Latest news with #CelestyalDiscovery
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Celestyal strengthens partnership with Qatar doubling calls to Doha over the next three years
The agreement was announced at the Arabia Tarvel Market this week, doubling the number of guests Celestyal will bring into Doha over the next three years, with twice weekly calls during the winter season, alongside the existing three-year homeport arrangement. Last year, Celestyal launched the 'Desert Days' itinerary onboard the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey, homeporting from Doha, Qatar. The first season saw 14,500 guests sail into Doha with 10% coming from the GCC and surrounding regions experiencing the Celestyal product. Following the success of the inaugural season, which was extended due to the demand, the cruise line will now return to the region with two ships in December this year, and feature twice weekly calls to Qatar. The seven-night 'Desert Days' cruise sails roundtrip from Doha, calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, with an overnight stay in Dubai. Prices start from $1478 for two people on a seven-night voyage, with all meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities included. In addition, the recently refurbished 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery will join her fleet mate for the next three winter seasons, sailing the new-to-2025 three-, four- and seven-night 'Iconic Arabia' cruises. Sailing roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, the itinerary includes calls at Doha, Khasab, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, and maiden visits to Ras al Khaimah. Prices start from $718 for two people on a three-night voyage, and $918 for two people on a four-night cruise, with all meals, soft drinks Wi-Fi and gratuities included. Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: "It's a privilege to extend and strengthen our partnership with Qatar Tourism, Visit Qatar and Mwani Qatar. As one of our landmark homeports, Doha is a firm favourite amongst our guests, which is why we're excited to be doubling our calls to the region over the next three years, with twice weekly calls throughout the winter seasons. 'Following a very successful first season in the Arabian Gulf with Celestyal Journey, we are delighted to be doubling our capacity in the region for the next three years, with Celestyal Discovery joining her fleet mate from December this year. We know there is a real demand for the Arabian Gulf, and we are proud to be at the forefront of showcasing this region. As a cruise line that offers deeply immersive experiences, we proudly promote the destinations we visit and in a booming city like Doha, new and returning Celestyal guests are sure to find something fresh and exciting to do.' Celestyal's shore excursion programme includes 10 Qatari excursions that will transport guests to the heart of the state, including tours that explore the cultural icons of the destination, trips that combine high teas, mosque visits and beach stays, and full day excursions curated by the contracted DMC that may include the Falcon Souk, Grand Mosque and luxury boutiques and exceptional local museums. Celestyal reports that during the first season the most popular Qatari excursions were 'The Quest to the Inland Sea' which gives guests a snapshot of local life before transporting them into the desert and onto the large tidal bay recognised for its national heritage, and a 'Cultural Journey Through Doha', which takes guests from Souk Waqif, Pearl Qatar-Island, Katara Cultural village and culminates at Dhow Harbour and the beautiful Museum of Islamic Art. Both are half day experiences which start from £54 / €62/ $69/ A$103 per person Prices are in line with Celestyal's current offers, valid to May 31, 2025, and also feature a 'kids fare for free' promotion on third and fourth berths. There is a 'Two-for-One Shore Excursion' offer which is also combinable on select seven-night sailings from April 2025 to March 2027, and applies to specific excursions only. About Celestyal Celestyal, an award-winning and year-round cruise company, continues to set the standard for unmissable travel experiences in the Greek Islands, the Adriatic, and the Arabian Gulf. Built on a foundation of unique Greek heritage, the company excels in delivering exceptional hospitality, ensuring genuine cultural immersion both onboard and onshore. Operating two brand new vessels, accommodating up to 1360 passengers each, Celestyal prioritizes highly personalised services, establishing a high-end environment that welcomes over 140,000 passengers annually from more than 130 different nationalities. About Visit Qatar Visit Qatar is the main arm of Qatar Tourism. Visit Qatar's mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, enhancing Qatar's calendar, becoming the leading MICE destination in the region, diversifying events and luxury experiences. Visit Qatar is rooted in Service Excellent, boosting the entire tourism value chain, and increasing local and international visitor demand in Qatar. Through Visit Qatar's network of international offices in priority markets, cutting-edge digital platforms, and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar is expanding Qatar's presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector. About Qatar Tourism Qatar Tourism is the regulatory body of the tourism sector in Qatar. Its mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, and delivering luxury experiences. With a clear vision to strengthen Qatar's position as a premier family-tourism destination distinguished by service excellence, Qatar tourism aims to diversifying tourism offerings in the country and increasing visitor spend by encouraging private sector involvement and investments.
Gulf Insider
04-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Celestyal Unveils Winter Sun Arabian Gulf Cruises
Celestyal, a global cruise operator, announced the launch of four new 14-night repositioning cruises as part of its winter Sun season in the Arabian Gulf. The sailings feature two new countries for the brand – Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and five maiden calls – Aqaba in Jordan, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman, Sharm El Sheikh and Ain Sukhna in Egypt. The itineraries also mark the cruise line's return to Egypt after a two-year break. 'A new 14-night 'Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi' itinerary will be available across the two-ship fleet,' the company said. The other returning 14-night cruise will be 'Dazzling Doha to Ancient Athens.' The Celestyal Journey will depart Athens on November 22, 2025, calling at Port Said, with maiden calls to Sharm El Shiekh, Aqaba, Jeddah and Muscat, followed by Dubai, arriving back into Abu Dhabi on December 6, 2025, in time for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. Celestyal Discovery will depart Athens on November 28, 2025, charting the same course with an additional call at Kusadasi, Turkey, arriving for her maiden call into Abu Dhabi on December 13, 2025, ahead of its inaugural winter season. The outbound two-positioning cruises will feature several bookable segments ranging between four and 13 nights, the company said. The announcement comes following Celestyal Journey's return to Athens this week, following a successful and extended maiden season in the Arabian Gulf. Bookings were 27 per cent above target for the first season, which saw the ship homeport in Doha, Qatar, as part of a three-year partnership with the state. Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal, said the company's 10th anniversary year will be bigger than ever, beginning with extensive renovations across its fleet and an expanded programme featuring two new countries, five new ports of call, and a long-awaited return to Egypt. '2024 was a record-breaking year for Celestyal, with our highest-ever bookings, thanks to the incredible support of our guests, regional partners, travel agents and staff. As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering unmissable experiences for our guests,' he said. Prices start from $339 per person for a four-night voyage to $1029 per person for a 14-night cruise.
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Celestyal repositioning cruises offer winter sun at 60 per cent discount
Celestyal Cruises has unveiled its latest repositioning cruise itineraries – letting passengers sail with the brand and enjoy winter sun for up to 60 per cent cheaper than usual. A repositioning cruise moves ships to their next homeport or departure base between peak periods. The itinerary typically has fewer stops as you are essentially staying on board while the vessel relocates for its next season but that is often reflected in the cruise fare. After spending the summer and autumn months in the Mediterranean, Celestyal will be relocating its ships to the Arabian Gulf for the 2025/2026 winter season. Passengers can come along for the repositioning and book a cabin for a new 14-night Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi itinerary across the two-ship fleet. These voyages still offer several stops during the repositioning. The cruise line will also return to Egypt for the first time in two years, and will make its debut in Jordan and Saudi Arabia during these itineraries. Celestyal Journey will depart Athens on 22 November 2025, calling at Port Said and with maiden calls to Sharm El Sheikh, Aqaba, Jeddah and Muscat, followed by Dubai. Prices start from £857 per person for the 14 nights. If you can travel outside of peak periods, the repositioning cruise can work out up to 61 per cent cheaper than other dates and routes with the brand. For example, Celestyal's 14-night Mediterranean Icons cruise from Athens costs from £2,209 per person when sailing in May 2025. The repositioning is also 55 per cent cheaper than doing a 14-night Mediterranean cruise with Celestyal in August. There are also shorter options such as a four-night sailing from Athens to Sharm El Sheikh from £262 per person compared with a four-night Iconic Greek Islands cruise that would cost from £599 in May – a 56 per cent difference. The ship will arrive in Abu Dhabi on 6 December 2025, in time for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. She then departs on her Desert Days and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sailing on 7 December, which costs from £629 per person for seven nights. Alternatively, Celestyal Discovery, which has just had a refit to add 47 new cabins, refreshed decor and a new Smoked Olive restaurant, departs from Athens on 28 November and follows the same route with an additional call at Kusadasi, Turkey. Cruise fares start from £795 per person for 14-nights and there is also a four-day route from £262 per person. The ship arrives for her maiden call into Abu Dhabi on 13 December 2025. Her inaugural winter season will sail three, four and seven-night Iconic Arabia itineraries, with the ship homeporting over the winter season in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years. The Iconic Arabia cruises start from £279 per person based on a three-night sailing. At the end of winter next year, Celestyal Discovery will cruise from Abu Dhabi on 6 March 2026 for its repositioning, charting the same return course and arriving back into Athens for the summer Greece and Mediterranean season. Celestyal Journey will depart Abu Dhabi on 21 March. Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: "Last year, we committed to offering our guests even more destinations. 'Whether they are returning travellers or new to cruising, we welcome everyone with the warm hospitality that is at the heart of our heritage. Our tenth anniversary year will be bigger than ever, beginning with extensive renovations across our fleet and an expanded programme featuring two new countries, four new ports of call, and a long-awaited return to Egypt.'
Tourism Breaking News
27-03-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Celestyal unveils new itineraries and maiden calls for 2025/26 winter sun season: Bookings for inaugural Arabian Gulf season 27% above target
Post Views: 82 Celestyal has launched four new 14-night repositioning cruises, as part of its winter sun season in the Arabian Gulf. The sailings feature two new countries for the brand, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and four maiden calls: Aqaba in Jordan, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman and Sharm El Shiekh in Egypt. The itineraries also mark the cruise line's return to Egypt after a two-year break. A new 14-night 'Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi' itinerary will be available across the two-ship fleet. Celestyal Journey will depart Athens on 22 November 2025, calling at Port Said, with maiden calls to Sharm El Shiekh, Aqaba, Jeddah and Muscat, followed by Dubai, arriving back into Abu Dhabi on 6 December 2025, in time for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. She then departs on her 'Desert Days and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix' sailing on 07 December, taking in the race weekend before embarking on the first 'Desert Days' itinerary of the season. Celestyal Discovery will depart Athens on 28 November 2025, charting the same course with an additional call at Kusadasi, Turkey, arriving for her maiden call into Abu Dhabi on 13 December 2025, ahead of its inaugural winter season sailing the new-to-2025 three-, four- and seven-night 'Iconic Arabia' itineraries and homeporting in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years. The two returning 14-night 'Amazing Abu Dhabi to Ancient Athens' cruises will also feature across both ships. Celestyal Discovery will cruise from Abu Dhabi on 6 March 2026, charting the same return course and arriving back into Athens for the summer Greece and Mediterranean season. Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey will depart Abu Dhabi on 21 March 2026. All four cruises will feature several bookable segments ranging between four and 13-nights. The announcement comes following Celestyal Journey's return into Athens yesterday, following a successful maiden season in the Arabian Gulf. Bookings were 27% above target for the first season, which saw the ship homeport in Doha, Qatar, as part of a three-year partnership with the state. Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: 'Last year, we committed to offering our guests even more destinations. Whether they are returning travellers or new to cruising, we welcome everyone with the warm hospitality that is at the heart of our heritage. Our tenth anniversary year will be bigger than ever, beginning with extensive renovations across our fleet and an expanded programme featuring two new countries, four new ports of call, and a long-awaited return to Egypt. '2024 was a record-breaking year for Celestyal, with our highest-ever bookings. We know this success is thanks to the incredible support of our guests, regional partners, travel agents and staff. As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering unmissable experiences for our guests.' Prices start from, $339 per person on a four-night voyage, and $1029 per person on a 14-night cruise including meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities. >> ADD only in markets required: (with Junior Dream Suite prices starting at $2599 per person on each 14-night cruise). >> TRADE: For more information visit the Celestyal trade portal, contact your local Celestyal business development representative or call 0808 258 4170.
Asharq Al-Awsat
24-03-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Greece's Santorini Welcomes First Cruise Ship after Quakes
Greece's tourism jewel, Santorini, welcomed its first cruise ship of the year on Sunday after thousands of small earthquakes in February created a state of emergency, forced thousands to flee and had locals fearing the season would be lost. Millions of tourists flock to Santorini every year, squeezing along its whitewashed cobbled streets to view its famous cliff-top sunset. The increased seismic activity - unprecedented even in a country as quake-prone as Greece - had prompted authorities to shut schools, halt construction and dispatch rescuers to the island. On Sunday morning, the Celestyal Discovery docked in the sparkling Aegean waters off Santorini with around 1,700 mostly American tourists on board, Reuters reported. Celestyal Cruises had taken Santorini off its list earlier this month. "It's exciting to know that the island's open again and we get to visit first," said 67-year-old Deborah Terry. Another passenger, Julie Eberly, said she was confident the island was out of danger. "We trust the tourism board here, so if they said it was safe to come, we came with open arms." An island of around 20,000 residents, Santorini took its current shape following one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history around 1600 BC. It welcomes around 2.5 million tourists every year and its economy depends almost exclusively on tourism. Locals said they were pinning their hopes on visitors returning to the island. "We all hope that things will return to normal, that people will come back," said Tassos Kontos, a shop owner. "The cloud seems to be lifting." No major damage has been reported on the island following the quakes, but authorities have said they will set up an evacuation port to facilitate the safe escape of people in case a bigger quake hits.
