Celestyal Journey has returned to service in the Arabian Gulf following a planned refurbishment in Dubai.
The 1,260-passenger ship set sail on February 15 on the Amazing Desert itinerary, departing and returning to Doha, making calls in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, with an overnight stay at Dubai Marina, as well as visits to Khasab and Sir Bani Yas Island.
The €6.5 million refurbishment included a new look with the distinctive waves and stars of the new brand identity, matching its fleetmate, Celestyal Discovery. Silicone paint was also applied to underwater areas and the energy management system was updated to improve the ship's operational efficiency and performance.
Celestyal Journey has two additional Amazing Desert voyages scheduled from Doha on February 22 and March 1, 2025, and three voyages from Dubai on February 17 and 24, 2025, plus a new voyage on March 3, 2025, added due to high demand.
Following this season, the ship will move to Athens for the start of its Greece and Mediterranean season, where it will undergo further maintenance procedures before beginning her new Sublime Greece, Italy and Croatia itinerary on April 12, 2025. This itinerary includes calls in Kefalonia, Kotor, Bari, Corfu and Katakolo, with a late-night call in Dubrovnik.
Celestyal Journey will return to the Arabian Gulf on December 6, 2025, opening the season with a special cruise celebrating the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Subsequently, Celestyal Discovery, will join the fleet in the region on 12 December 2025, with Abu Dhabi as her home port.
Lee Haslett, Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “We are delighted that our beloved Celestyal Journey has returned to service, looking and performing better than ever. Her new livery makes her easily recognisable as a Celestyal ship, while technical improvements will ensure smooth sailing for all our guests.
“We have experienced phenomenal demand on our Arabian Gulf itineraries, with our final three Doha-Doha sailings operating at full capacity. Overall, since the launch of the programme, we have exceeded our occupancy forecasts by 35%, demonstrating the strong interest in exploring this beautiful region on board our intimate, mid-sized ships.”
