Celebrity Cruises is looking to add to its range of shore excursions on its series of British Isles sailings with Celebrity Silhouette this summer.
The first cruise departed from Southampton on Saturday (July 3) for a six-day itinerary, with stops in Dover, Belfast and Liverpool.
There is a range of excursions in each destination but the cruise line’s EMEA vice-president and managing director, Jo Rzymowska, said the programme is being upgraded.
She told Travel Weekly onboard the ship: “There is no better way to see the land than from the sea and to visit it with our shore excursions and our guides is great.
“There are lots of options and we are building more all the time.”
On the first full day of cruising, the ship docked in Dover (pictured) and offered a range of excursions in Kent, such as a cookery experience in Chequers Kitchen, a safari in Port Lymne and the Three Castles Discovery programme.
“Yesterday people came back with ideas and feedback,” said Rzymowska, who went on the three castles trip.
“We are constantly looking to see how we can offer variety throughout the season.”
The stop in Dover was a late addition to the itinerary after the Scottish government decided not to allow cruise ships to dock.
Passengers joining excursions travel together in a ‘bubble’ but Rzymowska expects that requirement will change when restrictions are eased after July 19.
The cruise also has 150 trade partners on board to experience the 10-year-old ship which has undergone a multimillion-pound refurbishment, dubbed a ‘revolution’.
Rzymowska said relationships with trade partners are “really important”, adding: “There is no better way to be able to sell with confidence – seeing is believing.”
UK sales director Claire Stirrup and her team have kept the trade updated about the cruise line’s plans and given many agents the opportunity to come onboard for this cruise and others during the summer season, she added.
The agents are able to see what’s new and different since the ‘revolution’ refit, such as The Retreat area which is exclusively for suite guests.
Rzymowska said it was “very emotional” coming onboard with passengers and crew after cruising was suspended 15 months ago.
“Some day is here,” she said, referencing one of the cruise line’s marketing slogans.
“The comeback will be stronger than the setback.”