Celestyal to deploy new ship to operate expanded Arabian Gulf programme

The new sailings on Celestyal Discovery will no longer sail the Three Continents itinerary. Customers on the six affected departures have been contacted in advance and either reimbursed or offered alternative cruises. 

Celestyal Journey will homeport in Doha for the Desert Days itinerary in a three-year partnership with the region. 

The ship will make maiden calls to Khasab, Oman; Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. 

The itinerary launches on 9 November 2024 with special sailings available including festive cruises plus Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix departures. 

Celestyal Discovery launched in March 2024 and Celestyal Journey in September 2023.

Chief commercial officer Lee Haslett said: “An impressive 86% of our guests tell us they want to come back to Celestyal, so we’re delivering on our commitment to broaden our programmes. 

“We’re renowned as the cruise specialists of the Greek islands and Mediterranean and, thanks to the commitment of the region and this overwhelming support from our customers and trusted partners, we are now confident in becoming the go-to cruise specialists of the Arabian Gulf.”