Celebrity Cruises has honoured trade partners for their “hard work and commitment” at the line’s latest Travel Agent Appreciation Awards ceremony.

The event, held at The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square, was hosted by Celebrity EMEA vice-president and MD Jo Rzymowska, and UK and Ireland sales director Claire Stirrup.

The cruise line welcome more than 60 travel partners to recognise businesses and individuals and “underline their role within travel over the past two years”.

An outstanding achievement award went to Advantage Travel Partnership CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said for her work with the UK government on the resumption of travel and amplifying its voice through the media.

Haslemere Travel MD Gemma Antrobus was also honoured for her work supporting the luxury sector and the cruise industry overall.

In addition, CLIA UK & Ireland director Andy Harmer was recognised for his “unparalleled contribution to the restart of the entire cruise sector”.

Special recognition also went to Audley Travel, Cruise.co.uk, ROL Cruise, and Stewart Travel.

Celebrity celebrates a ‘poignant moment’

Celebrity Cruises EMEA vice-president and MD Jo Rzymowska said: “It has been a poignant moment to be back together to celebrate and remind each other of the power of partnership.

“Today was about saying a massive thank you to everyone for all they have done not just for us, but for travel overall, as well as recognising the incredible contribution from partners and people across our wonderful industry, after a period of intense hardship.

“Our partners within the trade and across the industry are integral to all that we do. We look forward to coming back together in just six weeks’ time, as we launch Celebrity Beyond to the world in Southampton.”

Celebrity Beyond – the third in the line’s Edge-class ships – will sail its maiden voyage from Southampton in April.

The line said it expects to host more than 1,000 travel partners on board Celebrity Beyond in April.