In response to the current geopolitical unrest in the Red Sea region, Celestyal has made significant adjustments to its cruise itineraries.
- The Ancient Athens to Dazzling Doha cruise and its counterpart have been cancelled amidst safety concerns.
- Further cancellations include the Desert Days itineraries and the Heavenly Adriatic itineraries scheduled for 2025.
- Celestyal Journey’s maiden voyage is rescheduled as a round trip from Doha, aligning with the Qatar Grand Prix.
- Despite cancellations, Celestyal emphasises its ongoing commitment to operations in the Arabian Gulf and Mediterranean.
In light of the geopolitical tensions prevailing in the Red Sea region, Celestyal has strategically adjusted its cruise schedules. This decision involves the cancellation of both the Ancient Athens to Dazzling Doha repositioning cruise and its counterpart that were initially planned to depart on 26 October and 8 March, respectively. Moreover, the first three Desert Days itineraries, set to depart from Doha on November 9, 16, and 23, along with three subsequent 2025 Heavenly Adriatic itineraries, have also been annulled. These measures are taken to accommodate longer repositioning cruises, ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency.
The rescheduled maiden voyage of Celestyal Journey in the Arabian Gulf signifies strategic repositioning in response to the current circumstances. This voyage, now commencing on 30 November 2024, entails a round trip from Doha and will coincide with the Qatar Grand Prix. The modified itinerary includes an extended stay at the Doha port to cover the Grand Prix before setting sail to other notable locations such as Dubai Marina, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi. This approach highlights Celestyal’s flexibility in adapting to external challenges while maintaining a compelling lineup of destinations.
Celestyal has taken comprehensive measures to mitigate the impact on travel partners and guests affected by these changes. The company has ensured that all relevant partners are informed, with assurances of protected commission and the provision of updated information alongside guest rebooking options. The ongoing changes in booking systems will be updated within a fortnight to reflect the altered itineraries.
Lee Haslett, Celestyal’s chief commercial officer, affirmed the company’s forward-thinking strategy by extending their cruise programme until March 2027. This initiative is intended to bring simplicity and assurance to their offerings amidst the prevailing geopolitical dynamics. Haslett further stated, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to our global year-round operation in the Greek islands, Mediterranean, and Arabian Gulf.” His statement underscores the firm intention to continue cruising activities despite the temporary setbacks posed by the geopolitical environment.
Celestyal’s agile response to geopolitical challenges reflects its commitment to passenger safety and operational continuity.
