Celestyal announces year-round sailings and new Persian destinations

Departing from Doha, Qatar, the week-long Desert Days cruises will call for the first time at Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi.

The first sailing departs on November 9, 2024 onboard the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, which joined the company’s fleet in September 2023.

After January 18, 2025, Celestyal will operate three, four, five and seven-night variations of the itinerary until April 2025.

Meanwhile sister ship Celestyal Discovery – which joins the fleet this year – will sail a ‘Three Continents’ cruise from November to March 2025, covering Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt.

Speaking on a media call on Tuesday (January 9),Celestyal’s chief commercial officer, Lee Haslett, said it was natural for the Greek islands specialist cruise line which previously sailed from March to December to grow outside of Greece.

Haslett said: "We come into 2024 with a completely refreshed fleet, seven new countries and 12 new global ports, on top of our much-loved Greece and Eastern Mediterranean cruise programme.

“We are finding our sea legs on a more global stage. We know we do the Greek islands and Mediterranean like no other, but we have heard from our customers that they want more destinations, bigger itineraries, and a chance to discover more with Celestyal.

“The Persian Gulf cruises deliver this, with a homeport in Doha, stops at marquee destinations such as Dubai, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi, as well as more bespoke gems in Oman and the island of Sir Bani Yas. We are starting the year strong and intend to keep growing and delighting our customers across 2024.”