Celebrity Cruises and TTG reveal travel agent champions

Emma Otter, Gold Travel Counsellor

Emma impressed judges with her passion for catering to all tastes and diet requirements

With lots of vegetarian, vegan and coeliac customers, Emma Otter often steps into her customers’ shoes to ensure they’re well catered to on holiday.

“You will never not find me taking food photos to share with customers and colleagues when I’m cruising,” she says. “I’m excited to showcase what Celebrity has to offer to not only accommodate clients’ culinary requirements, but to surprise and delight them with the impressive dining variety.”

Emma has plans to cruise with Celebrity this summer, following a short taster on Celebrity Beyond.

“I was like a kid in a sweet shop when I dined at Eden and loved the beautiful food on display at the extensive and impressive buffet,” she says. “My experience at Le Petit Chef was jaw dropping and my kids are excited to try this – they have just about forgiven me for not taking them onboard the first time!”

Julie Penman, senior manager, Tui Newport

Julie impressed judges by always making her customers’ wellbeing the top priority

“Never has there been a time more fitting to place wellbeing firmly on a customer’s itinerary,” says Julie Penman, who believes no one does this better than Celebrity Cruises. “They take the wellness aspect to the next level with AquaClass, The Retreat, Blu, the spa’s Sea Thermal Suite and destination-inspired treatments,” she explains, noting the yoga mats in AquaClass cabins is one of her favourite selling points for the brand. Julie recently switch-sold customers seeking a Bath spa break to a Celebrity sailing.

“My top tip would be to have a deal in mind, and ensure you know the lead-in, Aqua and The Retreat suite pricing, plus the benefits of each cabin type,” she advises. “This combination of knowledge and marketing on social media recently led me to securing a Celebrity Cruises booking for 10 passengers this August.”

Craig Barton, team leader, Barrhead Travel

Craig impressed judges by using his personal experiences to sell inclusive holidays

Named one of Barrhead Travel’s top sellers for 13 years in a row now, Craig Barton is no stranger to Celebrity Cruises. In fact, his first family holiday with his husband and their son was onboard a Celebrity sailing. “I talk to my customers about [this holiday] all the time – we were nervous about how people would perceive us but we were made to feel so safe and welcome from the moment we stepped onboard,” he recalls.

The trio made the most of the kids’ club and were wowed by the support available to passengers with autism.

“I always use Celebrity Cruises’ inclusive imagery on social media and have met Captain Kate,” he says. “Diversity and inclusion is something I feel very passionate about – I’ve had to overcome a lot and I want to share that with everyone.”

Alison Pearson, senior travel partner, IncluTravel

Alison impressed judges with her recognition of customers’ needs and drive to help others understand them too

Alison Pearson thrives at making travel accessible for clients with a wide range of disabilities. She uses her deep knowledge of Celebrity Cruises to reassure clients and give them the confidence to travel, often managing complicated bookings that involve bringing carers onboard and sourcing sign-off from doctors, case managers and insurance companies.

“As an amputee myself I understand the challenges of travelling with a disability and this is where my passion comes from,” says Alison. “I want to change the industry’s perception of diversity and inclusion, and remove barriers.”