Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has praised the “important” role of travel agents during her British Isles cruise on Celebrity Silhouette.
The dancer is holidaying on the Celebrity Cruises ship, along with her mother and boyfriend Danny Taylor, and as an influencer on behalf of Trending Travel.
Silhouette departed Southampton on July 3, marking the cruise line’s return to operations in the UK.
As part of her role as an ambassador for Trending Travel – which works with influencers – Ballas joined travel agents at a drinks reception on the ship as the cruise line thanked its trade partners for their support.
“I have used a travel agent all my life, they are so important,” she said.
“I am a person that has travelled all my life. When this [pandemic] hit, it was the hardest thing, it has been so difficult.
“Seeing you all is amazing and warms my heart.
“Each and every one of you is important to the travel industry.”
About 85 agents are on the comeback sailing with Celebrity Cruises, which also hosted a VIP day for agents on Silhouette on July 2.
Ballas explained that she is not used to using apps and smartphone technology but she managed to sort out her cruise and testing requirements with the help of a travel agent.
After her speech to agents, she posed with those who wanted photographs and selfies and chatted about her love of travel.
She said she thought Silhouette was “spectacular”, adding: “The hospitality is second to none.”
Hosting the special trade reception was Jo Rzymowska, EMEA vice-president and managing director of the cruise line, who also hailed the role of travel agents and thanked them for their support.
Commenting on news that the prime minister will lift Covid restrictions from July 19, she told agents: “We still do not know what it means for international travel.”
She expects to hear more from transport secretary Grant Shapps soon.
“The cruise industry has worked very hard with the government – through [trade body] Clia – to say a cruising holiday is the safest holiday out there.
“Safety is paramount. The most important thing is health and safety and security so your guests will have the best holiday ever.”
Pictured greeting Shirley Ballas and her family are, from the left: captain Michael Sympouras; Simon Weir, hotel operations vice-president; Arjan Scheepers, hotel director and Jo Rzymowska.