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Hays Travel named Top Europe Agent by Celebrity Cruises

19/01/2026


Hays Travel was named Top Europe Agent at the eleventh Celebrity Cruises Travel Agent Appreciation Awards 2026, hosted at the Park Hyatt London on 15 January.

Tricia Birmingham, Commercial Director, and Gillian Henderson, Cruise Development Executive, were there to represent Hays Travel and collect our award.

Tricia said: "It was an honour for Gillian and I to collect the Celebrity Cruises Travel Agent Appreciation Award on behalf of Hays Travel.

"This recognition is a testament to the focus, dedication, and excellent collaboration across our teams through 2025!

"To be celebrated as an outstanding partner and achieve double-digit growth is incredible and shows we continue to go from strength to strength.

"Thank you to all our people, your engagement in the Celebrity Cruises product and expert delivery keep customers coming back for more. A huge well done to Catriona and the team for driving this forward across the business. Here’s to continued success in 2026!"

Celebrity Cruises' Nicola McNeish (Director of Sales UK & Ireland) and Claire Stirrup (Managing Director EMEA) were present, alongside other agency leaders.

This recognition is a testament to the focus, dedication, and excellent collaboration across our teams

Celebrity Cruises shared why Hays Travel received this award: "Our next award celebrates a partner whose commitment to Celebrity Cruises has been defined by consistency, ambition and belief in the opportunity cruise represents.

"In 2025, they delivered a record‑breaking percentage increase against targets — a reflection of a team fully aligned behind clear goals and a shared vision.

"What truly sets this partner apart is their proactive approach and willingness to evolve, positioning cruise as a powerful and compelling option within every holiday conversation.

"Their outstanding support in the Mediterranean this year has seen them become our top volume partner for Europe, driving impressive year‑on‑year growth while continuing to increase APD.

"By embracing every opportunity and working hand in hand with us, they’ve shown what’s possible when ambition meets partnership. Congratulations to… Hays Travel!"

The Celebrity Cruises Travel Agent Appreciation Awards celebrate top travel partners for their support, with winners recognised for outstanding performance, strategic vision, and growth, highlighting the strong partnership between Celebrity Cruises and the travel trade in the UK and Ireland. 
 
Recognising the importance of travel agents to its success, Celebrity Cruises continues to invest in the UK & Ireland market through initiatives like homeporting ships in Southampton and rewarding agents for their exceptional work.
 
Celebrity Cruises is renowned for its modern luxury, award-winning ships, immersive destinations, and exceptional service. From innovative ship design and world-class dining to unforgettable itineraries across Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska and beyond, Celebrity Cruises continues to set the standard in premium cruising.