Celebrity Cruises Takes Delivery of ‘Transformational’ Cruise Ship
Celebrity Cruises took delivery of a new vessel on April 6: Celebrity Beyond, the third and most luxurious ship in the fleet’s new luxury Edge Series. It is, the brand insists, a game-changer for the travel industry.
The moment was particularly special as it marked the industry’s first physical delivery ceremony since the pandemic. Designed to give guests endless opportunities to disconnect from the world while simultaneously reconnecting, Celebrity Beyond creates a new world of wonder and what the cruise company calls “approachable luxury.”
With forward-thinking design by the world’s leading architects and interior designers, culinary excellence from Michelin-starred chefs, world-renowned wellbeing partners, exquisite art, luxury brand retailers, and Celebrity’s class-leading service, Celebrity Beyond shatters every preconceived notion of the cruising experience. A floating boutique hotel, Celebrity Beyond exemplifies new-luxury travel and its future at sea.
“The delivery of Celebrity Beyond marks our ongoing commitment to growth and innovation; today, we celebrate the future of travel and its possibilities,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises’ parent company Royal Caribbean Group.
Celebrity Cruises’ president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo welcomed what she called “this incredible ship.” She said it “signifies our commitment to investing in the future of the travel industry, as well as the shipbuilding industry in Europe. We are so grateful to the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team, our newbuild and Celebrity Cruises team; our loyal guests and trade partners, and everyone who has contributed their time, resources, creativity and loyalty. We look forward to what’s to come as the travel industry grows to new peaks.”
She said the ship’s “innovative offerings” from some of today’s most talented designers, artists and creative minds, reach “far beyond expectations.”
She continued: “We believe that Beyond speaks to the growing trend of people seeking new luxury experiences that are personalized, effortless and meaningful. We see a continued desire to travel as business steadily increases, and we see Beyond leading the cruise industry into the next era of luxury.”
Celebrity Beyond’s maiden voyage departed on April 27 from Southampton, England, for a 10-night Western Europe cruise visiting Bordeaux, France; Lisbon, Portugal; and Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona in Spain.
During the summer, Beyond offers a variety of Mediterranean journeys, including nine-night Italian Riviera and France itineraries and 10-night Greek Isles itineraries until early October, when she will head to the Caribbean.
Godmother Biles
The official ship naming ceremony will involve a suitably notable celebrity later this year. The cruise firm has announced that Simone Biles, 19-time World Champion and seven-time Olympic Medalist, will add a unique title to her decorated career when she becomes “godmother” for Celebrity Beyond.
A long-standing tradition for new ships, the role of “godmother” is to inspire all guests and crew who sail on board the vessel and is considered a lifetime title and honor. In her new role, Biles will “christen” the new ship at the official naming ceremony in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 4, 2022.
For its groundbreaking Edge Series ships, Celebrity has selected equally transformational and courageous godmothers who have broken barriers and are championing change in their fields. Biles thus joins Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai and Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and the Marshall Plan for Moms, godmothers of Beyond’s sister ships Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, respectively.
Captain’s Choice
Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises’ captains are sharing their favorite Greek experiences through a new “Captain-curated” shore excursions program. Offered aboard any Celebrity ship sailing the Greek Isles during summer 2022, the exclusive excursions are designed to ensure guests a journey “full of wonder” and the chance to experience the destination “like a local.”
“What a dream come true for our guests to experience one of the world’s most breathtaking regions through the people who know it best, our captains, who either grew up in Greece or have spent their career sailing to and visiting its ports,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “Celebrity Cruises has a proud Greek heritage, and Greece holds a special place in our hearts that we are now uniquely sharing with our guests.”
Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 by the Chandris family of Greece, later becoming a part of the Royal Caribbean Group. The cruise company is still rooted in its Greek origins today, with 70% of marine officers across the fleet hailing from Greece, including more than 40 captains and chief engineers.
Whether visiting a family-owned olive mill, discovering hidden culinary gems, including the best spot for kebabs, or taking in the best panoramic vistas, guests will enjoy these unforgettable experiences in an intimate, limited capacity experience.
These incredible ships can be booked at TENGERJARO – info@rccl.hu, www.rccl.hu, tel.: 36-1/345 002.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of July 1, 2022.
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