Celestyal, an award-winning global cruise line that provides its passengers with all-inclusive onboard experiences, will homeport its newest ship, the Celestyal Journey, in Dubai for the next three years as part of its week-long, winter “Desert Days” calendar, which includes sailing roundtrip from the city and calling at Bahrain, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi.
Celestyal Journey marked its maiden call in Dubai on Monday, December 9, entering the emirate’s waters with a dhow escort and hosting a plaque exchange ceremony and a star-studded party to kick off this exciting tourism project, a result of collaboration between Greek company Celestyal and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that aims to share the region’s extraordinary offerings with the wider world.
Celestyal Journey’s new “Desert Days” itinerary, which is available now, sails until March 2025, and will return each winter for the next three years.
Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer, Celestyal said the “magical” maiden call into port, “marks a significant milestone” in the cruise line’s history.
“The dhow escort into port was a magical moment and the perfect way to officially start our long-term relationship with this captivating destination. We would like to thank our partners in the region and look forward to a successful first season and beyond.
“Dubai had to be on our Desert Days itinerary because it is such an iconic city and a place we believe our guests need to experience. As a truly global city, it provides the ideal mix of culture, immersion and bucket-list moments for our passengers.”
For his part, Saud Hareb Almheiri, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said the UAE is “honoured by Celestyal launching its service in Dubai and making our city the homeport for its cruise ship Celestyal Journey, highlighting the city’s status as the premier cruise hub of the region.
“The confidence shown by a global cruise line like Celestyal in choosing Dubai reflects our city’s unique value proposition – from our strategic geographic location and world-class maritime infrastructure, to our superior global connectivity and diverse destination offerings – all of which contribute to an unparalleled visitor experience.”
He said this has all been made possible thanks to the city’s visionary leadership, as well as unwavering support and dedication of stakeholders and partners, who continue to play a pivotal role in Dubai’s growth as a cruise tourism destination.
“We look forward to welcoming passengers boarding Celestyal Journey and extending to them the warm hospitality that Dubai is renowned for,” he said.
Meantime, noting that The Arabian Gulf has long been a hub of culture, commerce, and luxury, Saleh Mohamad, General Manager of Elevate Cruises, said the monumental homeporting is seen to make the gulf “an even more desirable destination for travelers from around the world.”
“We are thrilled to be part of this journey, and we look forward to working closely together with Celestyal as we collaborate to provide unparalleled luxury and hospitality. At Elevate Cruises, we share a commitment to offering exceptional experiences, and this partnership is a powerful opportunity to bring our shared values to life and create meaningful, personalised journeys for our guests,” he said.
Next winter, Celestyal Journey will be joined by Celestyal Discovery when it starts its own three-year stint in Abu Dhabi. Offering three-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ weekend cruises round-trip from Abu Dhabi and calling at Doha, Bahrain and Dubai, Celestyal Discovery will also run a four-night, mid-week cruise sailing round trip from Abu Dhabi and calling at Fujairah, Muscat, and Khasab.
The remarkable Celestyal Journey boasts 630 suites and staterooms, seven restaurants, eight bars and lounges, two pools and jacuzzis, and an entire deck dedicated to wellness – complete with a spa, fitness, and wellness areas.
After a multi-million euro refurbishment in September 2023, Celestyal Journey received additional upgrades as it set off on its journey to the Middle East from Athens, including enhancements to the Junior Dream Suites and the addition of Café Nation, a popular coffee bar introduced on its sister ship, Celestyal Discovery, in March earlier this year.
The launch price of the ‘Desert Days’ itinerary starts from €359 / $409 / £319 / A$579 per person, representing a potential 67 per cent saving on the regular price, while the ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises start from €239 / £219 / $279 / A$389 per person, representing a 57 per cent saving.
For more information visit celestyal.com or call 0808 258 4170.
