Brexit: Celebrity’s hopes for UK Edge boost

Speaking to TTG onboard the line’s new-look Celebrity Summit, the second ship to be modernised as part of the line’s $500 million “Celebrity Revolution” programme, president and chief executive Lisa Lutoff-Perlo admitted UK bookings had been adversely affected.

As a result, the line has cut prices on Edge’s European debut voyage from Southampton to the Mediterranean, departing on May 15, with savings of nearly £300 offered on ocean view staterooms in a bid to boost demand.

Lutoff-Perlo conceded such an offer indicated the UK market had not responded in the way it needed to.

“Brexit has a lot to do with this because of the uncertainty that’s been caused,” she said. “For Edge, in general, pricing continues to be beautifully high and the ship is full.”

She said she was confident showcasing the line’s newest vessel to the trade during the two-night mini cruise on May 13-15 would be a shot in the arm.

“The UK needs a little boost right now as people have been more reluctant in the UK to book travel and go to Europe,” she explained.

“This is an opportunity to bring more energy into the market and get the press and trade excited about something, and this will be great not just for our European sailings, but the Caribbean when [Edge] returns there.”

Lutoff-Perlo declined to comment on whether Celebrity Apex’s mini Southampton season in 2020 could lead to an Edge-class ship being based in Southampton the following year.

“We have got a lot of advanced bookings for Apex, but we have not taken a decision regarding 2021 and we are not sure the market can sustain the returns needed for these ships,” she added.

However, 2020 will also see the “Revolutionised” Celebrity Silhouette homeport in Southampton. It will be the fourth of nine ships to be transformed with striking new interiors inspired by the designs of Edge.