Celestyal Cruises Sets New Record with First-Ever Visits to Jordan and Saudi Arabia
Celestyal Cruises, known for its unforgettable Mediterranean voyages, has officially expanded its horizons by making first-ever stops in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, marking a new milestone in the company’s history.
The Greece-based cruise operator recently celebrated a record-breaking achievement as its ship, the Celestyal Journey, made inaugural port calls in both Aqaba, Jordan, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This exciting development is part of Celestyal’s strategic plan to offer new and unique travel experiences to its growing number of passengers worldwide.
The special itinerary, titled “Desert Days”, ran from March 9 to March 16, 2024, and introduced passengers to new cultural destinations in the Middle East. The cruise sailed from Doha, Qatar, to several iconic ports, including Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat (Oman), Aqaba (Jordan), and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).
A Big Step for Middle East Cruise Tourism
This new route is more than just an expansion for Celestyal—it’s a key move in the growing cruise tourism industry in the Middle East. The cruise line partnered with local authorities in Jordan and Saudi Arabia to make these port calls possible. In both Aqaba and Jeddah, official ceremonies were held to welcome the Celestyal Journey and its guests.
The events included traditional dance performances, local cuisine tastings, and exchanges of special plaques between the ship’s captain and local port officials. These welcome events celebrated not only the arrival of the cruise but also the increasing interest in Middle Eastern destinations among international travelers.
Celestyal Cruises CEO, Chris Theophilides, expressed his excitement over this major achievement.
“We are proud to bring our guests to these beautiful and culturally rich destinations for the first time. This is a historic moment for Celestyal and a great step forward for cruise tourism in the region,” he said.
Highlights of the New Destinations
The inclusion of Aqaba and Jeddah in the itinerary gives passengers the opportunity to explore ancient history, rich culture, and vibrant local life.
Aqaba, Jordan:
Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city and an important gateway to the world-famous Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city offers stunning beaches, coral reefs, and easy access to the Wadi Rum desert, known for its dramatic red sandstone landscape.
Passengers on the “Desert Days” cruise enjoyed guided tours to Petra, desert jeep rides in Wadi Rum, and snorkeling activities in the Red Sea.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:
Jeddah is a modern, bustling city with a deep historical background. The city is famous for its UNESCO-listed Al-Balad old town, vibrant souks, and impressive waterfront. For many guests, visiting Jeddah offered a rare chance to experience Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and heritage, as the country only recently opened its doors to international tourists.
Celestyal’s addition of Jeddah also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and promote tourism.
A Growing Trend of New Cruise Destinations
The record-breaking itinerary reflects a wider trend in the cruise industry. More cruise companies are expanding their routes beyond traditional ports in Europe and the Caribbean to include unique and lesser-explored destinations.
For Celestyal Cruises, this Middle Eastern expansion is part of their goal to provide travelers with more immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences. The company is known for its focus on “destination immersion,” where guests can connect deeply with local cultures and history.
The cruise line has already announced plans to include more Middle Eastern ports in future itineraries, following positive feedback from passengers who joined the “Desert Days” cruise.
Strong Passenger Response
The response from travelers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many guests described the new itinerary as an unforgettable journey filled with rich cultural encounters, warm local welcomes, and breathtaking landscapes.
Maria Thompson, a passenger from the UK, shared her experience:
“Visiting Petra and seeing the ancient city with my own eyes was a dream come true. The hospitality we received in Jeddah was incredible. This cruise felt like a true adventure.”
The cruise line also noticed an increase in bookings from travelers seeking new cruise destinations outside the usual Mediterranean routes. This success is likely to encourage other cruise operators to explore the Middle Eastern market.
Supporting Local Economies
Celestyal’s first-time stops in Jordan and Saudi Arabia are also expected to bring economic benefits to local communities. Increased cruise tourism means more business for local tour guides, transportation services, artisans, and hospitality providers.
Both Aqaba and Jeddah authorities expressed hope that this historic visit will encourage further partnerships with international cruise lines and increase the region’s visibility in global tourism.
What’s Next for Celestyal Cruises?
Building on the success of the “Desert Days” cruise, Celestyal Cruises has hinted at more innovative itineraries in the near future. The company plans to combine classic Mediterranean routes with new Middle Eastern and North African destinations, offering travelers the chance to explore a wide range of cultures and landscapes in a single journey.
The addition of new ports like Aqaba and Jeddah reflects the company’s commitment to creating fresh and exciting travel opportunities for cruise lovers worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Celestyal Cruises’ record-setting expansion into Jordan and Saudi Arabia marks a new chapter in Middle Eastern cruise tourism. It’s a bold move that reflects the growing demand for authentic, culturally rich travel experiences. As more travelers seek unique destinations, this milestone is likely just the beginning of a new wave of cruise adventures across the region.
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