Celestyal Journey’s exclusive winter sun cruises in 2025 will explore Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Oman, offering luxury, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

Celestyal Journey has just completed its inaugural winter season in the Arabian Gulf, and after a summer exploring the Greek Islands and Turkey, it will return to Qatar in November 2025 for additional Desert Days cruises. These cruises are designed to appeal to British travelers seeking a winter getaway.

The ship joined Celestyal Cruises, a Greece-based operator, following a $20 million refurbishment in 2023. Once known as the Ryndam, it was originally built in 1993 for Holland America Line. The vessel has had various owners, including P&O Cruises Australia and Seajets, before Celestyal acquired it in December 2023. The ship has now earned the title of a “heritage” ship, blending classic charm with modern upgrades.

Celestyal is renowned for its Greek and Turkish itineraries. This summer, its other ship, Celestyal Discovery, will offer three- and four-night cruises from Athens, while Journey will provide longer seven-night sailings that can be joined in Athens, Thessaloniki, or Kusadasi. There are also 14-night itineraries departing from Athens or Kusadasi.

For the 2025/2026 winter season, both ships will sail in the Arabian Gulf. Discovery will offer cruises ranging from three to seven nights, visiting ports such as Doha, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Khasab (Oman), and Sir Bani Yas Island. Meanwhile, Journey will offer seven-night Desert Days return trips from Doha, calling at Dubai, Oman, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain.

Although the Journey is an older vessel, its public spaces have been refurbished to rival those of a new ship. It boasts two stylish pools: one at the rear of deck 10, offering incredible views, and a larger pool at Halara Cove on deck 11, complete with a retractable roof.

Onboard, the atmosphere is notably international, with passengers from Eastern Europe, as well as Chinese, Japanese, and Western European guests, making up the 1,360 passengers.

Entertainment options include traditional song and dance performances in the theatre, as well as disco nights in the top deck lounge. However, the most memorable experiences often come after dinner, when the bar staff perform magic tricks for the guests.

Celestyal stands out for its exceptional value for money, particularly for Adriatic and Arabian Gulf cruises. The seven-night Desert Days cruises will be available from £569 for the winter 2025 season, covering three countries—Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE—without any sea days. Guests will enjoy overnight stops in Dubai, with visits to Oman, Abu Dhabi, and Sir Bani Yas Island.

The cabins aboard Celestyal Journey are compact due to the ship’s age, with inside and outside cabins offering a basic layout of a sleeping area, wardrobe, and small bathroom. Balcony cabins, however, offer additional amenities, including a sofa and coffee table, along with a larger bathroom. For those seeking extra luxury, Junior Dream Suites come with access to the Smoked Olive restaurant, reserved for suite guests, while Grand Dream Suites provide even more space, with a walk-in wardrobe, larger bathrooms, and double-sized balconies. The Stargazer Penthouse Suites are the epitome of luxury, offering a four-poster bed, two bathrooms, and a variety of exclusive services, such as access to the private Ray’s Sundeck and Thermal Spa Suite.

Dining options include complimentary restaurants such as the Thalassa Restaurant and The Taverna, offering Mediterranean fare like moussaka and Aegean fish. Specialty dining is available at Grill Seekers for steak and lobster and Pink Moon for Asian fusion dishes like ramen and stir-fried noodles. Suite guests can also dine at the Smoked Olive restaurant.

Celestyal’s commitment to providing immersive destination-heavy cruises means that their itineraries generally avoid sea days, instead offering new experiences in every port. There is also plenty to do onboard, with options like the Sozo Spa for massages and facials, as well as a well-equipped gym. Most guests opt for excursions when cruising the Arabian Gulf, given the limited public transportation options at many ports.

The relaxed dress code allows casual attire during the day, but most guests change for dinner. There is a formal night and a White Night, though the latter is a more casual affair, with guests sporting white attire for a lively disco event in the Horizons Lounge.

Celestyal’s pricing structure now includes the Celestyal One fare, which, from March 2025, offers all meals in the complimentary restaurants, basic WiFi, and tea, coffee, and water at the buffet from 6:30 AM to 10 PM. Additionally, CelestyalPay allows passengers to load money onto their accounts to receive a bonus for spending on bar drinks and specialty dining.

Whether cruising the Arabian Gulf or the Mediterranean, Celestyal offers an enriching experience with a focus on culture, comfort, and exceptional value.

The post Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, and Oman Set to Welcome Celestyal Journey for Unforgettable Winter Sun Cruises in 2025, Promising Unmatched Luxury and Exploration appeared first on Travel And Tour World.