Conference to take place aboard Celebrity Cruises newest ship, Celebrity Ascent.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Home-based agents with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne were surprised at the Ft. Lauderdale Regional Training when Katina Athanasiou, senior vice president of sales and services for Celebrity Cruises, made the announcement revealing the date, cruise, and itinerary of the network’s 2024 National Conference. Travel advisors will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale on a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity Ascent, the cruise line’s brand-new ship launching Fall 2023. The cruise is slated for November 17, 2024, and will visit several popular Caribbean destinations including Bimini, Labadee, and Grand Cayman.
Celebrity Ascent is the fourth and most innovative ship in Celebrity’s highly awarded Edge Series. It features 32 distinctive restaurants, bars, and lounges, including the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud, and the iconic Sunset Bar offering the perfect gathering spot to enjoy the best views. Plus, guests will also enjoy the signature features of Edge Series ships such as the industry-first outward facing design that maximizes views and outdoor areas allowing guests to connect with the world around them, and modern, spacious staterooms offering a variety of accommodation options from Infinite Verandas to the two-story Edge Villas.
“For more than two decades we have been privileged to work alongside World Travel Holdings, Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, who have all been extraordinary partners for Celebrity Cruises,” said Athanasiou. “The growth of this partnership is so exciting, and we could not be more thrilled and honored that the 2024 Dream Vacations and CruiseOne National Conference will be held onboard our newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, next year. We cannot wait to welcome everyone onboard!”
The most anticipated event of the year for agents with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, the annual National Conference at sea, was one of the first in the industry to entirely take place aboard a weeklong cruise. Each National Conference has an overarching theme that forms the foundation and centerpiece for the content during the conference and throughout the upcoming year. This year’s theme is FOCUS. The itinerary is packed with non-stop educational and networking opportunities, as well as multiple fundraisers for signature charity Make-A-Wish.
“We are thrilled to announce our upcoming National Conference dates, responding to the valuable feedback from our agents who expressed their desire for advanced notice,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. “At Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, we prioritize engagement and innovative ways to connect with our agents. “
“I’m so excited that our 2024 National Conference will be on the new Celebrity Ascent, and I can’t wait to sit my way around the ship,” said LaTasha Henderson, Dream Vacations franchise owner and vacation specialist in Tampa, Fla. “Celebrity displays their relaxed-luxury philosophy in every aspect of their ships and the amazing interior design is a special touch. There are so many comfortable seating options to relax and connect with friends. From hanging chairs in Eden to plush loungers at the Rooftop Garden and comfy high top bar stools at the Sunset Bar, I look forward to sitting in every chair option onboard, between meetings of course.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
