Celestyal Cruises celebrated its first-ever call in Dubai with a grand event blending tradition and modernity. On December 9, the Celestyal Journey, the line’s flagship, was welcomed to the city with a dhow escort, a plaque exchange ceremony, and a glittering evening onboard.
A Grand Entrance
In a nod to Dubai’s rich maritime heritage, traditional dhows escorted the Celestyal Journey into port, symbolizing a fusion of time-honored traditions and new beginnings. This ceremonial arrival was a significant moment for Celestyal, marking its first Arabian Gulf season.
A Night to Remember
The festivities onboard featured an exclusive guest list of local dignitaries and influencers, treated to an evening of entertainment headlined by renowned DJ and performance artist Tinie and the talented DJ Charlesy.
Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer for Celestyal, shared his excitement about this milestone:
“The dhow escort into port was a magical moment and the perfect way to officially start our long-term relationship with this captivating destination. Dubai just had to be on our Desert Days itinerary as it is an iconic destination for our guests.”
The Desert Days Itinerary
The Dubai call launches the ship’s seven-day Desert Days itinerary, which departs roundtrip from Dubai and visits Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain. Celestyal’s commitment to the region is further underscored by plans to run this Arabian Gulf itinerary every winter through March 2025.
Looking Ahead
Celestyal’s investment in the region continues with the upcoming deployment of Celestyal Discovery in late 2025. Based in Abu Dhabi, this ship will offer short cruises such as the three-night “Iconic Arabia” itinerary and a four-night mid-week option, highlighting destinations like Doha, Sir Bani Yas Island, Fujairah, Muscat, and Khasab.
With its blend of cultural immersion and bucket-list experiences, Celestyal is set to make waves in the Arabian Gulf for years to come.
