Celestyal Cruises Expands Arabian Gulf Tours

Celestyal Cruises Expands Arabian Gulf Offerings

Celestyal Cruises is expanding its Arabian Gulf itineraries, increasing capacity by 10% to meet traveler demand. The new Desert Days cruise embarks on a five-day journey from Dubai on March 3, 2025, concluding in Abu Dhabi on March 7, 2025.

Desert Days Itinerary 2025
Desert Days Itinerary 2025

Passengers can experience:

  • Khasab’s forts and fjords
  • Sir Bani Yas Island’s wildlife sanctuary
  • Abu Dhabi’s rich culture

Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lee Haslett, stated: “We’re pleased by the response to our Arabian Gulf itineraries, which offer guests a mix of landmarks and hidden gems.”

This additional itinerary stems from the popularity of these sailings. The existing Desert Days itineraries are filling quickly, with limited availability for the February 15, 22, and March 1 departures.

Sir Bani Yas
Sir Bani Yas

Live Your Vacation Dream Campaign

Celestyal is offering a Live Your Vacation Dream campaign, featuring a 50% discount on fares. Guests can embark on an Arabian adventure for about $600 per person, including:

  • Gratuities
  • Port fees
  • Meals
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Shore excursion voucher

Travelers will sail aboard the Celestyal Journey, a Statendam-class cruise liner built in 1994. A renovation in Dubai, scheduled to finish by February 15, 2025, will introduce fresh designs and upgraded interiors.

Celestyal Journey: A Newly Refurbished Experience

The Celestyal Journey underwent a $21 million refurbishment in September 2023, now featuring new amenities. These include:

  • Stylish dining establishments
  • Lively bars
  • Open decks for sunset viewing
Premium Spaces Aboard Celestyal Journey
Premium Spaces Aboard Celestyal Journey

Dining options aboard are diverse, with Asian and Mediterranean cuisine served in newly designed restaurants. For leisure, the ship offers:

  • Two pools
  • A movie theater
  • Spa
  • Fitness center

The vessel features a mix of inside and outside cabins, with 80% offering ocean views. This layout caters to travelers who appreciate sea vistas.

These enhancements reflect Celestyal’s aim to provide modern cruising experiences. As a key player in the Arabian Gulf’s cruise market, the company offers journeys combining comfort and adventure.

Celestyal’s Promising Future

Celestyal’s future looks promising, with two ships planning routes across various regions, from the Arabian Gulf to the Mediterranean and Greek islands.

The expansion into the Arabian Gulf highlights Celestyal’s strategy to explore emerging markets. By including destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the company creates opportunities for encounters with nature and history.

This move represents more than a geographical shift for Celestyal. It shows the company’s growth vision, adapting its offerings to include popular experiences and prime destinations. As the cruise line’s appeal grows, passengers can expect journeys that blend luxury, culture, and exploration.

Have you considered an Arabian Gulf cruise? What aspects of this region interest you most?
  1. Celestyal Cruises. Press Release: Celestyal Cruises Announces Expansion into Arabian Gulf. 2023.
  2. Maritime Industry Report. Cruise Line Market Analysis: Mediterranean and Middle East. 2024.