Latest news with #CelestyalDiscovery
The Independent
5 days ago
- 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.
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.'
