Celebrity Cruises unveils first president’s cruise for Norwegian fjords

Celebrity Cruises will operate its first President’s Cruise in the Norwegian fjords next May.

The eight-night sailing on Celebrity Apex was announced by Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, during the cruise line’s 2024 President’s Cruise.

The annual cruise for Captain’s Club members is an opportunity for Hodges Bethge and other Celebrity Cruises executive team members to spend time with the line’s loyal guests, along with experiences not offered on any other sailing.

Hodges Bethge said: “The President’s Cruise is a massive celebration of our Captain’s Club members, and the sailing is an incredible opportunity for me and the executive team to spend time with our guests.

“It is incredibly rewarding to hear guests’ stories and experience Celebrity through their eyes.

“The feedback and ideas we receive while onboard are instrumental in shaping the future of Celebrity Cruises, allowing us to innovate and enhance our offerings in ways that truly resonate with our guests.”

This year, the six-night Caribbean escape on the Celebrity Beyond featured exclusive onboard entertainment, premium tailored excursions and a peek into what Celebrity guests can experience in the future.

Two sea days featured activities such as a pool party with performances from members of the Team USA Artistic Swimming team, entertainment from Guinness World Record-holding hula hoopers, and the Officers vs Guests pool volleyball game, umpired by Hodges Bethge.

“A Conversation with Celebrity” gave guests an opportunity to ask questions to executives.

The sailing also featured one of Celebrity Cruises’ newest experiences, a stop a Perfect Day at CocoCay, with jet ski and flyboard stunt performers, Caribbean Junkanoo bands, DJs and an afternoon soirée for Captain’s Club members at Coco Beach Club.

In Grand Cayman, shore excursions were hosted by Celebrity’s executive team, with Hodges Bethge and tourism minister Kenneth Vernon Bryan hosting a private lunch at the Grand Old House, the oldest dwelling on Cayman Island.

The cruise finished with a day in Bimini, where the President’s Cruise took over the island for a private beach club party.

The annual sailing is a perk for Captain’s Club members, who now enjoy a wider range of benefits than before thanks to changes by parent company Royal Caribbean Group.