Spread the love

Post Views: 157

In a groundbreaking move that positions Celestyal Cruises as a formidable player in the global cruise industry, the company has announced a significant expansion into the Arabian Gulf, with new itineraries set to launch in 2025. This bold initiative marks the first time Celestyal will operate year-round in the region, leveraging the growing demand for luxury travel experiences in the Gulf.

A Strategic Expansion: Two Ships in the Gulf

Celestyal’s expansion will see not one but two of its ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, sailing the Arabian Gulf. This represents a 30% increase in capacity from the 2023-2024 season, underscoring the company’s commitment to establishing itself as a regional leader.

Celestyal Discovery, the line’s latest addition, will embark on its maiden Arabian Gulf voyage in 2025, homeporting in Abu Dhabi. From there, it will offer a series of rotating three- and four-night itineraries that can be combined into an immersive seven-night experience. These cruises, running from November to March during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 seasons, will explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of Oman, Dubai, Qatar, and the wildlife sanctuary on Sir Bani Yas Island.

Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey will solidify its presence in the region by homeporting in Doha for three consecutive winter seasons, starting in November 2024. The ship will operate the highly anticipated ‘Desert Days’ itinerary, a seven-day journey featuring maiden calls at Khasab (Oman), Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE), Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain’s Khalifa Bin Salman port. This itinerary offers a unique blend of modern luxury and ancient traditions, appealing to both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers.

Meeting Demand with New Adriatic Cruises

Celestyal Journey.

Beyond the Arabian Gulf, Celestyal is also expanding its offerings in the Adriatic region due to overwhelming demand. The cruise line adds 21 new Adriatic cruises across 2025 and 2026, including eight more ‘Heavenly Adriatic’ voyages in 2025 and 13 in 2026. These itineraries will navigate the breathtaking landscapes of Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy, allowing guests to explore iconic ports like Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Venice, and Bari.

Lee Haslett, Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences: “An overwhelming number (86%) of our guests tell us they want to come back to Celestyal. We’re delivering on our commitment to broaden our programs. We’re renowned as the cruise specialists of the Greek islands and Mediterranean, and, thanks to the commitment of the region and this overwhelming support from our customers and trusted partners, we are now confident in becoming the go-to cruise specialists of the Arabian Gulf.”

Unbeatable Early Booking Offers

To celebrate the launch of these new programs, Celestyal is rolling out early booking savings of up to 50% on selected sailings across the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean for 2025-2027. These offers are available until August 31, 2024, making it an opportune time for travellers to secure their spots on these highly sought-after cruises.

Among the highlights:

Celestyal Discovery’s new three-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruise, departing from Abu Dhabi in 2025, with stops in Doha (Qatar) and Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE), starting at just A$449 per person, down from A$900.
The seven-night ‘Desert Days’ cruise, departing from Doha in 2024 aboard Celestyal Journey, with calls at Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, and Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE), from A$859 per person, reduced from A$1800.
A three-night ‘Iconic Aegean’ itinerary, departing from Athens in 2025 on Celestyal Discovery, featuring visits to Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion, and Santorini, now available from A$499 per person, down from A$1260.
The seven-night ‘Heavenly Adriatic’ cruise, departing from Athens in 2025 aboard Celestyal Journey, includes a late stay in Dubrovnik and full-day stops in Kefalonia, Kotor, Bari, Corfu, and Katakolo, with prices starting at A$1289 per person, down from A$2580.
A seven-night ‘Idyllic Aegean’ cruise, also departing from Athens on Celestyal Journey in 2025, offers full days in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, and Milos, plus an extended stay in Mykonos, from A$1289 per person, discounted from A$2580.

For those seeking an extended adventure, the ‘Idyllic Aegean’ sailings can be combined with ‘Heavenly Adriatic’ cruises on select dates, creating an extraordinary 14-night voyage that spans two captivating regions.

Navigating Challenges with Confidence

Despite the excitement surrounding these new offerings, Celestyal has discontinued its ‘Three Continents’ itinerary on Celestyal Discovery. The company has proactively reached out to affected customers, offering them the option of reimbursement or alternative cruises, ensuring that guest satisfaction remains a top priority.

With this ambitious expansion, Celestyal Cruises is enhancing its portfolio and reinforcing its reputation as a pioneer in the cruise industry. The company’s forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction are poised to make waves in the Arabian Gulf and beyond.

For more information on these exciting new itineraries and to take advantage of early booking discounts, visit celestyal.com or call 1800 648 737.