Insider Intelligence: Agents Give Thumbs Up to Celebrity Silhouette
by Dori SaltzmanA bright modern décor, unique spaces and a sophisticated atmosphere were just some of the highlights enjoyed by travel agents who sailed on the U.S. inaugural cruise of the Celebrity Silhouette.
Travel Market Report caught up with cruise sellers who were on the inaugural to find out more about the ship and hear their advice for selling the Silhouette.
What types of clients will enjoy the Silhouette? What are the best spaces onboard? Is the ship’s homeport of Bayonne, N.J., a key selling point? How will they position and sell the ship to clients?
What is the target market for the Celebrity Silhouette?
“Upscale clients, 35 to 65, who like modern luxury without having to pay the luxury price. It is a sophisticated ship. It’s also very family friendly, but it isn’t Disney.” – Marge Schane, ACC, Cruises Inc., San Diego
“Someone 45 to 65 who likes elegance.” – Robin Tash, owner, CruiseOne, Gaithersburg, Maryland
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“Couples and families with adult children, as well as adult groups.” – Mary Germano, owner, NGL Travel, Rockville Centre, New York, NEST
“The target market would be a younger, modern couple (35 to 55) with a nice income. They don’t have to be high-end, but certainly not low-end – the yuppie-type clientele.” – Rosemary Saganic, CTC, president, Anderson Travel, Babylon Village, N.Y., TRAVELSAVERS
What were highlights of the onboard experience?
“I love technology and found the ILounge to be unique and refreshing.” – Elaine Zervos, owner, EZTravels, Wayne, N.J., MTravel
“The bistros, cafes and gelatos were a big hit. And having the café in the buffet area offering specialty coffees and hot chocolate during breakfast was a plus.” – Veronica Tyson, owner, Tyson’s Travel Treasures, Philadelphia, PA, MTravel
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“The lawn club on the top of the ship, which is about a half acre of real grass. There are lawn games you can play, and they have cabanas and they’ll bring you a picnic lunch out there. There’s also a grill. It’s phenomenal.” – Marge Schane
“The décor is just spectacular. The colors –– you can’t be sad on this ship when you’re walking around. It’s just bright and happy. They call it modern luxury, and I think that describes it perfectly.” – Robin Tash
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“I really enjoyed the small quiet areas. The Hideaway was very interesting with all the little nooks and crannies that you could sit in, which were extremely comfortable. And the flow of the ship was good; many ships make you go through the casino to get somewhere and with this ship you don’t. It’s there, but not in your face.” – Rosemary Saganic
“The elegance and beauty of the Silhouette is a definite highlight. The outdoor lawn area with cabanas is beautiful.” – Mary Germano
What are key selling points for the Celebrity Silhouette?
“I have never had food as wonderful as I had aboard the Silhouette. There are 12 different restaurants onboard the ship.” – Marge Schane
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“For spa lovers, definitely the spa suites.” – Veronica Tyson
“I will tell clients about the décor, number one. The specialty restaurants, which are excellent though a little bit over-priced. And the service is very good, and the entertainment is excellent.” – Robin Tash
“There are just so many options on board: the choice of dining; the three pools, one of which is an indoor heated pool near the spa; the Lawn Club, with its lawn beds and relaxation areas, including an area for spa treatments.” – Rosemary Saganic
Does the Celebrity Silhouette have repeat potential?
“Yes, it stands out more than others. If clients like it, they’re going to go back.” – Robin Tash
“Couples and adult groups would be great repeat business for the Silhouette.” – Mary Germano
“Anyone who sails on any of the Solstice class ships will be hooked. I know I was.” – Elaine Zervos
What do you think of New Jersey as a homeport for the Celebrity Silhouette?
“It’s a great selling feature for my East Coast clients that they don’t have to go down to Florida.” – Marge Schane
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“It’s a drive market; it’s easier to get to and the next day you’re already in warmer weather.” – Robin Tash
What possible obstacles do agents need to keep in mind when selling the Celebrity Silhouette?
“I found that, as a woman, if you’re going for a 10- or 14-night cruise there are not enough drawers in the stateroom. I’d warn clients about this ahead of time.” – Marge Schane
“With Celebrity in general, you have to keep in mind the smoking situation. The ship is almost all balconies, so people automatically think they’re going to be able to smoke, but there are very few places on the ship that they can smoke.” – Robin Tash
“Guests who have sailed on other cruise lines may be price sensitive, as Celebrity is a premium cruise line. Also the Silhouette out of New Jersey is only offering 12-night sailings, which may be too long for some guests.” – Elaine Zervos
Is there a type of client who would not like the Celebrity Silhouette?
“For clients expecting nonstop activity, it may be disappointing.” – Veronica Tyson
“My standard [mass market] client is not going to like it. It’s not loud enough. Honestly I have tons of clients that just wouldn’t like it, who would think it was too stuffy. They still have formal nights, the dress is a little bit nicer – it’s that kind of ship.” – Robin Tash
“I do not think it is particularly suited for young children.” – Mary Germano
