For the first time in cruise industry history a female seafarer will navigate the rich archipelago of the Galapagos as captain. A native of Ecuador, Nathaly Albán, will command the ultra-exclusive Celebrity Xploration; as captain of the recently revitalised catamaran.

Celebrity Cruises has announced a raft of internal promotions that all reflect the hard work and commitment of the UK and Ireland senior leadership team in working with trade partners. UK & Ireland managing director Jo Rzymowska adds Asia to her remit in the newly expanded role of vice president and managing director, UK and Ireland and Asia. At the same time, Claire Stirrup is promoted to director of sales.

The most popular ship sailing from the UK will return to Southampton in April 2017 to offer its seventh consecutive season of cruises throughout the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Launched in the city of Southampton in 2010, Celebrity Cruises’ ship Celebrity Eclipse has returned each year to sail from the UK port during the late spring, summer and autumn months.

Celebrity Cruises is bringing more of the Caribbean to holidaymakers with ‘Evenings around the World’ shore excursions, featuring 14 new, unique experiences that begin after the sun goes down. These special excursions perfectly complement the recently announced overnight stays on over 40 Caribbean sailings departing January 2016 and beyond – more than any other cruise line.

Celebrity Cruises has relaunched its shore excursion website specially created for travel partners. Following the recent unveiling of a newly designed shore excursions programme with new special-interest categories and more destination experiences, the interactive hub provides travel partners with rich content for planning clients’ holidays.

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled a new programme of destination experiences featuring everything from lavish luxury in Istanbul and Flamenco dancing in Barcelona to secret classical concerts in St. Petersburg and a castle treasure hunt in Copenhagen.