Celestyal, the award-winning Greek cruise company, has debuted in Dubai with the arrival of its newest vessel, the Celestyal Journey.
Marking its inaugural season in the region, the ship was escorted into Dubai’s waters by traditional dhow boats and celebrated with an onboard ceremony exchanging commemorative shields.
The launch coincided with the introduction of the week-long Desert Days programme, a collaboration between Celestyal and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The programme offers round-trip cruises from Dubai with stops in Bahrain, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi. The Celestyal Journey will homeport in Dubai for the next three years, offering cruises until March 2024.
Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer of Celestyal, hailed the occasion as a milestone in the company’s history, describing Dubai as a city that offers an exceptional blend of culture and unique experiences. Saud Hareb Almheiri, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead at DET, highlighted Celestyal’s partnership as a testament to Dubai’s position as a leading regional cruise hub and its alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Saleh Mohamad, General Manager of Elevate Cruises, lauded the collaboration, stating it underscores the rapid growth of the Gulf’s cruise industry and its appeal to global travellers. He expressed optimism about delivering premium travel experiences through the partnership.
Next winter, Celestyal will expand its Gulf operations with the Celestyal Discovery, homeporting in Abu Dhabi and offering short cruises to destinations including Doha, Bahrain, and Muscat. This strategic move solidifies Celestyal’s commitment to the region’s flourishing cruise sector.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
