Celestyal’s Janet Parton takes on new role at cruise line

Janet Parton has taken on a new role at cruise line Celestyal ahead of the peak wave booking period.

She has been named as vice president - marketing, PR and customer experience, moving from her previous position as business development vice-president and managing director of in-house tour operator Celestyal Travel.

Dan Buckingham, director retail & UK partnerships, will assume leadership of the UK, Celestyal Travel and Europe teams for an interim period, according to the two ship line.

Parton moves to the role with immediate effect, bringing experience from both her two years at Celestyal and earlier roles as sales and marketing director at the Globus family of brands. 

She will lead Celestyal’s newly-formed marketing, PR and customer experience function, supporting the next phase of growth for the brand, as it accelerates plans ahead of 2026 and the launch of its new wave campaign.

Parton will continue to report to chief commercial officer Lee Haslett, who said: “Janet is a respected and proven leader who has played a pivotal role in strengthening Celestyal’s trade partnerships and presence across core markets. 

“As we double down on marketing, brand-building and demand generation ahead of our wave campaign and 2026 strategy, Janet’s commercial expertise and understanding of the Celestyal brand make her ideally placed to lead this function. I’m delighted to see her step into this role and drive forward the next chapter of our growth.”

Parton added: “It’s been an honour to be part of Celestyal’s journey over the last two years, and I’m excited to step into this role at such a pivotal moment for the brand. 

"We have an unprecedented opportunity to further build connections with both consumers and the travel trade through a stronger, unified approach to marketing, PR and customer experience.”