The line will host a two-night trade showcase cruise at the end of March – one of two pre-inaugurals planned for Apex – with winning agents able to bring a guest with them as part of its latest Celebrity Moments trade campaign.

For the chance to secure a stateroom for two, agents must make as many bookings as possible between today (1 August) and 18 November and register them on Celebrity’s trade platform, Celebrity Central.

The higher the booking value, the more points will be awarded and agents can view their progress via an online leader board.

Claire Stirrup, UK and Ireland sales director, told TTG Celebrity Moments had this year been launched “earlier than ever”.

“All the agents my team are meeting right now are asking ‘how do I get on Apex?’ so it felt like the perfect time to build the excitement.”

To support sales during the campaign, agents will be armed with a new selling guide focused around Apex, available on Celebrity Central from 29 August.

Monthly competitions in the run-up to the ship’s launch will also give trade partners the chance to win Apex-branded goodies.

Celebrity also announced today it has expanded Apex’s inaugural season with the ship due to be completed ahead of schedule and enter service earlier than anticipated.

Guests and travel agent partners can now enjoy a sneak peek of Apex on a new four-night preview sailing from Southampton to Amsterdam via Bruges.

Departing 1 April, the cruise will kick-start Apex’s ex-UK mini-season, now comprising six sailings.

Stirrup said the cruise – the shortest of Apex’s mini season – offered “a great chance” for agents to attract new-to-cruise guests.

“Apex is only doing seven-night ex-UK sailings so this is a real taster to introduce guests to the brand or to see the ship yourself as an agent,” she said.

Stirrup also teased how the line would be “shaking up” up the style of its ship visits for 2020.

“It’s all about what you do onboard and I’ve challenged our training team to come up with something different.”