Celestyal Cruises is making significant strides in the cruise industry with its newly unveiled Persian Gulf itineraries and an expanded year-round schedule.
Launching in March 2024, the programme aims to reinforce the line’s presence in key markets, particularly the UK, leveraging the high demand for winter sun destinations.
Expansion into the Persian Gulf
Celestyal Cruises is set to expand its horizons into the Persian Gulf, beginning its offerings later this year. The line has announced a new year-round schedule set to launch from March 2024. According to Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer, the company is ‘incredibly committed’ to enhancing its presence in the UK through this strategic expansion, capitalising on strong demand for winter sun destinations.
Year-round Schedule and Itineraries
Celestyal’s new offering includes sailings departing from Doha on 9 November with the introduction of a seven-night ‘Desert Days’ itinerary aboard the Celestyal Journey. This voyage will feature ports of call in Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab, and Sir Bani Yas, and prices will start from £469 per person.
This itinerary is part of Celestyal’s wave campaign, available for booking until 18 January 2025. Post-launch, it will become a permanent fixture during the winter season, reflecting the line’s dedication to diversifying its cruising options.
Fleet and Cruise Operations
Celestyal’s fleet will now operate throughout the year, departing from its previous March to December schedule. The winter programme, running from November to April, will see the Celestyal Journey sailing out of Doha, while the 1,266-passenger Celestyal Discovery will embark on the Three Continents cruise from November to March 2025.
This strategic shift follows a substantial investment aimed at bolstering the UK operations. The core programme from April to October will feature the Celestyal Journey navigating the Heavenly Adriatic, Summer Heavenly Adriatic, and Idyllic Aegean voyages, along with the Celestyal Discovery offering three and four-night Iconic Aegean cruises.
Market Expansion Goals
The brand has significantly invested in increasing its market share within the UK, with ambitions to elevate its business from less than 10% to at least 15-20%. Chief among its strategies to achieve this growth is a close partnership with travel agents, as emphasised by Anna Gregori, Vice President of Brand, Marketing, and Customer Journey.
Gregori highlighted plans to engage ‘at least 100 agents’ this year through their core itineraries and new sailing options, underscoring the importance of travel partners in achieving their expansion goals.
Building Trade Relations
Janet Parton, Vice President of Business Development UK, Europe, and Australia, confirmed that the brand will double its trade sales team within the UK this year. Recruitment is already in progress as the company shores up its commitment to strengthening trade relations.
‘We don’t take trade business for granted,’ stated Parton, acknowledging the healthy competition among cruise lines and the necessity of maintaining strong relationships with partners.
Investments and Team Expansion
Celestyal has committed to doubling its brand, marketing, and communications team, with six new appointments planned as part of a €2.5 million investment. This move aims to support the company’s overall brand evolution in 2024.
Their agile approach allows for tailored support to meet individual agents’ needs without adopting a ‘one size fits all’ strategy. This flexibility is one of their key strengths in maintaining robust trade partnerships.
Client Engagement
Celestyal aims to deepen client engagement through tailored cruising experiences and strengthened pre- and post-cruise offerings.
Celestyal is poised to enhance its competitive edge through strategic expansion into the Persian Gulf and its year-round offerings.
These initiatives underscore the brand’s commitment to growth, agent relationships, and delivering diverse cruising options.
