Celebrity Cruises’ vice-president and managing director Europe, Middle East and Africa has thanked travel agents for their support during this “unprecedented” and “extraordinary” time caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking on the line’s travel agent Facebook page, Jo Rzymowska outlined how the line intends to stay in touch with the trade – including through a new live chat function – and promised agents they will be “the first to know” when Celebrity Cruises resumes sailings.

She said: “We know what a difficult time this is for all of us in the travel industry.

“For us to decide to suspend sailings for a period of time is absolutely unprecedented, but it is in the interest of guests and crew. As soon as we are ready to sail again, you will be the first to know.

“Please do make sure we stay in touch. We have set up live chat to make sure you can access the team and our contact centres are ready and open for you.

“We have also introduced our Cruise with Confidence policy, so guests can cancel their holiday now and rebook when they feel ready to do so. That’s important for them and important for you. We are protecting commissions for you during this extraordinary time.”

Celebrity Cruises was also due to showcase Celebrity Apex to the trade on two pre-inaugural sailings on 28 March and 30 March, but the line was forced to postpone the events because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rzymowska added: “We are devastated at having to postpone the Celebrity Apex launch because we were so looking forward to that, but Celebrity Apex will join the fleet as soon as she can.

“Thank you for all you are doing and thank you for all the support. Let’s look forward together to sunnier times ahead.”

Our view:

The cruise industry is facing an unprecedented and ever-changing situation, and we are committed to keeping you informed with the most up-to-date news. However, we firmly believe that the cruise industry will bounce back. When it does, we’ll be on hand to help you get back to selling the cruises that people love.