The highly popular training programme returns to welcome a new class of travel agents
Joining forces with Travel Weekly for a fourth consecutive year, Celebrity Cruises for Beginners is back, ready to upskill a fresh wave of travel agents who are either new to the industry or discovering Celebrity Cruises for the fi rst time. The programme will give novices the tools they need to build their product knowledge, sharpen their selling skills and grow their sales.
The Celebrity Cruises for Beginners programme launched on March 19 and runs until September. Every agent who signs up will have access to an engaging series of monthly virtual masterclasses, led by Leon Hand, the line’s training manager for EMEA. Each masterclass will end with a question-and-answer session and a quickfire quiz where the winning agent can earn £20 worth of Celebrity Rewards points.
Agents will be able to tap into in-person, all-day workshops, which act as a fast-track option to complete the entire programme. Celebrity Cruises for Beginners also offers agents ship-visit opportunities, dedicated training materials and guides, as well as Celebrity Cruises goodies and giveaways.
The 2026 edition of Celebrity Cruises for Beginners started in brilliant fashion with April’s masterclass, hosted in partnership with Travel Weekly. Agents were introduced to Celebrity Cruises and the line’s unique selling points, so they could really understand the Celebrity Cruises diff erence. If you missed the fi rst masterclass don’t worry – agents who sign up to the programme will gain access to all previous masterclasses to view in their own time.
For a chance to win a European cruise for two in 2027, attend a Celebrity Cruises for Beginners in-person workshop day and complete the Beginners Programme on the Celebrity Central training portal.
Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what agents who completed previous editions of Celebrity Cruises for Beginners say about the programme:
“The Celebrity Cruises for Beginners programme was an absolutely memorable and informative experience where I learnt so much more about the Celebrity brand. The best bit was we felt like clients fully immersed on the cruise rather than just agents there to learn. Leon made sure there was never a dull moment. Being able to familiarise myself with how ‘elevated’ a cruise with Celebrity really is first-hand lets me sell it so much better to my clients. Nothing comes close to how much Celebrity loves its agents!”
Kiran Roopra, InteleTravel
“As an apprentice, this was my fi rst time working in the travel sector. Before starting the Celebrity Cruises for Beginners programme, I had limited knowledge about Celebrity Cruises. After completing the programme, I not only have extensive knowledge of cruising but also a deeper understanding of Celebrity Cruises as a brand. It has given me the confidence to promote Celebrity Cruises eff ectively across our social media channels and newsletters. I highly recommend the programme to anyone who is new to the industry.”
Josh Harris, Paramount Cruises
“Being new to both travel and cruise, the Celebrity Cruises for Beginners Programme was invaluable. It’s structured in an easy-to-follow and timely manner and covers all essential details. The programme takes you through all stages of selling Celebrity and supporting clients after the booking is confirmed. I feel now that I can not just sell Celebrity Cruises but sell it well and with confidence. I would recommend the programme to any agent new to cruise or new to Celebrity Cruises.”
Michelle Brice, Designer Travel
For more information and to sign up to the Celebrity Cruises for Beginners training programme, visit travelweekly.co.uk/celebrityforbeginners
*Hosted in partnership with Travel Weekly