Celestyal has confirmed that Jarrod Zurvas will now oversee sales activity in Australia and New Zealand in addition to Asia, expanding his role as Director of Business Development Asia Pacific. He commenced the new role in July and is based in Malaysia.
In his new capacity, Jarrod will be responsible for driving growth across Asia Pacific, working with Celestyal’s regional partners as the cruise line expands into the Arabian Gulf. This expansion includes both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey sailing year-round in the Gulf for the first time in 2025.
Jarrod will continue to work closely with Celestyal’s Australian Business Development Manager, Mary Williams, and with Australian travel representation company Ascend Travel Group, led by Julie Primmer and Lynda Wallace, who manage in-market trade relationships for the line.
Industry support and leadership changes
Jarrod reports to Vice President Business Development Marios Polydorou. Marios said Jarrod’s expanded remit comes as Janet Parton shifts her focus to Celestyal Travel, a new UK-focused tour operator initiative, alongside her role as VP Business Development UK & Europe.
“I’m thrilled to announce Jarrod’s expanded responsibilities and know he will do a fantastic job driving sales in the Australian market as Celestyal navigates a period of aggressive growth,” Marios said.
“With the arrival of Celestyal Discovery in the Arabian Gulf this year, alongside Celestyal Journey, both our ships will be cruising year-round for the first time,” Marios said.
He noted that guest numbers in the Gulf will double compared to the previous year and described the move as an opportunity for Australia and Asia Pacific.
Marios added that the line has “ambitious plans to double Australian bookings,” with Jarrod positioned to support this expansion.
Where you might know Jarrod from
Jarrod, originally from Mackay in north Queensland, brings more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience across travel, hospitality, and FMCG. He joined Celestyal as Director of Business Development Asia earlier in 2025. His past roles include positions at SeaDream Yacht Club, Captain Cook Cruises, Coral Expeditions, and Variety Cruises.
He said he is looking forward to strengthening the company’s ties with the Australian trade.
“It is an exciting time to be overseeing the Australian market for Celestyal and I’m looking forward to working with Mary, Lynda and Julie to expand our presence down under.
“With the majority of our business coming via trade channels, I’ll be spending more time at ‘home’ growing relationships with our valued partners and the travel agents who are such an important part of our success,” he said.
Jarrod added that the Gulf region will be a key focus.
“We know Australians love cruising and spend a lot of time travelling in the Gulf, so we’ll be looking to tap into this demand to put this exciting region on the cruise map in our uniquely Celestyal way, while continuing to promote our great value, destination immersive cruises in Greece and the Mediterranean.”
Celestyal operates two recently refurbished ships carrying around 1,300 passengers each and sails year-round in the Greek Islands, Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Arabian Gulf. Welcoming more than 140,000 passengers annually from over 130 nationalities, the line highlights destination immersion and personalised service. These core strengths will shape Jarrod’s engagement with the trade as he promotes new year-round Gulf sailings alongside the company’s established Mediterranean program.
KARRYON UNPACKS: With Celestyal doubling down on the Gulf and eyeing growth from Australia, agents have a clear opportunity to sell new year-round itineraries. Jarrod Zurvas’ appointment signals a stronger trade presence and more support for local partners.
