Only about two weeks into its launch, Celestyal’s new “Celestyal Stars” training program has been very well received by the trade community, according to John Diorio, vice president and managing director, North America, for the line.
Just as importantly, the brand recorded its best sales ever during this year’s Black Friday to Cyber Week window of promotions.
“We're excited about 2026, and we’re excited about wave season,” Diorio said.
Building upon the previous “Celestyal Campus” program — consisting of 10 modules about the brand, its itineraries and its destination experiences — the line wanted to “enhance that learning experience” and home in on “what makes Celestyal, Celestyal,” according to Diorio.
To that end, Celestyal Stars now consists of 16 expanded modules that take about four hours in total to complete, with travel advisors receiving certificates of completion and rewards as they go through four tiers from Bronze to Platinum. Perks along the way include access to exclusive rates, discounts and onboard credit. The result is “a true education path,” Diorio says, that is very fun and interactive.
Fresh off a trip onboard Celestyal Journey to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Diorio shared insights on the line’s Arabian Gulf experience, particularly during recent Formula 1 events in the region, emphasizing the importance of “the stories we tell” as a sales strategy.
When asked if the line has any lingering hesitation to travel to the Middle East region, he indicated that Celestyal is not currently seeing much concern from clients, and expressed his feeling that the destination is very safe. Diorio touts the growing cruise market there, as well as increasing flight options as further booking incentives. In his eyes, the ideal client to target for the Gulf are experienced cruisers who just haven’t been to that part of the world yet and consider it a bucket-list destination.
“Our focus as a company is all about the North American trade market,” Diorio said, adding that advisors are key to the brand’s success.
To further help agents, Celestyal is offering a two-part deal for wave season, available through Feb. 5, presenting 50% off all sailings in the Gulf and Adriatic alike. Clients can also earn up to 500 euros (about $587 as of press time) in CelestyalPay credit and up to 200 euros (about $235) in shore excursion value. Beyond that date, the line will decide whether to sustain the special for longer.
Advisors can also highlight the brand’s inclusive fares, which extend to complimentary meals (save for specialty dining) and soft drinks, free Wi-Fi, port fees and gratuities.
Beyond that, Diorio believes the reasons to book Celestyal include the brand’s “heartfelt journeys” that deliver a “premium-casual” experience onboard, thanks to intimate ships and service that is “second to none.”
He also says that the company goes to iconic and rising-star destinations that mass-market lines bypass. And finally, he notes that guests get a “backstage travel pass” to destinations through experiences such as cooking in Corfu after going to the local butcher and produce market for the freshest ingredients.
"Those types of moments are very unique to Celestyal,” Diorio said.
