Celebrity blankets 10 key metro areas with promos
Celebrity Cruises is reaching out to travel agents in 10 key metropolitan markets with special promotions for agents, customers, and groups.
At a luncheon for travel agents on New York’s Long Island yesterday, the cruise line spoke of the tri-state New York/New Jersey/Connecticut region as one key Designated Marketing Area whose upscale demographic is of particular interest to Celebrity.
The goal is to partner with local travel agents in these areas to reach a larger share of customers. Currently, 65% of Celebrity customers in the New York DMA book through channels other than a local travel agency, said VP of North America field sales Keith Lane.
The program offers tri-state travel agents up to $200 in extra commissions.
For customers, meanwhile, Celebrity is in the middle of a two-week extension of its 1-2-3 Go promotion for summer bookings to Europe, Bermuda, and Alaska.
Cruisers who book an ocean view or above by April 30 can choose a free beverage package (valued at $44 per person per day), free gratuities, or a shipboard credit of up to $300. Customers cruising to Europe can choose two of the three options.
Captain’s Club members can get an additional $500 onboard credit for suites.
As part of the DMA promotion, cruisers will get an extra $100 credit if they book Veranda rooms or above.
The promotions apply to group business as well. In addition, those booking eight or more rooms also are eligible for a standard Celebrity group-booking discount of 7% on select cruises from May 2014 through April 2015.
Of particular interest to leisure or corporate groups are the Signature Suites, which have private areas, private access, and butler service, and Aqua Class suites, which include dining in the Blue restaurant.
"We are driving business to your door and giving you amenities to offer your customers," said Northeast sales director Sheri Pasternak.
By Cheryl Rosen
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