Celestyal is making significant changes to its fare structure and drinks packages, responding to customer and agent feedback.
- The new ‘Celestyal One’ package will simplify offerings by combining previous packages and adding more value without increasing fares.
- Introduction of CelestyalPay, a prepaid food and beverage system, aims to enhance the onboard experience while offering discounts for early credit loads.
- Celestyal is investing in fleet improvements with the addition of premium cabins, maintaining competitive pricing.
- New itineraries in the Arabian Gulf and the Adriatic signal growth and expansion for Celestyal.
Celestyal Cruises is revamping its fare and drinks packages in direct response to the feedback from passengers and agents. From December 11, the new ‘Celestyal One’ package will replace the existing Experience and Experience Plus packages, streamlining inclusions such as cruise fare, essential Wi-Fi, beverages, port fees, taxes, and crew gratuities, all whilst keeping fares stable. This initiative aims to reduce the complexity and enhance the cruising experience.
In an innovative move, the cruise line will introduce ‘CelestyalPay’, a prepaid wallet system for food and drinks not covered in the inclusive package. By preloading the wallet, passengers can enjoy a 15% to 25% credit bonus, which is both a savvy financial choice for guests and commissionable for agents. CelestyalPay is designed to be flexible, operating per cabin, with options to top up during the voyage. Looking forward, an app integration is anticipated.
The company is also focusing on upgrading its fleet, specifically the Celestyal Discovery. Early next year, it will see the addition of 47 new cabins, ranging from luxury Grand Horizon Suites to more modest interior Cosmos Cabins, expanding capacity to 1,300 guests. These enhancements are tailored to meet varying customer preferences and maintain affordability. Notably, premium suite guests will enjoy benefits like priority check-in and exclusive access to premium facilities.
Further, Celestyal is broadening its geographical reach with new routes. The debut sailings in the Arabian Gulf are seen as a key growth area, with the company’s commitment evident in the substantial portion of inventory allocated to this market. Similarly, the introduction of the Adriatic itineraries highlights Celestyal’s strategy to leverage unique regional offerings, catering to the rising demand from the UK market.
Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer, acknowledges that 2024 marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of new itineraries. The company’s challenge to UK agents is to achieve triple-digit growth by 2025, demonstrating confidence in their strategic direction and partnership with agents.
These strategic changes by Celestyal are designed to simplify cruise choices, enhance onboard value, and expand itinerary offerings.
