Apex will be named in Southampton in spring 2020, the line’s first British christening since Celebrity Eclipse in 2010. Some 900 agents sailed onboard Edge during a two-night European showcase last week.
Jo Rzymowska, Celebrity’s vice-president and managing director UK, Ireland and Asia Pacific, told TTG while the schedule for Apex’s UK visit was “not fully finalised”, two pre-inaugural sailings were likely.
“It will be the hottest ticket in town,” she said. “We’ll be able to entertain more partners, and we want to make sure agents get the chance to appreciate what Celebrity Cruises is all about – we want to bring energy and excitement to the market.”
Discussing potential new features onboard Apex, Rzymowska said despite the vessel being a sister ship to Edge – the second of five planned Edge-class vessels – “there is always something slightly different about family members”.
After launch, Apex will cruise five ex-UK itineraries before being based in the Mediterranean for the rest of the summer. The lead-up to Apex, Rzymowska said, would echo that of Edge, which launched last December, using “reveal events” to “build up the excitement”.
“We can bring Edge-class to the land and give a flavour of what to expect,” said Rzymowska.
Claire Stirrup, UK and Ireland sales director, said “a real mix” of agents had come onboard Edge, from “loyal trade partners” yet to experience an Edge-class ship to those who had never sold cruise.
Stirrup also revealed overnight fam trips on Edge to Barcelona and Rome would be held in June, August and September, giving agents the chance to experience life onboard.
