Celestyal also announced a record-breaking trading day off the back of its ‘You just have to leap there’ offer, which took place on February 29

The one-day leap-year exclusive offer resulted in a 630 per cent uplift in overall sales and an 883 per cent increase on web sales for Celestyal, representing more than a week’s worth of bookings in a single day. Prices were ‘all-in’ and included £65 per person shore excursion discount, full board, select drinks with meals, port fees and service charges.

The campaign celebrated the extra day of the year by offering cruises for just £29 per person, per night, a limited-time deal that applied to select sailings onboard Celestyal Journey across four itineraries, departing between March to October 2024.

Gary Slade, head of tailor made at Iglu Cruise, said: “Exciting times with Celestyal, we have just had our best week to date for them on the back of their leap year promotion.

“With the newly acquired and refurbished Celestyal Journey sailing her maiden winter season, home porting in Doha and her new Adriatic summer sailings, the options are so varied.

“Additionally, their core Greek Island programme is proving popular. We are looking forward to continued growth and our best ever year together.”

“We are delighted by overwhelming support from the trade”, says Celestyal UK boss

Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, added: “Our customers and trade partners certainly leapt for this deal, so much so that we had to release additional capacity after almost selling out in just a few hours.

“With the launch of our new season last weekend, a completely refreshed fleet, plus 12 new destinations on sale, we are delighted by the demand and the overwhelming support from the trade. And there are still some irresistible wave deals available until March 17, alongside our £100 incentive for all bookings until then.”

In November last year Celestyal announced plans to double its trade team in 2024 and introduce a new dedicated agent portal to significantly enhance its trade support function.