Watch: Home-based agents experience Celebrity Apex
“I couldn’t put my finger on it before, but now I know what I’ve been missing…” Eleanor Roche, an agent from Travel Counsellors Ireland, tells me. “I know the secret to selling Celebrity.”
I’m chatting with Roche, alongside Hays Travel agent Maria Milne, at Cafe al Bacio, the main coffee shop onboard Celebrity Apex. Both Roche and Milne, along with eight other home-based agents, were invited onboard for Celebrity’s largest-ever fam trip to date as a reward for their engagement with the Celebrity Cruises Xcelerator Programme – a four-workshop training course specifically designed for home-based agents to help boost their business.
Over the three-night megafam, sailing from Lisbon to Southampton, the agents were free to explore the ship at their leisure, discovering its variety of dining options, experiencing its world-class entertainment, getting involved with onboard activities, and relaxing on its extensive pool deck.
They also had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the brand at dedicated workshops led by Celebrity experts, ensuring they not only disembark with first-hand experience but also the tips and tools needed to sell the brand with confidence – gaining a full understanding of the Celebrity difference.
Surprises await
There are 1,467 staterooms onboard Celebrity Apex, and each Xcelerator agent had been assigned their own Infinite Veranda stateroom. Highlights, according to the agents, included the mini fridge, the hairdryer and the spacious shower – which, for regular cruiser Roche, is bigger than any she'd experienced on other ships.
But the standout feature was the way the cabin transforms at the click of a button, with the top half of the floor-to-ceiling window sliding down to create a veranda. “I think I’m now converted from balconies to Infinite Verandas – they’re a really special feature,” says Milne, who enjoyed having the sea breeze during the day and stargazing at night.
Travel Counsellor Eleanor Roche enjoying her Infinite Veranda Stateroom
For the agents, the list of surprises onboard was endless. From the "light, bright and tasteful" decor – a refreshing change from the traditional dark wood panelling they've seen on other ships – to the pool area, complete with oversized martini-glass hot tubs and an impressive-sized swimming pool. “I had to Google it, and it’s one of the longest pools on a ship,” Roche informs me. “You can actually swim laps in it – which you don’t see often.”
The wide range of activities also impressed both Roche and Milne, from mini golf and creative workshops to a guest choir. “I saw the choir perform yesterday, and they were singing their hearts out,” says Milne. “You could see their passion – it was just so heartwarming seeing people do something they love.”
During the sailing, the agents are also treated to one of the ship’s signature theatre productions, ‘Rockumentary’ – a high-energy show filled with rock hits from the past several decades, performed on a moving stage with stunning wraparound digital visuals.
Foodie favourites
Food also struck a chord with the agents. At no additional cost, guests on Celebrity Apex can dine at the buffet on the upper decks, or at its four main restaurants: Cyprus, Cosmopolitan, Tuscan and Normandie. While the venues largely share the same menu, each also offers a handful of exclusive dishes, and guests can request items from another restaurant's menu if they wish. “It's a great selling point,” says Milne. “For example, my husband and I like different food, so it means we can both eat in the same place and share the same experience.”
There are also several Specialty Dining restaurants onboard, where guests can choose to eat for an additional charge. Roche experienced Eden – one of the ship’s largest restaurants, spanning three floors and with nature-inspired decor: its menu offers both an a la carte and tasting menu alongside an excellent wine list.
Another standout Speciality Dining experience the agents were keen to try was Le Petit Chef – a fun, unique concept where an animated chef is projected in 3D onto guests’ tables and appears to 'prepare' each course before it is served.
But behind the animated service is real-life people, ensuring every guest has an experience that goes above and beyond expectations. “I cruise quite a bit, and actually, I've been pleasantly surprised by the incredible service and attention to detail, and how happy and friendly the staff are,” says Roche. “It's definitely another standout point."
Training that makes a difference
While onboard, the home-based agents also had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Celebrity by joining optional workshops, from brand overviews to more focused presentations, including insight into the highly anticipated Celebrity River Cruises.
Roche says the support and guidance from training reps like Celebrity’s makes a huge difference to her business. “The more friendly and engaging suppliers are, the more likely I’m inclined to position my business that way, as I know I’ll get the help I need if there was ever a problem.”
Eleanor Roche and Celebrity's Valerie Murphy
After participating in the Xcelerator workshops earlier in the year, both Milne and Roche put their new skills to good use while onboard, particularly the tips they’d picked up during the social media masterclass.
“For home-based agents in general, social media is a tool that we nearly all have to use to get ourselves out there because we don't have a storefront,” Roche tells me. “It’s been great coming on the ship and creating original content for my socials.”
Milne adds: “We got some great hints and tips from the Xcelerator classes, and coming on the ship I’ve been able to utilise everything I’ve learned.
“I've been going around the ship over the past few days taking loads of videos to share with my customers – so many that I've run out of storage on my phone!”
New-found confidence
The experience also gave the home-based agents the opportunity to identify which clients are best suited to a Celebrity cruise, with both Roche and Milne agreeing the brand is ideal for travellers who enjoy the finer things in life without feeling "too stuffy" – whether honeymooners, empty nesters, first-time cruisers or multigenerational families.
“I’ve got a 15-year-old daughter who doesn’t like waterslides and prefers a more of a relaxed vibe,” says Roche. “I’ve called her [on the phone] so many times while on this trip and told her this is the place we need to be.”
The Magic Carpet is one of Celebrity Apex's standout features
As her first Celebrity cruise, Milne says she is blown away by the experience. “I’ve already thought of some couples I know who would absolutely love it. The level of service, comfort and overall feeling is absolutely worth the slightly higher cost – I know that personally now after experiencing it first-hand over the past couple of days.”
As an agent whose business is predominantly cruise sales – but, admittedly, didn’t sell much Celebrity before – Roche finally feels like she’s cracked the code.
“It’s all about being elevated and showcasing why it’s worth its price point – as it’s such a high standard of product” she reveals. “Now I’ve done the [Xcelerator] course and been onboard an Edge-class ship, I’m excited to increase my sales and confidently tell my customers to try Celebrity, because I know they won’t regret it.”
Watch Celebrity Xcelerator workshops on demand now
If you're a home-based agent wanting to transform your business, look no further than the Celebrity Cruises Xcelerator Programme for Home-Based Agents by TTG Media. Through a series of online workshops, you’ll not only discover the Celebrity brand and product, but also gain real-world marketing and business advice that will help you, too, sell Celebrity Cruises with confidence.
