Latest news with #LeeHaslett
West Australian
02-07-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Celestyal Cruises unveils 2027-2028 sailing program for Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf
Advance-planners will delight in news leading cruise company Celestyal has released its 2027 and early 2028 sailings — all 182 of them. Representing the earliest-ever season launch for the award-winning line, the program traverses the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf from March 2027 to March 2028. Join the 100,000 passengers who travel aboard Celestyal's state-of-the-art vessels every year with nine itineraries on offer across a huge range of dates during the northern summer and beyond. The 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery has itineraries ranging from three to 14 nights, while the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey offers sailings of seven to 14 days. Highlights include the seven-day Heavenly Greece, Italy and Croatia trip, calling in at picturesque spots like Kefalonia, Corfu, Montenegro, Dubrovnik and Bari, and the four-night Iconic Arabia cruise, which stops at Doha, Dubai and Khasab in Oman. Celestyal chief commercial officer Lee Haslett says the program reflects the company's second year operating its two-ship fleet year-round. 'The return of some well-loved itineraries across the Mediterranean, Adriatic and the Greek Isles, and our continued commitment to the Arabian Gulf, allows guests to experience the perfect blend of iconic landmarks and hidden gems, while enjoying the outstanding hospitality for which we are known,' Haslett says. + All fares are inclusive of all meals, soft drinks, wifi, port fees and gratuities. + Bookings made before August 31 will receive a bonus 25 per cent extra on all credit added to their CelestyalPay tab before departure, up to €250 ($448). + Visit for more.
The Independent
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
A first look at new Celestyal Discovery cabins after cruise ship refit
More passengers will be able to sail with Celestyal following a refit on one of the cruise brand's ships. The 1,360-capacity Celestyal Discovery has completed a refit, which includes 47 new cabins. Among the new cabins are 30 junior dream suites and two grand horizon suites located above the bridge with 15.5m² balconies, increasing the ship's premium capacity by more than 50 per cent. Another 15 interior Cosmos Cabins have also been added, pushing capacity up by 7.4 per cent overall. The new cabins were developed with design agency AMK, incorporating elements inspired by the regions the ship visits. The ship is currently sailing its Mediterranean season and will head to the Arabian Gulf in December for its maiden deployment in the region. Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: 'This winter's refit programme on board Celestyal Discovery speaks volumes about our continued investment into our guest experience. 'We've not only added more balcony staterooms but enhanced our premium cabin options to meet growing demand for more space and comfort, while preserving the small-ship charm and personal service that we're known for. 'These images showcase just how far we've come, and we're incredibly proud to be taking Celestyal Discovery to the Arabian Gulf for the very first time this December.' Celestyal Discovery will make its Arabian Gulf debut on 12 December 2025, joining sister ship Celestyal Journey, which returns to the region on 6 December, with a Grand Prix celebratory sailing. The ships will offer a season of three-, four- and seven-night cruises from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha, with sailings scheduled until March 2026 and set to continue for the next three consecutive years. Celestyal is currently offering up to 60 per cent off across 87 sailings from June 2025 to March 2027 if you book by 31 August 2025. All promotional fares include meals, soft drinks, wifi, port fees and gratuities. Guests will also receive 25 per cent extra on all credit added to their CelestyalPay tab before departure, earning up to €250 (£213) on-board credit.
Mid East Info
12-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Celestyal shares first look of new Celestyal Discovery cabins ahead of inaugural Arabian Gulf season - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE: Celestyal has released the first official images of its enhanced cabin offering onboard Celestyal Discovery, following the ship's second extensive winter refit in Athens earlier this year. The 1360-guest ship returned to service in March 2025 to launch the line's Mediterranean season and will head to the Arabian Gulf for December for its maiden deployment in the region. Among the upgrades are 47 new staterooms – including 30 'Junior Dream Suites' and two 'Grand Horizon Suites' located above the bridge with 15.5m² balconies – increasing the ship's premium capacity by more than 50%. Fifteen additional interior 'Cosmos Cabins' have also been added, resulting in a 7.4% overall capacity uplift. The new staterooms were developed in partnership with design agency AMK, incorporating design elements inspired by the regions the ship visits. Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: 'This winter's refit programme onboard Celestyal Discovery speaks volumes about our continued investment into our guest experience. We've not only added more balcony staterooms but enhanced our premium cabin options to meet growing demand for more space and comfort, while preserving the small-ship charm and personal service that we're known for. These images showcase just how far we've come, and we're incredibly proud to be taking Celestyal Discovery to the Arabian Gulf for the very first time this December.' Celestyal Discovery will make its Arabian Gulf debut on December 12, 2025, joining its fleet mate Celestyal Journey, which returns to the region on December 6, with a Grand Prix celebratory sailing. The ships will offer a season of three-, four- and seven-night cruises from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha, with sailings scheduled through to March 2026 – and set to continue for the next three consecutive years. Celestyal Discovery will homeport from Abu Dhabi for the next three seasons, and the Arabian Gulf itineraries include: A weekly three-night 'Iconic Arabia' cruise: roundtrip from Abu Dhabi (Friday to Monday) with calls to Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island, offering beach and wildlife safari experiences. Prices from $339. A weekly four-night 'Iconic Arabia' cruise: roundtrip from Abu Dhabi (Monday to Friday) with calls to Doha, Dubai (via Ras Al Khaimah), and Khasab in Oman. Prices from $429. All three- and four-night 'Iconic Arabia' cruises are combinable, with seven nights from $689. The release of the imagery coincides with the recent launch of Celestyal's Summer Promotion, running until August 31, 2025, offering up to 60% off across 87 sailings from June 2025 to March 2027. All promotional fares include meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities. Guests will also receive 25% extra on all credit added to their CelestyalPay tab before departure, earning up to €250 onboard spend. 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.
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.
Arabian Business
15-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Cruise giant Celestyal inks three-year tourism deal with Abu Dhabi
Global cruise operator Celestyal said it signed a three-year agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to promote the emirate as a key destination among the liner's guests. The multi-year partnership, agreed at Seatrade Global in Miami, will also aim to further establish the cruise line's affiliations to the region, Celestyal said in a media release. Celestyal boosts UAE ties Celestyal is set to return to the region with two ships in December this year, featuring three weekly calls to Abu Dhabi across the winter season until March 2026. Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said the company considers it a privilege to sign the three-year agreement with DCT Abu Dhabi. 'Abu Dhabi is a diverse and stunning destination, which is why we're excited to not only homeport there, but also include three weekly calls to the city throughout the winter season for the next three years,' he said. Haslett said the company looks forward to working closely with its agent partners to showcase everything it has to offer. 'The cruise industry in the Arabian Gulf is on track to welcome record passenger numbers in the coming years, and after a strong first season in the region, we're excited to bring the very best of this special part of the world to our guests for many years to come,' he said. The cruise operator's shore excursion programme includes nine Abu Dhabi excursions that transport guests to the heart of the emirate. These include half-day tours taking in the best of Abu Dhabi, food and culture explorations, theme park visits, VIP beach days, as well as classic desert safaris and attractions. Last year, Celestyal launched a seven-day 'Desert Days' itinerary, onboarding the 1,260 guests Celestyal Journey, sailing round trip from Doha and calling at Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. The successful extended inaugural season ran from November until March 2025, and will feature for a minimum of three seasons.
