Celestyal, an award-winning global cruise line that provides its passengers with all-inclusive onboard experiences, marked its maiden call in Dubai on Monday, December 9. Entering the emirate’s waters with a dhow escort, the line’s newest ship, Celestyal Journey, hosted a plaque exchange ceremony and a star-studded party to kick off the ship’s first week-long ‘Desert Days’ itinerary, which includes sailing roundtrip from Dubai and calling at Bahrain, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi.
The result of a 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 will homeport from the city for the next three years, with passengers already able to book trips. Celestyal’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season sails until March 2025.
Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer, Celestyal said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our history, as we proudly call in Dubai for our first season. 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.”
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.
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.