‘The best ship in Southampton’: Claire Stirrup on Celebrity’s record UK commitment and navigating change

The Big Interview

Harry Kemble

18 August 2026

Claire Stirrup, who recently celebrated 13 years at Celebrity Cruises, talks TTG's Harry Kemble through the line's summer trading, the search for Director of Sales Nicola McNeish's successor, and its decision to bring Celebrity Beyond to Southampton in 2028.

Claire Stirrup — UK and EMEA Managing Director Claire Stirrup recently celebrated 13 years at Celebrity Cruises

We're deep into so-called "silly season" when Claire Stirrup, Celebrity Cruises' UK and EMEA Managing Director, sits down with TTG. Parliament is in recess, and the relentless hot weather is dominating national headlines.

A week prior to our chat, Celebrity Cruises announced it will swap out its current ex-UK ship Celebrity Apex and replace it with its larger sister ship Celebrity Beyond in 2028. And amid the lack of noise currently emanating from the travel industry, Stirrup wants to make one thing clear.

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