Celestyal Cruises is set to transition to year-round operations, launching an exciting week-long program in the Middle East for the 2024-25 season. This new venture, titled “Desert Days,” will have its homeport in Doha, offering a rich seven-night itinerary. Guests on this program will experience six unique ports over seven nights, including an overnight stay in Abu Dhabi, and additional port calls in Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, Sir Bani Yas, and Khasab, all aboard the Celestyal Journey. This itinerary is scheduled to run from November 9, 2024, to January 18, 2025, and is slated to return as a permanent feature for the winter seasons thereafter.

Lee Haslett, the Chief Commercial Officer of Celestyal Cruises, highlighted in a press conference that expanding the company’s operations beyond Greece represents a natural progression for the brand. In addition to the week-long “Desert Days” program, Celestyal Cruises will also offer shorter cruise options in the Middle East, including three-, four-, and five-night itineraries.

The company also announced that the 1,266-passenger Celestyal Discovery, joining the fleet this year, will embark on the “Three Continents” cruise from November 2025 to March 2026. This journey will cover an extensive range of destinations, including Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt.

Additionally, Celestyal Cruises plans to adjust its itinerary from April to October, with the Celestyal Journey operating three different routes: the “Heavenly Adriatic,” sailing from Greece to Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy; the “Summer Heavenly Adriatic,” which includes maiden calls at Venice; and the “Idyllic Aegean” voyages, exploring the Greek Isles and Turkey starting from 2025. The Celestyal Discovery will also operate three and four-night “Iconic Aegean” cruises from March to November, adding to the diversity of the cruise line’s offerings.