Claire Stirrup has been promoted to managing director of UK/EMEA at Celebrity Cruises, with Giles Hawke stepping into the newly created role of vice president of international

According to the line, the move will “better position Celebrity Cruises to meet its strategic goals and respond to the evolving needs of the business”.

Stirrup, who will report directly into Hawke, will take on the day-to-day responsibilities of Celebrity Cruises in the UK and EMEA, managing the sales, marketing and commercial teams.

Meanwhile, Hawke will now be responsible for overseeing international strategy and the APAC, LACAR and UK/EMEA markets, reporting into Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.

Stirrup joined Royal Caribbean Group in 2013, holding several senior roles at Celebrity Cruises, including head of sales UK & Ireland and senior director – sales EMEA.

Celebrity recently turned heads when the ocean cruise line announced that it would expand into the river cruising sector in 2027 with 10 new ships.

“Celebrity River Cruises will bring the quality and sophistication of our Edge series ocean ships to the most iconic rivers, starting with Europe,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.

“We’ve redefined travel on the ocean with our best-in-class hospitality, award-winning food and beverage experiences, and elevated design and style.