Celestyal Cruises appoints david noyes as non-executive chairman

Celestyal Cruises, the award-winning, number one choice for cruise travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, has announced the appointment of David Noyes as Non-Executive Chairman. The appointment, which follows major investment from leading global private investment firm, Searchlight Capital Partners, will further strengthen Celestyal Cruises’ evolution and growth strategy as it aims to amplify its brand globally and build upon its success to-date to renew and expand its fleet.
Noyes brings over 35 years of travel industry experience to the role having worked extensively in aviation, travel management and cruise, most notably with Carnival UK where he held the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President – Operations for P&O Cruises and Cunard. Noyes also brings wide-ranging board experience as he currently serves as Non-Executive Chairman of Grays of Cambridge (International) and as a Non-Executive Director at Network Rail and London Luton Airport Operations Ltd. He also sits on the corporate advisory board for Teenage Cancer Trust.
As Non-Executive Chairman, Noyes will provide leadership to the Celestyal Cruises’ board as well as guidance and support to Celestyal Cruises’ executive team, led by CEO, Chris Theophilides.
Commenting on his appointment, David Noyes said: “I am excited to join Celestyal Cruises and look forward to working closely with Chris and his team as we welcome back our guests this spring. With the backing of Searchlight Capital, this is an exciting time to be joining the Celestyal team, as we look to build upon the brand’s position as the leading cruise operator in the Eastern Mediterranean offering our uniquely authentic, award winning service and personalized experiences to our guests from around the world.”
Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal Cruises, added: “We are delighted that David has joined the board as Chairman and I am confident that his experience and profound knowledge of travel and cruise in particular, will prove invaluable as we work towards our strategic goals of growth and fleet renewal.”
About Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Cruises has fast built an award-winning reputation and recognition as the number one choice for cruise travellers to the Greek Islands and East Mediterranean thanks to its regional expertise and exceptional hospitality. The company operates two vessels, each one intimate enough to provide guests with a genuine and highly personalised experience. The foundation of the company’s philosophy is built on a unique Greek heritage which combines outstanding hospitality with genuine cultural destination immersion and provides authentic, lifetime experiences both onboard and onshore.
Health & Safety
At Celestyal Cruises, our main priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the communities we visit. As a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), we have pledged our commitment to adopt mandatory core elements of enhanced health protocols as part of a phased-in resumption of cruise operations.
Informed by leading scientists, medical experts, European and Hellenic health authorities, these protocols apply to the entire cruise experience. Our Health and safety measures will be continuously evaluated and adjusted based on the current evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe as well as the availability of new prevention, therapeutics, and mitigation measures.
Awards
Between 2014 and 2021 Celestyal Cruises has received top honours in the Tourism Awards, one of the largest and most prestigious awards within the Greek tourism industry. These include 1 Platinum, 14 Gold, 9 Silver and 5 Bronze awards covering Guest Experience Excellence, Solo Travel, CSR Initiatives and Contribution to National Economy.
In December 2018 and 2019 Celestyal Cruises received the Cruise Critic U.K. Editors’ Picks Award for Best Service. In February 2018 Celestyal Cruises received four Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards -two first place awards for Shore Excursions and Value, and two second place awards for Service and Entertainment.
In 2019 and 2020, Celestyal Cruises was recognized for its overall contribution and commitment to the development of the cruise industry in the Eastern Mediterranean region at the MedCruise Awards.
Corporate Responsibility
Celestyal Cruises is deeply committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. The company actively supports the local communities in the destinations it visits, particularly in the field of education. Additionally, Celestyal Cruises supports cultural NGOs to promote youth entrepreneurship, marine student development and child welfare.
ISO Certification
The entire spectrum of Celestyal Cruises’ ship management, including technical, hotel and crew management, and offices, are certified in accordance with ISO 9001/14001 standards. The certifying authority is DNV, which is by widely recognized as the biggest and most respected rating agency in the marine industry.
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