President's Cruises demystified: what's the hype all about?
Katherine MastersWith Celebrity Cruises heading to the Norwegian fjords with a President’s Cruise for the first time, it’s the ideal one-off voyage to promote to enthusiastic sailors, says head of sales Nicola McNeish
Celebrity Cruises is encouraging agents to take advantage of the golden sales opportunity provided by its first ever President’s Cruise in the Norwegian fjords. The one-of-a-kind sailing departs on 17 May 2025 onboard Celebrity Apex, and will combine the spectacular landscapes of the fjords with excursions tailored for history buffs, foodies and adventure seekers in Norway’s cities and villages.
Nicola McNeish, head of sales, UK and Ireland, says: “Guests can soak up the magic and culture of picturesque Norway with an exciting array of to-be-announced shore excursions, special events and unique experiences only offered on the 2025 President’s Cruise.”
Celebrity Cruises’ President’s Cruise is held annually, offering a rare opportunity for cruise enthusiasts to engage with Celebrity Cruises executives, including ship captains from across the fleet and, of course, the company’s president, Laura Hodges Bethge, as well as experience exclusive activities that aren’t offered on any other sailing.
McNeish adds: “For our president and executive team, a President’s Cruise provides an opportunity to experience Celebrity Cruises through our guests’ eyes and spend quality time with our members and crew. During a President’s Cruise, guests might spot our executive team working front of house in restaurants, hosting cocktail parties and even taking a turn on the decks for exclusive DJ sets!”
This year’s President’s Cruise took place in the Caribbean onboard Celebrity Beyond, when the programme for sea days featured a pool party with members of the Team USA Artistic Swimming team and entertainment from Guinness World Record holding hula hoopers. There was also an Officers versus Guests pool volleyball game, umpired by Hodges Bethge. Onshore excursions hosted by the executive team included a private lunch at Grand Old House, the oldest dwelling on Cayman Island; there was a private beach party in Bimini, Bahamas; and surprises at Royal Caribbean Group’s private island CocoCay ranged from jet ski and flyboard stunt performers to Caribbean Junkanoo bands.
President’s Cruises tend to be highly anticipated voyages for loyalty members from Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club, McNeish explains. Members are treated to exclusive events, special gifts, local entertainment and unique shore excursion experiences, as well as the opportunity to meet the shoreside teams. There’s also a chance for loyalty members to gain answers to all their burning questions at a special “Conversation with Celebrity” session during the sailing.
ADDING VALUE
The annual sailing is one of a number of perks for Captain’s Club members, which also include stateroom upgrades, discounts for spa treatments and exclusive invites to cruise club events onboard. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean Group recently announced an industry-first one-for-one tier matching across all three Royal Caribbean group brands: Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea. This expanded Loyalty Status Match gives Captain’s Club members even more benefits, with over 50 ships sailing to nearly 1,000 destinations across all seven continents.
However, it’s not only loyalty club members who get to enjoy elevated benefits, as all guests sailing during a President’s Cruise have the chance to join in exclusive activities and “behind the scenes” experiences that don’t happen on sailings at any other time of the year. McNeish says: “There’s a great opportunity for agents to make this added value clear to potential guests looking to book with Celebrity Cruises next year.”
Agents should ensure their die-hard cruise clients are aware of the sailing and are booking early to avoid disappointment, she advises. “For loyal members, there is truly no sailing experience quite like a President’s Cruise, with the opportunity to bond with fellow Captain’s Club members, make new friends and create unforgettable shared memories. It is easily a must-do experience for cruise enthusiasts.”
More exclusive sailings with 'the boss'
Royal Caribbean’s President’s Cruise is an annual event, offering the chance to set sail with president and chief executive Michael Bayley on a special voyage. The next cruise is due to take place on Utopia of the Seas, departing Port Canaveral on 22 September 2025. The four-night itinerary will explore Nassau in the Bahamas and Perfect Day at Coco Bay, as well as promising celebrity guest entertainment and other exclusive events.
Silversea’s equivalent is the Venetian Society Reunion Voyages, with president Bert Hernandez in attendance. The next departure is set for October, which will be a 16-day voyage on Silver Nova from Tokyo to Singapore.
Uniworld has also offered a President’s Cruise every year for a number of years now. The most recent departure hosted by president and chief executive Ellen Betteridge took place in June, onboard Super Ship Victoria, the latest addition to the Uniworld fleet, sailing one of its most popular itineraries, Castles Along the Rhine.
Chris Townson, UK managing director said: “The President’s Cruise is something our most loyal and regular guests really enjoy and look out for each year. It includes time with Ellen Betteridge, who shares her anecdotes, insight and experience from across Uniworld’s fleet and destinations, and also features exclusive activities and surprises that are only available on this special departure, so guests can be assured that they are in for a cruise like no other.”
Meanwhile, Viva Cruises is offering an Ambassador Cruise this winter, from 14-18 December onboard Viva Two. Loyal guests can meet Andrea Kruse, chief executive of Viva Cruises and attend a blue and white gala dinner (Viva Cruises' colours) as the ship glides from Passau to Vienna and back.
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Katherine Masters
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