Celebrity Cruises reported its biggest-ever booking day on Tuesday (November 15) as its 2024-25 programme went on sale in the UK and Ireland.

The line also achieved its highest average booking value per passenger from the UK on the same day.

The season features Edge-series ship Celebrity Apex’s ex-UK sailings, which commence in May 2024.

Agent traffic to online trade portal Celebrity Central rose by 43% following the news on October 31 that Celebrity Apex (pictured) would homeport in Southampton from 2024.

Jo Rzymowska, EMEA president and managing director, said: “Since the announcement, the response from this market in such a short space of time has been phenomenal.

“We really hit the sweet spot: a first-class ship, featuring the most exciting itineraries from north to south, in our most profitable region outside of the US.”

She added: “It underlines that the level of consumer demand from the UK for the relaxed luxury experience at sea uniquely offered by Celebrity Cruises, supported by our incredible travel partners, is a recipe for success.

“We are looking forward to their continued support as we move into 2023 and beyond.”

Ahead of Celebrity Apex’s 2024 deployment, the line has committed to hosting 600 agents on the ship next year.