Celebrity Cruises is adding a ship to the fleet of vessels running UK staycation sailings this summer.
Newly revamped Celebrity Silhouette will run Southampton departures for British passengers vaccinated against Covid-19 and those under 18 with negative PCR test results.
Cruises will depart from July 3 on a series of six to eight-night itineraries around Britain’s coastline including Portland in Dorset; Inverness, Kirkwall and Glasgow in Scotland; Belfast and Liverpool.
The number of departures and prices were not disclosed.
More than a dozen cruise companies are now lined up to run similar UK coastal itineraries this summer at a time when international sailings are banned. These include Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Fred Olsen, Hurtigruten, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Riviera Travel, Saga Cruises and Viking.
Celebrity Cruises president and chief executive Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said: “We’re delighted to be returning to Southampton after over a year away.
“We are truly committed to the UK market and can’t wait to welcome guests back on board.
“What could be better than a new luxury ship, ready to take guests on a journey around one of the world’s most beautiful and impressive coastlines?
“Not only is this extremely significant to us as a business but also to the local tourism industry.”
A multi-million pound refit of Celebrity Silhouette last year when all cruises were cancelled due to the global pandemic involved all cabins and suites; the addition of an open air retreat area for suite passengers; revamped restaurants, bars and lounges; new shops and digital key access to accommodation.
EMEA vice president and managing director Jo Rzymowska said: “We are excited to offer guests the chance to re-connect at sea with family and friends and to make up for all those missed celebrations.
“I cannot thank our UK travel partners enough for their unwavering support throughout this unprecedented time. We can’t wait to welcome our mutual guests on board Celebrity Silhouette.”
The company recently announced its Caribbean comeback with Celebrity Millennium from St Maarten and new ship Celebrity Apex from Greece, both in June.