Celestyal Cruises has just announced exciting new shore excursions for its upcoming "Iconic Arabia" itineraries, set to launch in 2025. The cruise line is sending both of its ships, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, to the Arabian Gulf for the winter season, marking a new chapter in its travel offerings.
Starting in November 2025, Celestyal Journey will be based in Doha, while Celestyal Discovery will operate from Abu Dhabi. The cruises will offer both 3-night and 4-night options. For the 3-night trips, travellers can choose from 25 different shore excursions. If you opt for the 4-night cruise, you'll have 34 tours to pick from.
Lee Haslett, the chief commercial officer at Celestyal, expressed excitement about the new itineraries, highlighting the company's commitment to providing immersive and authentic travel experiences. "We are renowned for our immersive, authentic travel experiences, and we couldn’t be more excited to replicate this ethos in our new winter home of the Arabian Gulf," Haslett said.
Among the new excursions, travellers can delve into the natural wonders of the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island with the “Get Closer to Nature” tour, which is a half-day adventure. For those interested in culture, the “Art, Culture and Afternoon Tea” experience includes a visit to the Katara Cultural Village and an afternoon tea.
Other intriguing options include exploring the Yas Marina Circuit, snorkelling with turtles, and ziplining. Additionally, there are cooking lessons available at the National Hospitality Institute. These excursions are designed to offer something for everyone, whether you're looking for cultural enrichment, natural beauty, or thrilling activities.
Haslett emphasized that the newly announced shore excursions are crafted to capture the essence of the destinations. “Our recently announced shore excursions truly capture the essence of these fantastic destinations,” he explained. “From the rich history of Sir Bani Yas Island to the modern marvels of Abu Dhabi, our excursions are designed to offer our guests unforgettable experiences. Whether it's exploring ancient sites, engaging with local traditions or seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures, our shore excursions provide something for everyone, ensuring that our guests create lasting memories."