exceptional.”
For more information, travel planners can visit the Celestyal trade portal – and there’s a new, improved version of that coming soon too -- contact their local Celestyal business development representative or call (877)337-4665.
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