Flagship Celestyal Journey arrived in Doha, Qatar to kick off its maiden Arabian Gulf season. The season begins with two specially themed F1 voyages, which will take in the Qatar and Abu Dhabi grand prix events. Thirty-two global agents were hosted on a five-day F1 themed ‘super fam’ to mark the launch. The Fam comprises a three-night land stay, with various local excursions including to the Arabian Travel Market, and two days on Celestyal Journey while docked at Doha’s Grand Cruise Terminal. Attendees also had the option to attend the Qatar Grand Prix races and a speaking session with Formula 1 driver and presenter David Coulthard. Travel agents were also gifted a free ‘Desert Days’ cruise credit to use to experience the full voyage. Celestyal hosted an onboard event in partnership with Visit Qatar, Qatar Tourism, Qatar Airways and Mwani Port Authority while the ship was docked in port on November 30. After the F1, Celestyal Journey departures will be seven-night ‘Desert Days’ itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Doha, until March 2025. Each cruise features calls at Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, an overnight stay in Dubai Marina, as well as visits to the lesser-known destinations of Khasab and Sir Bani Yas Island. Celestyal Journey will sail from Doha for three consecutive years throughout the winter seasons, following a collaboration between Celestyal and Visit Qatar. The ship features 630 suites and staterooms, seven restaurants, eight bars and lounges, two pools and Jacuzzis, and a dedicated wellness deck. The ship underwent a multi-million Euro refurbishment in September 2023, prior to joining the Celestyal fleet. Additional refurbishments were made enroute to Doha, including adding a Café Nation coffee bar, which was introduced on sister ship Celestyal Discovery in March 2024. Celestyal Discovery will join Celestyal Journey in the Gulf at the end of 2025. The ship will sail three-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Khalifa Bin Salman (Bahrain) and Dubai Marina, as well as four-night cruises to Fujairah, Muscat and Kasab.

  Celestyal has confirmed its flagship, Celestyal Journey, has arrived in Doha, Qatar, to start the line’s maiden Arabian Gulf season. The season begins with two specially themed F1 voyages, which will take in the Qatar and Abu Dhabi grand prix events.   32 global agents are being hosted on a five-day F1 themed ‘super fam’ to mark the launch. The fam comprises a three-night land stay, with various local excursions including to the Arabian Travel Market, and two days on Celestyal Journey while she is docked at Doha’s Grand Cruise Terminal. The attendees also had the option to attend the Qatar Grand Prix races and join a speaking session with Formula 1 driver and presenter David Coulthard, and Formula 1 presenter Laura Winter. During the event all of the global agents in attendance were gifted a free ‘Desert Days’ cruise credit so that they could return to experience the full voyage.   In addition, Celestyal hosted an onboard event in partnership with Visit Qatar, Qatar Tourism, Qatar Airways and Mwani Port Authority for local dignitaries, while the ship was docked in port on November 30. They joined for a series of presentations, a ship tour, the traditional plaque exchange ceremony and a celebratory lunch.   Subsequent Celestyal Journey departures will comprise a series of seven-night ‘Desert Days’ itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Doha, up to March 2025. Each cruise features calls to the iconic destinations of Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, an overnight stay in Dubai Marina, as well as visits to the lesser-known destinations of Khasab and Sir Bani Yas Island.   Celestyal Journey will sail from Doha for three consecutive years throughout the winter seasons, following a collaboration between Celestyal and Visit Qatar.   The ship features 630 suites and staterooms, seven restaurants, eight bars and lounges, two pools and Jacuzzis, and a deck dedicated to wellness including a spa and fitness area. It underwent a multi-million Euro refurbishment in September 2023, prior to entering the Celestyal fleet. Additional refurbishments were made enroute to Doha, including adding a Café Nation coffee bar, which was introduced on fleet mate Celestyal Discovery in March 2024.   Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “We’re incredibly excited to see our first ever Arabian Gulf season get under way. I would like to thank our partners at Visit Qatar, Mwani port authority and Qatar Airways for their continued support and warm welcome to the region. We are confident that our special FI themed cruises will ensure we have a roaring start to the season, while the Desert Days itinerary offers the very best of the local region. Whether guests are familiar with the destinations we visit or are sampling them for the first time, there will be a wealth of authentic experiences available to everyone.”   Celestyal Discovery will join Celestyal Journey in the region at the end of 2025. She will sail three-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Khalifa Bin Salman (Bahrain) and Dubai Marina, as well as four-night departures calling at Fujairah, Muscat and Kasab.   Chris Theophilides, CEO at Celestyal, said: “We’re delighted to be commencing our season in the Arabian Gulf, with this momentous arrival into Doha. I want to thank our teams and partners who have made this a reality. It marks the significant start of Celestyal’s next chapter, operating a fully refreshed fleet across year-round operations and two regions. We listened to our guests; 86% tell us they want to return after they have spent time with us, and with our new Desert Days itinerary, as well as our additional Iconic Arabia itineraries on Celestyal Discovery from next year, we are expanding the many reasons to try or come back to Celestyal.”   The Desert Days itinerary prices start from £319 per person, representing a 67% saving, and the Iconic Arabia cruises start from £219 per person representing a 57% saving, in the cruise line’s Black Friday sale available until December 3.

  Celestyal has released details of a new destination specific cocktail menu to celebrate the cruise line’s maiden season in the Arabian Gulf.   The menu, which will be available during evening hours on Celestyal Journey, features a range of beverages inspired by the enchanting stories of '1001 Nights' - a collection of Middle Eastern folktales.   A selection of 13 new signature cocktails and mocktails will be on offer from €16, which include:  

• Arabian Jewel – a gin-based cocktail featuring the exotic flavours of the Middle East, with a base of fragrant rosewater and spicy cardamom.
• Desert Mirage – a vibrant cocktail with a blend of passion fruit and White Oak Rum, enhanced with a hint of lime and mint, it offers a balance of tropical sweetness and zesty freshness.
• The Storyteller – a dark and mysterious mocktail offering a mix of fruity flavours including orange, blackberry and lime, combined with Seedlip and sweet syrup.

  Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “We pride ourselves on our regional specialities, bringing a hint of the destinations we visit to our guests onboard at every opportunity, and this new collection of signature beverages is a perfect reflection of that ethos. Whether it’s savouring a smooth mocktail in Doha, perhaps a classic cocktail in iconic Dubai or discovering a new favourite tipple while docked at the hidden gem of Sir Bani Yas Island, guests can enjoy exciting and authentic flavours across their Arabian Gulf sailing.”   The 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey will spend an inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf from November, offering new itineraries to destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman. Prices start from £399pp for seven-nights sailing round-trip from Doha.   The cocktails will also be available at the Casino Bar on Celestyal Discovery when she joins Celestyal Journey for her maiden Arabian Gulf season from December 2025. Celestyal Discovery will offer the new three and four-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ sailings from Abu Dhabi, with prices starting from £249pp.

  Celestyal has agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Visit Qatar. The MOU, signed at World Travel Market in London, signifies a three-year commitment to the region, promoting Qatar as a key destination among Celestyal’s guests and agent partners.   Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: "It's a privilege to sign this agreement with Visit Qatar and we would like to thank them for all their support in bringing this partnership to life. Qatar is an extraordinary destination and an ideal fit for our guests who are seeking immersive, culturally rich experiences. We look forward to working together with our agent partners to showcase everything this unique region offers.”   The event coincided with the announcement of Celestyal and Visit Qatar hosting agents on a super fam in the Arabian Gulf. As well as experiencing Celestyal Journey, agent partners will attend the Qatar Grand Prix and be invited to a speaker event with David Coulthard, who competed in Formula One from 1994 to 2008, winning 13 Grands Prix across 15 seasons.   Celestyal’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season sails from November 2024 until March 2025, and will feature for three years. The 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey is currently on her way to the region ready to launch the seven-day ‘Desert Days’ itinerary sailing roundtrip from Doha, calling at Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. Prices start at £399.   Celestyal Discovery will join her fleet mate in the region at the end of 2025, sailing three-night long weekend ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises round-trip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha Port, Khalifa Bin Salman port (Bahrain) and Dubai Marina port, and a four-night mid-week ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruise sailing round-trip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Fujairah, Muscat and Kasab. Prices start at £249.

Celestyal has revised its 2025 cruises schedule to boost the number of sailings, thanks to strong customer demand. It has added more 'Heavenly Adriatic' and 'Desert Days' Arabian Gulf cruises. Sailing onboard the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey, both itineraries were introduced in January, with the maiden 'Heavenly Adriatic' sailing earlier this month. The 'Desert Days' itinerary debut is planned for November 9, 2024. Due to demand and positive feedback, Celestyal will be adding a further five departures to their 2025 programme. This will comprise three- and four-night variations of the Arabian Gulf cruises. There will be two additional seven-night 'Heavenly Adriatic' cruises departing round trip from Athens. They depart on March 22 and 29, 2025 calling at Kefalonia, Dubrovnik, Kotor (Montenegro), Bari, Corfu and Katakolo, Greece. These new sailings join the eight existing seven-night round trip departures from Athens between April and October 2025 and seven-night 'Summer Heavenly Adriatic' sailings in July and August 2025. There are three additional seven-night 'Desert Days' Arabian Gulf cruises roundtrip from Doha. They call at Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE) and Abu Dhabi. They depart February 15, 22, and March 1, 2025. Celestyal has also added three- and four-night options to their existing 'Desert Days' itinerary. All cruises are on sale now and form part of Celestyal's new spring campaign. Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer, said: "We are thrilled with the demand for our newly introduced Heavenly Adriatic itinerary and Arabian Gulf winter programme.” "Our 2025 season will be our biggest and best to-date."  

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Celestyal has launched three new Arabian Gulf cruises to coincide with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix races in 2024.  The new departures, now available to book, have been tailored specifically to the Formula 1 schedule and will be aboard the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey. A three-day grandstand race ticket, which includes complimentary transfers to and from the ship, will be available to purchase for every guest booking. The new sailings comprise: A seven-night 'Desert Days & Qatar Grand Prix' Arabian Gulf cruise, overnighting and sailing round trip from Dubai calling at Khasab (Oman), Abu Dhabi including three days accommodation onboard in Doha coinciding with the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Departing November 25, 2024. A seven-night 'Desert Days & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix' cruise overnighting and sailing round trip from Dubai calling at Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE), including three days accommodation onboard in Abu Dhabi coinciding with the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Departing December 2, 2024. A 14-night 'Desert Days & Double Grand Prix' cruise overnighting and sailing round trip from Dubai calling at Khasab (Oman), Abu Dhabi (UAE), including three days accommodation onboard in Doha coinciding with the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Dubai, Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE), and three days accommodation onboard in Abu Dhabi coinciding with the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Departing November 25, 2024. These special Arabian Gulf cruises also form part of Celestyal's new spring campaign, offering competitive lead pricing and 50% off deposits until April 30, 2024.

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- Tobias Klitsch Named VP of Global Market Development, Beth Hulett Named Global Market Development Manager -

  Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, is continuing to invest substantially in growing key markets with the appointment of two senior members to its commercial team. Tobias Klitsch joins as VP of Global Market Development while Beth Hulett has been named Global Market Development Manager.   Tobias Klitsch has a wealth of experience and has held senior positions within the travel industry for 15 years. He joins Celestyal from PA Consulting, where he worked with organisations across the Aviation and Travel verticals to deliver structural change, with a view to driving long-term growth and commercial success, in his role as Director. Prior to that, Tobias worked at Virgin Atlantic as Director of Sales Strategy & Development, designing and executing the airline’s Global Sales and Account Management strategy. Before joining Virgin Atlantic, Tobias has held senior leadership roles at British Airways across Revenue Management and Sales, as well as delivering the airline’s Ancillaries strategy. As Celestyal’s VP of Global Market Development, Tobias will work cross-functionally to design and execute the commercial strategy that will deliver our vision of being brilliant to do business with. He will also provide analytical insight and partner with Sales leaders to devise the market-appropriate strategies to drive Celestyal’s growth plans. Tobias joined on 17th April and report directly to Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lee Haslett.   Beth Hulett comes with over eight years’ experience in the cruise industry. She joins Celestyal from Virgin Voyages where she worked with key UK partners to help drive sales in her role as Sales Manager. Previously, Beth worked at Iglu.com as Senior Global Supply Manager where she helped strengthen relationships with Trade Partners and had an impressive track record of delivering commercial value, implementing change and improving performance.  As Global Market Development Manager, Beth will support Tobias in delivering the commercial strategy to deliver value for both Celestyal and its Trade Partners globally. She will also support the field-based account team across all channels in identifying opportunities. Beth joined Celestyal on 21st April and will report directly into Tobias.   Lee Haslett, Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, comments: “I am delighted to welcome Tobias and Beth to Celestyal. They join at an exciting time, with the recent launch of Celestyal Holidays, our dedicated trade packaging solution in partnership with Aviate, and the highly-anticipated debut of our new ship, Celestyal Journey, in September.  Both Tobias and Bethanie have a strong track record of delivering commercial value and strategic growth which will prove invaluable as we intensify our efforts and invest in substantially broadening Celestyal’s presence in key markets, and strengthening our position as the leading provider of the award-winning, multi-destination holiday experiences in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean.”

 

- Features Include 24% Balcony Staterooms, Seven Dining Venues, Eight Bars & Lounges, Expansive Sun Decks and Wellness Area -

  Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, announces the arrival of the Celestyal Journey. Following an extensive, $22 million (approximately £17.6 million) refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul, Celestyal’s newest ship will set sail on 2^nd September 2023, taking over the Celestyal Crystal’s programme, initially on its popular seven-night “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary. The ship’s name symbolizes exploration, discovery and progress. The Journey embodies a spirit of ambition and adventure and a desire to take her guests further and get closer to the destinations she visits.   The Celestyal Journey is characterised by her abundant number of premium staterooms as well as their spaciousness. The 1,260-guest mid-sized vessel offers 630 staterooms, 149 of which feature balconies – three times that of the previously available balcony staterooms on Celestyal’s seven-night offering.  Of the 149 balcony staterooms, 120 are Junior Suites, 28 are Grand Suites and one is the spacious Penthouse Concept Suite.  In addition, the vessel boasts 80% outside staterooms as well as a high guest to space ratio.   The Celestyal Journey offers guests a larger range of dining options as well, with seven one-of-a-kind venues including specialty and themed restaurants appealing to a wide array of tastes and cuisines from Mediterranean to European and Asian dishes. In addition, the Celestyal Journey will have a cooking demonstration area and an exclusive Chef’s Table venue, ideal for celebrating special occasions with friends or for private group functions. Eight bars and lounges round out the food and beverage offerings, each with its own distinctive character, providing the ideal setting to indulge in Celestyal’s signature cocktails.   The Celestyal Journey features many open deck areas, creating an overall greater sense of light and space. Expansive sundecks with two pools and two Jacuzzis offer spectacular views and connectivity with the sea, while a secluded and tranquil outdoor space, the Beach Club, will be created for exclusive use by all Grand Suite and Junior Suite guests. Guests booked in Grand Suites will also have access to Celestyal’s Concierge Service, which features a dedicated priority check-in counter, expedited embarkation and express luggage delivery service including assistance with unpacking. A dedicated Celestyal Concierge will be available in the exclusive-use Poseidon Lounge to assist Grand Suite guests with tailored service requests.   There is also a large, comprehensive spa and fitness and wellness area offering ocean views and two, fully-equipped conference rooms as well as a multi-purpose amphitheatre complete with a cinema, making The Celestyal Journey perfect for meetings and incentives.   “It has always been our mission to renew and rejuvenate our fleet, and we’re thrilled to see this come to fruition with the arrival of the Celestyal Journey. She is already undergoing her extensive refurbishment programme and will be deployed in a matter of just a few months,” said Celestyal Cruises’ CEO, Chris Theophilides.  “The Celestyal Journey will offer our guests more in the way of premium accommodations with balconies, a greater choice of dining and bar venues, public areas and open decks creating a greater sense of space.  At the same time, the newest member of the Celestyal family continues our tradition of operating intimate, mid-sized vessels, allowing us to take our guests to destinations that larger ships cannot, reinforcing our in-depth regional destination knowledge and genuine, warm Greek hospitality, both of which have consistently been recognised as second to none.”   Following the inaugural Idyllic Aegean sailings commencing 2^nd September, the Celestyal Journey will continue in October with the unique “Steps of Paul” itinerary followed by the award-winning seven-night “Three Continents” itinerary visiting Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus and. Turkey. This will be followed by two exclusive holiday sailings, the 11-night special Christmas voyage calling on Thessaloniki, Izmir, Crete, Antalya, Limassol, with two days in Alexandria and an overnight visit in Haifa (Israel) to spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Holy Land. This can be combined with the New Year’s eight-night departure visiting Heraklion, Rhodes, Kusadasi and overnighting in Istanbul before calling Volos.   Detailed information regarding the Celestyal Journey’s itineraries can be found on Celestyal.com   Special launch offers will be announced shortly, along with more insight behind the branding evolution and how the Celestyal Journey comes alive for guests both onboard and onshore. Guests currently holding reservations on the Celestyal Crystal from 2^nd September 2023, onwards will be contacted by Celestyal and re-accommodated on sailings on the Celestyal Journey.

Greece and Eastern Mediterranean specialist line Celestyal has made a cruise ship acquisition. The newly renamed 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey was most recently sailing for P&O Australia. It was originally the Ryndam for Holland America Line. The cruise ship will now undergo an extensive €20 million refurbishment and maintenance overhaul before entering service. "The positive industry outlook provides Celestyal with the opportunity to recommence fleet renewal," said Chris Theophilides, CEO. It currently operates Celestyal Crystal and Celestyal Olympia. Details regarding the onboard experience and itineraries for Celestyal Journey will be announced in due course.

  Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, has been named one of the top cruise lines at the annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, the industry’s most comprehensive awards that recognise the best cruise lines of the year for UK cruisers, as chosen by the site’s international team of cruise experts.   Celestyal was recognised as one of this year’s best cruise lines, winning Best Service (Ocean Category) with judges stating:  “Celestyal’s approach to service is the same as its approach to cruising – authentic, personalised and warm. From wait staff to cabin stewards, bar staff to officers, nothing is too much trouble and the line goes out of its way to ensure each passenger feels special and happy to be onboard. It’s a well-deserved win for this small-ship line.”   Commenting on the award, Celestyal Cruises’ CEO, Chris Theophilides, said: “We are delighted to have won this award which recognises what is undoubtedly a successful team effort from all our crew, officers and team ashore. The heart of our philosophy and approach is the legendary Greek hospitality that our guests enjoy onboard our vessels, each of which is intimate enough to provide genuine and highly personalised service along with the multi-destination, immersive experience that truly distinguishes Celestyal.”   Guided by the Cruise Critic editorial team’s impartial cruise expertise, based on first-hand experiences and industry knowledge, the awards name the best-in-industry while also helping travellers select the best cruise for their specific interests and needs.   “These awards showcase the most standout cruise lines – and ports – of the year, based on our editorial team’s personal experience and extensive industry expertise,” shares Adam Coulter, Executive Editor of Cruise Critic UK. “The list of winners is evidence of the incredible strides of the industry over the past year, not just in returning to full service but in providing travellers with truly remarkable experiences.”   For more information about Celestyal visit https://celestyal.com/gb/, contact your local travel agent or call 0800 411 8038.

Celestyal has announced the immediate removal of requirements for proof of vaccination or recovery certificates. It follows the Greek National Committee of Public Health's recent relaxations for cruise passengers. Celestyal will still require guests to test ahead of their cruise for the remainder of the 2022 season. Pre-embarkation testing is accepted either with a Rapid Antigen test carried out up to 48 hours before embarkation or with a PCR test carried out up to 72 hours before departure As previously announced, guests on all Celestyal sailings commencing on or after 2 March 2023 will no longer require a pre-embarkation test or proof of valid vaccination unless required by local regulations. All Celestyal crew members will continue to be fully vaccinated, and the company still encourages guests aged 12 and over to be fully vaccinated.