Celebrity Cruises has confirmed it will utilise crew who have already been vaccinated against Covid-19 for its series of UK sailings.

Speaking at a media briefing celebrating the line’s return to cruising from Southampton, vice president and managing director of EMEA Jo Rzymowska said Celebrity was “able to access crew that have already been vaccinated” due to crew being from 80 different countries.

She said the line had previously surveyed crew on their intentions around the coronavirus vaccination and 97% stated they intended to be inoculated or had already been vaccinated.

Celebrity Cruises announced its UK staycation sailings earlier this week, with Celebrity Silhouette set to sail from Southampton on a series of six to eight-night itineraries around Britain’s coastline.

British passengers will need to be vaccinated and those under 18 will be required to have a negative PCR test.

The update on crew vaccinations comes after sister brand Royal Caribbean confirmed all crew would need to be vaccinated ahead of its domestic sailings on Anthem of the Seas this summer.

Rzymowska said Celebrity Silhouette, which can carry up to 2,886 passengers, would initially sail at 50% capacity, with this figure increasing as the season progresses.

The itineraries will go on sale on April 6, but Rzymowska said initial feedback reflected “very positive” demand and interest.

Claire Stirrup, director of sales added: “Guests are delighted and lots of our trade partners are sending out advance registrations ahead of next Tuesday.”

She said the line had carried out eight webinar training sessions for agents keen to learn more about the UK sailings, with around 100 agents attending each. She said the webinars were being held in the “morning, noon, afternoon and evening” to accommodate all agency business models and requirements.