SOUTHAMPTON marketing and communications agency, Lawton Communications Group has been appointed by Celebrity Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, to help drive its ambitious marketing and sales plans forward.

Following a four-way pitch, Southampton-based Lawton's will be developing and implementing an integrated £2m marketing campaign throughout Europe, encompassing all online and offline brand building, advertising, brochure design and direct marketing activity.

Gary West, marketing director EMEA for Celebrity Cruises said: "We're thrilled to be working with Lawton's. Their understanding of the brand is extremely impressive and we are excited about the potential of this working relationship for our business."

Mike Lawton, managing director of Lawton Communications Group said: "We are delighted to have won this prestigious account and we're looking forward to the challenge of growing the Celebrity Cruises brand across Europe over the coming years."

Celebrity Cruises operates one of the most modern fleets in the world, with nine ships cruising throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, South America and Europe.