Cruise News – Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises’ Highly Anticipated Celebrity Ascent Sets Sail (1st December, 2023)

Celebrity Ascent, setting a new standard for modern cruising and elevating the premium travel experience, Celebrity Cruises today introduced the world to its newest cruise ship in a special naming ceremony.

Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent

Headlining the festivities were her inspiring co-Godmothers, Captain Sandy Yawn, star of Bravo TV’s hit franchise, Below Deck, and her sister Michelle Dunham, Founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism, who officially named the ship in true maritime tradition with the breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s hull. They were joined by Greek brothers Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis and Captain Tasos Kafetzis, who will take the helm of the new ship, after being named Co-Captains of Celebrity Ascent, a first for the brand and the industry.

Co-Godmothers Captain Sandy Yawn, star of Bravo TV's hit series, Below Deck, and her sister, Michelle Dunham, christened the highly anticipated Celebrity Ascent
Co-Godmothers Captain Sandy Yawn, star of Bravo TV’s hit series, Below Deck, and her sister, Michelle Dunham, christened the highly anticipated Celebrity Ascent

The ceremony was fitting for a ship that shatters preconceived notions of cruising with its forward-thinking design by the world’s leading architects and interior designers; culinary excellence from Michelin starred chefs; expansive onboard entertainment and more. 

Kicking off its inaugural Caribbean season, Ascent will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale on Dec. 3 and travel on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing, visiting such popular destinations as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and the Dominican Republic.

“With each new ship, our ambition is to debut the ultimate vacation experience and Celebrity Ascent achieves this by raising the bar for premium travel,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.  “Her elevated design and new onboard experiences set her apart from competitors and serve as a new benchmark for the travel industry.”

The Godmothers were joined by Celebrity Cruise president, Laura Hodges Bethge; Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO, Jason Liberty; and the ship’s brother co-captains Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis at the naming ceremony
The Godmothers were joined by Celebrity Cruise president, Laura Hodges Bethge; Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO, Jason Liberty; and the ship’s brother co-captains Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis at the naming ceremony

“Celebrity Ascent has been designed to feed our guests travel wanderlust and provide unique experiences they will covet and love,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President at Celebrity Cruises. “Captain Sandy and her sister Michelle, co-Godmothering Celebrity Ascent, add another, and more personal dimension, to this already extraordinary ship. Their connection, combined with the brotherly bond of the ship’s captains, exemplifies the sense of welcome and warm hospitality we strive for on every cruise.”

Vacation Experience Highlights

Celebrity Ascent joins a series of ships without comparison and is a sister ship to Celebrity Beyond which debuted to great acclaim last year.  Distinctive ship features and new experiences include:

  • The Retreat, an exclusive resort-within-a-resort area for suite guests, highlighted by a two-story sundeck;
  • Accommodations for modern tastes from modern two-story villas with private plunge pools to staterooms with infinite verandas, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living;
  • An expanded Rooftop Garden and stunning Resort Deck featuring unique cantilevered float pools;
  • A multi-level, multi-terraced Sunset Bar at the ship’s aft;
  • An expanded onboard entertainment program featuring a transformative nightlife experience on the Resort Deck, six new live productions, interactive gaming experiences, and live music from bow to stern;
  • A redesigned casino floor and brand-new games;
  • A new outdoor dining terrace at Blu, the brand’s clean cuisine restaurant, available for al fresco daytime dining;
  • An exclusive culinary experience in Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud;
  • And, the return of the Magic Carpet®, an engineering feat soaring cantilevered above the sea, offering guests uninterrupted vistas while sipping cocktails or having dinner.

Setting Sail on Celebrity Ascent

Following Celebrity Ascent‘s maiden voyage, she will offer a variety of alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations through late April, when she then heads to the Mediterranean for sailings from Barcelona and Rome. Vacation sailing options include:

For more information on Celebrity Cruises, or to book a Celebrity cruise, visit www.celebrity.com, call 1-800-CELEBRITY, or contact a trusted travel advisor.

Source: Celebrity Press Center

Images: © 2023 Celebrity Cruises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Celebrity Cruises – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago

Celebrity Cruises Reveals Name of Next Edge Series Ship (7th November, 2023)

Celebrity Xcel, the fifth vessel in the brand’s award-winning Edge Series, will be in a class of her own when she launches Winter 2025.

First steel-cutting of Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Cruises’ fifth Edge Class ship, at Chantiers de l’Atlantique
First steel-cutting of Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Cruises’ fifth Edge Class ship, at Chantiers de l’Atlantique

The countdown is on, and the future of elevated travel at sea is officially on its way. Celebrity Cruises announced today that the fifth ship in its award-winning Edge Series will be named Celebrity Xcel, continuing the innovative experiences coveted in her sister ships and then going even further for an unmatched premium vacation experience. 

The reveal was made at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, as executives from both Royal Caribbean Group, the world’s leading family of cruise vacation brands that includes Celebrity Cruises, and the shipyard cut the first piece of steel for the new ship. 

“The Edge Series has shattered preconceived notions of cruising, and I am thrilled to announce our next bold step as a brand with Celebrity Xcel,” said Celebrity Cruises’ President Laura Hodges Bethge. “True to her name, this next ship will ‘Xcel’ beyond her sister ships with entirely new experiences, yet to be revealed, but that will change the game all over again.” 

Celebrity Xcel will make her debut in November 2025 in the Caribbean, sailing her inaugural winter season from Fort Lauderdale, on 7-night itineraries alternating between the Bahamas, Mexico and the Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. The sailings are now open for sale.

First steel-cutting of Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Cruises’ fifth Edge Class ship, at Chantiers de l’Atlantique
First steel-cutting of Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Cruises’ fifth Edge Class ship, at Chantiers de l’Atlantique

Like her highly anticipated sister ship Celebrity Ascent, debuting later this month, Celebrity Xcel will connect guests to the breath-taking world around them like never before. The onboard experiences on these ships stand them apart as a class of ships without comparison with such distinctive features and spaces as:  

  • The Retreat®, an exclusive resort-within-a-resort area for suite guests, highlighted by a two-story sundeck;
  • Accommodations for today’s modern tastes from modern two-story villas with private plunge pools to staterooms with infinite verandas, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living;
  • An expanded Rooftop Garden and stunning Resort Deck featuring unique cantilevered float pools;
  • A multi-level, multi-terraced Sunset Bar redefining the ship’s aft;
  • A Daniel Boulud fine-dining restaurant at sea;
  • Live entertainment and activities creating the best date nights and days at sea;
  • A boldly redesigned Grand Plaza spanning three decks, creating an airy and open indoor space;
  • And, the return of the Magic Carpet®, an engineering feat soaring cantilevered above the sea, offering guests uninterrupted vistas while sipping cocktails or having dinner.

For more information on Celebrity Cruises, or to book a Celebrity cruise, visit www.celebrity.com, call 1-800-CELEBRITY, or contact a trusted travel advisor.

Source: Celebrity Cruises Press Center

Images: © 2023 Celebrity Cruises®, Inc.

Celebrity Cruises – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago

Celebrity Cruises Takes Onboard Entertainment To New Heights on Celebrity Ascent (24th October, 2023)

Celebrity Cruises® today revealed a stunning lineup of entertainment for its highly anticipated new ship Celebrity Ascent℠, providing something for everyone with an approach that is equal parts tradition, evolution, and revolution. The new entertainment offerings include a transformative nightlife experience on the Resort Deck, six new live productions, interactive gaming experiences, spectacular live performances in venues throughout the ship and more.

As with its award-winning sister ship Celebrity Beyond℠, named the number one Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment in 2023 by USA Today’s 10Best, Celebrity Cruises assembled creative visionaries who have collaborated on major productions from Las Vegas to London’s West End, and worked for some of the world’s biggest artists, to create a truly unique collection of performances, activities and experiences on Celebrity Ascent.

Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent

“We embraced the opportunity with Celebrity Ascent to take our entertainment offering to an even higher level for our guests, handpicking the best creative minds to deliver a world-class program that solidifies Celebrity’s reputation for onboard entertainment that stuns,” said Lisa Lehr, Celebrity’s Vice President, Entertainment. “We are so excited to show guests how our new entertainment offering can level up their vacation in ways they’ve never experienced before. With elements our guests love plus some new surprises, Ascent offers something for everyone and adds to the memories they will have for a lifetime.”

New Signature Resort Deck Party

New for Celebrity Ascent is a high-octane nightlife experience where the ship’s Resort Deck transforms into a radiant center stage with high-energy live performances, a prism light show, and DJ creating a pulsating dance floor to an illuminating playlist.  Called Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night, guests are invited to bring out their best metallic attire to enjoy this open-air celebration under the moon and stars.  

New Theater Shows that Ascend Expectations 

The Theatre on Celebrity Ascent will be seen and utilized like never before, with incredible new technological effects blurring the line between digital and reality onstage. Three all-new mesmerizing production shows will feature state-of-the-art technology, including kinetic lighting, lasers and the use of IMAG to display real-time live performances on a larger-than-life LED screen, as well as breathtaking performances by world-class singers, dancers and specialty artists. The new shows include:  

  • Awaken – a contemporary and technological spectacle taking guests on an eye-opening journey through a showcase of surreal dreams and awakening their senses to explore a world where anything is possible. 
  • Residency – a high energy concert production inspired by iconic Las Vegas residencies, celebrating timeless artists from Elvis to Lady Gaga, Cher, U2, and Bruno Mars, featuring authentic footage paying homage to Las Vegas and the iconic restored signs from the Neon Museum, filmed exclusively for the show. 
  • Bridges – a feel-good, uplifting celebration of human connection, set against the backdrop of some of the world’s most iconic bridges from London to Venice, New York, San Francisco, and Sydney, and featuring an automated bridge onstage as the centerpiece that transports audiences to breathtaking locations. 

Immersive Live Shows and Performances

The entertainment continues well beyond the main theater stage, with immersive and intimate performances throughout the ship.

At Eden, Ascent’s three-story architectural masterpiece at the back of the ship, guests will enjoy inspiring performances featuring mind-blowing acrobatics, incredible vocals and world-class choreography: 

  • Allure, takes audiences on a journey following the ship’s resident visual artist searching to find inspiration from the beauty in the world around and featuring acrobatics and feel good music.
  • Driving beats from the 70s to modern day, Shimmerbox entices guests to dance, groove or simply soak in the lavish glistening spectacle all around them; 
  • Dreams, invites guests to enjoy a wondrously intriguing night in a fantastical world of dazzling live performances, interactive games and unforgettable characters. 

And, in The Club, Ascent introduces a new immersive show, Smoke & Ivories, taking audiences back in time to an old Hollywood club with a modern twist. The electrifying set comes to life through the use of projection technology, incredible dance performances, world-class tapping and sultry vocal performances.

Brand New Entertainment Experiences

The latest gaming and interactive activities can be found on Celebrity Ascent, with a long list of complimentary new experiences available on every sailing, including:

  • Game On: Augmented Multiplayer Experience – Creating an 80s-inspired retro experience, a games surface is projected on the floor in The Club inviting players to compete in interactive competitions using their own body as a controller;
  • Guilty Pleasures party is the ultimate singalong extravaganza, where guests can belt out a road trip playlist like nobody’s listening;    
  • A New Tabletop Escape-Style Game, Sands of Time, where guests work in teams to unlock the mystery through a series of puzzles and clues in this must-play challenge; 
  • And,Sketch Art Classes for everyone from beginners to advanced sketchers with step-by-step lessons from Celebrity’s resident visual artist. 

Plenty of Live Music Onboard

In addition to Edge Series favorite Jazz at The Club, where world-class orchestra musicians perform the very best of jazz music up close and personal, Celebrity Ascent’s musicians exhibit their incredible talent and showmanship through two brand new live concert-style celebrations:

  • Funkified, a journey through the evolution of funk, from classic hits to modern funk-inspired tunes, and from its roots in the 60s to its influence on modern pop.
  • And Discoteque, bringing the very best of the Disco Era to life in a high-energy party under the Mirrorball in The Club, with tunes from Earth, Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, Bee Gees and more. 

Adding to Celebrity Ascent’s award-winning music nights, a piano bar entertainer will perform on various nights in bars and lounges throughout the ship, adding to the ship’s lively environment.

Edge Series Favorites Return

Celebrity Ascent also brings back popular signature Edge Series onboard programming including:

  • Such nightlife experiences as the 80s Flashback at The Club, Silent Disco, Tune to Table Live Band Karaoke, Ritmo Latin party, ABBA sing-along party and Bingo. 
  • Pickleball at Sea, bringing the popular sport to the high seas through complimentary on board open-courts with panoramic ocean views. Guests can also purchase branded merchandise including paddle and ball sets as well as activewear to take their pickleball fashion to the next level. 
  • Pub Games Night transforming The Club into an active pub setting with cool beverages and engaging pub games including street curling, darts, golf putting, tabletop shuffleboard and more. 
  • Camp at Sea, featuring more than 500 activities for kids to participate in, as the only fully customizable kids cruise program in the industry catering to any and all interests.  
  • Spectacular Chandelier Light Shows in the Grand Plaza, 13 different chandelier light shows choreographed to music and highlighting  the brand’s flair bartenders.

Set Sail on Celebrity Ascent: 

Celebrity Ascent is slated for an exciting inaugural 2023-2024 winter Caribbean and summer European season with a vast array of dates and itinerary options that include the opportunity to: 

To learn more about vacation experiences on Celebrity Ascent, visit
 https://www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-ships/celebrity-ascent.

For more information on all Celebrity Cruises offerings, or to book a Celebrity cruise, visit www.celebrity.com, call 1-800-CELEBRITY, or contact a trusted travel advisor.

Source: Celebrity Cruises Press Center

Images: © 2023 Celebrity Cruises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Celebrity Cruises – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago

Celebrity Ascent Completes Sea Trials With Brother Captains At The Wheel (2nd October, 2023)

Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Cruises’ announced today that its newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, lived up to its name, reaching the pinnacle of its construction milestones with the successful completion of its first open ocean sailing.

During the traditional shipbuilding process known as sea trials, Celebrity Ascent completed a series of maneuverability skills designed to test the ship’s functional and operational capabilities, which she passed with flying colors.

The ship’s brother co-captains, Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis, were at the helm to oversee the intricate tests conducted in the Bay of Biscay near the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France where she has been under construction.

In addition, nearly 200 crew members were onboard to test the ship’s equipment from bow to stern.

Celebrity Ascent's Captains, Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis
Celebrity Ascent’s Co-Captains, Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis

Celebrity Ascent offers guests all the design features and onboard amenities that travelers love on the first three Edge Series ships, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Beyond, and then raises the bar with newly designed restaurants and culinary experiences, reimagined entertainment venues, and more.

Sailing from Ft. Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, Celebrity Ascent offers a special 4-Night Western Caribbean preview voyage on November 22nd 2023, followed by another special 3-Night Bahamas preview getaway on November 26th 2023.

A celebratory 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Maiden Voyage departs the South Florida port on December 3rd 2023, kicking off the ship’s inaugural Caribbean season featuring 7-night itineraries rotating between such popular Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations as the Bahamas, Mexico and Grand Cayman; and San Juan, Tortola and St. Kitts, respectively.

Then, she heads to the Mediterranean for a spectacular 2024 summer season of sailings including a 9-Night Italian Riviera and France itinerary; and the 12-Night Best of Greece and Italy itinerary.

Source: Celebrity Press Center

Images: © 2023 Celebrity Cruises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Celebrity Cruises – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago
Celebrity Cruises - Logo

It’s not so lonely at the top: Celebrity Cruises®reveals details for its upcoming ship – Celebrity Ascent (13th June, 2023)

The fourth vessel in the brand’s award-winning Edge® Series, AscentSM will  be the newest ship out of South Florida upon its November 2023 debut.

Celebrity Ascent, © 2023 Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Ascent, © 2023 Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises unveils for the very first time details about what travelers can experience on board the brand’s newest resort at sea, Celebrity Ascent, once it launches this November.

As one of the most awarded premium cruise lines, with the first ships to ever receive the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating, Celebrity Cruises is once again making waves with the arrival of its fourth Edge Series ship.

Touted as one of the “Best New U.S. Cruises of 2023” by Conde Nast Traveler, Celebrity Ascent will be the newest ship based in South Florida for the 2023-2024 Caribbean season.

Cruising out of Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale from December 2023 to April 2024, the stunning new ship will transport guests to some of the Caribbean’s most desired destinations like the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands, before departing to Europe for a summer of bucket-list Mediterranean cruises in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Spain and France.

On board Celebrity Ascent, guests will enjoy the signature experiences of the brand’s Edge Series ships, including its industry-first outward facing design that maximizes views and outdoor areas allowing guests to connect with the world around them, a robust food and beverage program with 30 plus choices from casual to fine dining to satisfy all palates, plus spacious and sleek staterooms in a breadth of accommodation options catering to all travelers from solo adventurers and couples, to multi-generational family groups.

“I am so excited to introduce the world to Celebrity Ascent and continue the legacy of Celebrity’s Edge Series,” says Celebrity Cruises’ President, Laura Hodges Bethge. “First launched in 2018, the Edge Series transformed what cruising could be and its ships like Edge, Apex and Beyond quickly became consumer favorites. Continuously striving to offer travelers a better way to enjoy travel and reach the world around them, we are so proud of what we have built and look forward to welcoming both seasoned and new cruisers alike.”

Edge Series Favorites Return:

Incorporating all the features that made her sister ships in the Edge Series a TIME magazine “World’s Greatest Places,” Celebrity Ascent will bring back favored signature experiences, like:

  • The Theatre – that takes entertainment at sea to a new level with state-of-the-art technology and experiential, imaginative performances.
  • The Rooftop Garden – the ultimate outdoor haven where guests can enjoy live music, movies, infinity float pools, and even al fresco dining at the Rooftop Garden Grill.
  • The Spa – where holistic wellness takes center stage through 120 destination-inspired treatments, the SEA Thermal Suite featuring eight distinctive therapeutic experiences inspired by nature, plus specialty treatment beds, a full-service salon and barber.
  • The sprawling Resort Deck – featuring a main pool lined with cabanas, two-story martini-glass-shaped hot tubs, and The Solarium, an adults-only, tranquil spa-inspired retreat built for relaxation and complete with pool, hot tub and loungers.
  • The Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus – where an international beach club ambiance meets fresh sea breezes and boundless views.
  • The Magic Carpet® – the world’s first cantilevered lounge and gathering space at sea sits on the edge of the ship, offering a new way to drink, dine and socialize while enjoying unobstructed panoramic views.
  • Inventive culinary experiences – like the three-story Eden Bar and Restaurant featuring floor-to-ceiling views, or the fully immersive and animated Le Petit Chef dinner.
  • The Grand Plaza and Martini Bar – that stun guests with an interactive chandelier and jaw-dropping Flair, Flash, Fusion bartender shows.
  • Modernized accommodation options – such as the Infinite Veranda® that transforms from window to terrace with the push of a button, and the AquaClass® staterooms built for wellbeing-seekers that are packed with thoughtful design and exclusive amenities.

New Food and Beverage Experiences:

Celebrity Ascent will treat guests to a culinary journey that includes new experiences like:

  • Redesigned Le VoyageSM by Daniel Boulud restaurant – first featured on Celebrity BeyondSM, the brand will continue its partnership with Boulud and introduce his second restaurant at sea. The reimagined space, created by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, will offer an intimate fine dining experience inspired by the Chef’s travels.
  • Plant-based tasting menu at Eden Restaurant – bringing guests closer to the earth through a culinary journey rooted in untouched, fresh and seasonal ingredients.
  • Never-before-seen Le Petit Chef dinner – the crowd favorite dinner will feature an all-new animation and menu to match.
  • Bourbon offerings and tastings – expanding on existing whiskey tastings, Craft Social will now offer high-end bourbons and new tasting seminars.
  • More Martinis at the Martini Bar – aligning with the trend of low-sugar cocktails and fresh, crisp ingredients, the Martini Bar will feature brand-new creations and an expanded menu including lychee and passion fruit martinis.
  • Revitalized Main Dining Experience – once again featuring four complimentary main dining options, each with a signature menu and rotating nightly dishes, Ascent will feature a redesigned Cosmopolitan restaurant inspired by the culture of champagne.
  • Outdoor terrace at Blu – the clean-cuisine restaurant exclusive to AquaClass guests will feature an outdoor terrace with 24-person seating that will be available for daytime dining, from al fresco brunches to lunches.

New Entertainment, Art and Retail Experiences:

On board Ascent, travelers will enjoy enhanced entertainment, art and retail offerings like:

  • Nightly entertainment – as the sun sets the Resort Deck will become the center stage for the ultimate nightlife experience treating guests to an open-air celebration with live performances, live music, and a DJ creating a pulsating dance floor.
  • New production shows – building on Celebrity’s award-winning entertainment, the brand is partnering with industry-leading creatives to introduce three spectacular new productions shows in The Theatre, new interactive digital experiences and shows in The Club, and new engaging immersive shows in the Eden Bar and Restaurant, all featuring world-class dances, vocalists, musicians and specialty artists.
  • Redesigned Casino floor and brand-new games – a first for Celebrity Cruises, Ascent will feature an all-new gaming floor complete with a new layout, new design featuring deep reds and golds, and all new slot machines with the latest technology.
  • Redesigned Art Gallery – the new space is thoughtfully reimagined, allowing guests to better experience priceless art pieces, and enjoy exclusive auctions and art events.
  • The Sunset Collection by Nate Berkus – a collection of chic travel and home accessories available exclusively on board Celebrity Ascent.

How to Set Sail on Celebrity Ascent:

With a vast array of dates and itinerary options catering to all kinds of travelers, Ascent is slated for an exciting winter Caribbean and summer Europe season. Options to sail include:

For more information on Celebrity Cruises, or to book a Celebrity cruise, visit www.celebrity.com or call 1-800-CELEBRITY.

Source: Celebrity Cruises Press Center

Celebrity Cruises – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago
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Celebrity Cruises brand president Lisa Lutoff-Perlo to transition to new role in Royal Caribbean Group

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo will transition to Vice Chair, External Affairs for Royal Caribbean Group, effective May 1 2023. Laura Hodges Bethge, currently executive vice president, shared services operations, will become the next brand president.

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises brand president
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises brand president

“Lisa has been instrumental in transforming the Celebrity Cruises brand to what it is today,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “From helping us introduce the revolutionary Edge Series of ships to advancing the role of women in maritime careers, Lisa has had an incredible career during her time leading Celebrity Cruises, and multiple parts of our Royal Caribbean International brand. I have had the pleasure of working with Lisa for almost 18 years, and I know her expertise will be invaluable as she transitions to serve as my Vice Chair, External Affairs.”

“It has always been difficult for me to imagine leaving the incredible Celebrity brand, but the time is right for me to start an exciting new chapter and turn the helm over to a new leader,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “It has been my great honor to lead this brand and work alongside the phenomenal Celebrity shoreside team and crew. Together, our accomplishments have been extraordinary. I’m excited to now work closely with Jason on broader initiatives as we sail toward an even brighter future.”

Lutoff-Perlo’s remarkable career with Royal Caribbean Group began in 1985 with her first role as a district sales manager and she went on to trailblaze a legacy of firsts. Along the way, she also led Celebrity Cruises to record growth, revenue, and profit, and she championed the brand’s evolution into the incredible cruise line it is today. Under her leadership, Celebrity Cruises welcomed four new award-winning ships, and underwent the Celebrity Revolution, one of the largest fleet revitalization projects in the industry.

In 2005, Lutoff-Perlo became Celebrity’s first female senior vice president of hotel operations. In 2012, she was named executive vice president of operations for Royal Caribbean International, the first woman in the industry to oversee both hotel and marine operations. Two short years later, she was the first woman appointed to president and CEO of one of Royal Caribbean Group’s brands.

“I would also like to congratulate Laura for her appointment as the next brand president of Celebrity Cruises,” Liberty added. “With her operational experience, business acumen and deep understanding of our company and the cruise industry, I know Laura is the right person to lead Celebrity Cruises to its next phases of growth.”

Most recently serving as executive vice president, shared services operations, Laura Hodges Bethge has been with the company more than 23 years and has held senior positions in many different areas including product development, hotel and marine operations, sales, marketing, product innovation, market development and investor relations.

Hodges Bethge is an exemplary leader with a long history of success at the company. Previously, she was senior vice president of product development for Royal Caribbean International, and led the teams conceptualizing their groundbreaking ships, private island destinations, and new experiences introduced throughout the award-winning fleet, including the first island in Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Island Collection – Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

“Now 15 ships strong, this is an exciting time for Celebrity Cruises,” said Laura Hodges Bethge. “This year alone, we’ll be welcoming Celebrity Ascent, and reaching key construction milestones in the yet-to-be-named fifth ship in the revolutionary Edge Series. I look forward to building on the incredible achievements of Lisa and this world class team, as we continue to break boundaries and chart new courses in the industry.”

Source: Royal Caribbean Group

Celebrity Cruises – My Cruise Blog

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