Cruise season in the Middle East has begun and competition is about to ramp up. Let’s take a quick look at some of the players and what they’ve been up to…
Cystal Cruises establishes dedicated website for the Middle East
Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises has launched a dedicated website for the Middle East market, Crystalcruises.ae. Created in collaboration with Century Travel Group, the website caters specifically to travellers and travel agents in the region, providing comprehensive information about Crystal Cruises’ offerings, including itineraries, fleet details, services, onboard experiences, dining options, and wellness programs.
The establishment of a local Middle Eastern wesbite not only highlights the growing popularity of cruise tourism in the region, but that competition is no doubt heating up. As such, the move aims to capitalise on this growth by empowering travel agents with the resources they need to effectively sell Crystal Cruises vacations to their clients. Learn more here.
Bahrain kicks off new cruise season
Bahrain has officially kicked off its 2024-2025 cruise season with the arrival of the first cruise ship at Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP). The arrival of MSC Euribia marks an exciting chapter for the Kingdom’s growing tourism sector, as it aims to attract more international visitors and boost the economy.
As one of the world’s most environmentally advanced cruise vessels, boasting energy-efficient technologies and innovative energy-efficient systems and waste management practices, MSC Euribia aligns with the sustainability goals of both APM Terminals and Bahrain.
AROYA Cruises introduces exclusive ‘Khuzama’ experience
AROYA Cruises has introduced the exclusive Khuzama (Arabic for lavendar) experience, offering guests a luxurious and personalised cruise experience. Inspired by the Saudi national flower, the lavender, Khuzama promises a blend of comfort, elegance, and authentic Arabian hospitality.
Khuzama guests can look forward to enjoying a wide range of exclusive benefits, including the choice of 150+ VIP suites and a Royal villa, dining at the exclusive Khuzama Restaurant, access to Khuzama Lounge, as well as butler service. Other features of AROYA include a range of different entertainment venues, world-class dining options, a state-of-the-art spa, and a spacious kids’ zone, womens only areas,a nd more. AROYA’s is set to make its maiden voyage on 16 December from Jeddah. See here for more intel on AROYA Cruises including some sage advice.
Celestyal Discovery’s major refit will incldue 47 more cabins
Celestyal Cruises has announced a major refit for its newest ship, Celestyal Discovery, which will see the addition of 47 new cabins, increasing the ship’s overall capacity to 1300. The refit will see new features including two ‘Grand Horizon Suites’ featuring expansive balconies, 30 newly designed ‘Junior Dream Suites’, a new stateroom category on the ship, and 15 further spacious interior ‘Cosmos Cabins’. The ship’s dining options will also be elevated, with the introduction of a dedicated dining space for suite guests and a new restaurant, offering high-end specialty regional cuisine inspired by the destinations on the ship’s itinerary.
Celestyal will also be introducing a range of exclusive benefits for balcony and suite guests, including priority check-in, special dining experiences, and access to private areas on the ship. The refurbishment of Celestyal Discovery is scheduled to be completed in April 2025, before heading off to the Arabian Gulf. Bookings will be available from 10 December 2024.
