The Greek cruise company Celestyal selected a range of new itineraries around the Persian Gulf aboard the Celestyal Journey.
The 8-day Desert Days takes you from the bustling city of Doha to the fascinating archipelagos of Bahrain, to the fascinating metropolis of Dubai and the forts and fjords of Khasab. On Sir Bani Yas Island, you go on safari and Abu Dhabi welcomes you in luxury with a stunning skyline, where gleaming skyscrapers pierce the sky and symbolise progress and ambition. One of Abu Dhabi's most iconic sights is the majestic Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture that enchants visitors with its marble domes, glittering mosaics and sprawling courtyards.
This route is scheduled this autumn 2024 and during winter and autumn 2025. Shorter versions of 4 and 3 nights are also available.
Grand Prix
For Formula 1 fanatics, there are also some particularly interesting options. Take the 8-day Desert Days combined with the Qatar Grand Prix, from and to Dubai with stops in Abu Dhabi, Khasab and Doha, where the ship stays for 3 full days (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) in order to follow the Qatar Grand Prix without any problems. Departure on 25 November.
A week later, the same formula is possible for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, departing on 02 December from/to Dubai. Also with 3 full days in Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix. During this itinerary, Doha is replaced by Sir Bani Yas Island.
But it can be even more intense with the 15-day Desert Days & Double Grand Prix, departing on 25 November with 3 days Doha and 3 days Abu Dhabi. Or an 8-day cruise from Doha on 30 November with arrival in Abu Dhabi. During this cruise, you will stay 2 days in Doha (Saturday/Sunday) and 2 days in Abu Dhabi (Friday/Saturday).
Tickets
You can also turn to Celestyal for your tickets to both Grand Prix races.
For the Qatar GP, you pay €560 per person for 3 days in the Main Grand Stand, €420 pp in the North Grand Stand and €260 pp in the T16 Grand Stand.
For the Abu Dhabi GP, you pay €703 per person for 3 days in the North GS Stand, €711 pp in the West GS Premium Stand and €839 pp in the West Club.
Norwegian Cruise Line launched its 2024 Europe season on 19 April 2024 with the arrival of the Norwegian Epic in Civitavecchia (Rome).
This season guests can choose from 101 itineraries with 38 round trips and 63 crossings (voyage where departure and arrival ports are different), for new discoveries in 140 ports in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Greek islands and the Atlantic coast.
Cruises will depart from 13 home ports with three new options: New York City, Le Havre and Oslo. NCL will have a total of nine ships in the region, including the Prima, Viva and Escape.
In doing so, Norwegian Cruise Line aims to create unparalleled and engaging experiences for guests to immerse themselves in Europe's most iconic and sought-after destinations. With that, Norwegian Cruise Line wants to create unparalleled and captivating experiences for guests to want to immerse themselves in Europe's most iconic and sought-after destinations. From the amazing nature of Iceland, to the legendary Amalfi Coast. From the infamous castles of Scotland to the scenic fjords of Croatia.
And there's still availability to book that last-minute journey with NCL to enjoy a new summer destination every day.
Highlights of NCL's European cruises include:
The Norwegian Star with a series of crossings to Iceland, Greenland and Canada
The Norwegian Getaway which docks in Athens (Piraeus) on 25 June and will embark on seven- to 10-day round trips across the Greek islands
The Norwegian Viva offering a selection of nine-, 10- and 11-day voyages in the Mediterranean
The Norwegian Escape which, from its home ports of Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste (Venice), will offer eight- to 10-day round trips in the Western Mediterranean and 7- to 11-day sailings with stops in Italy, Greece and France
At the core of every country lies its culinary soul – a symphony of flavors which tell a story of rich culture and traditions. This year, we’ll be exploring the signature cuisines of East Indonesia and the Peruvian Amazon through exclusive chef-hosted departures aboard Aqua Blu and Aqua Nera.
Aqua Expeditions is pleased to have Chef Benjamin Cross on the 10th - 17th August sailing on Aqua Blu exploring Bali and the Komodo Islands. Chef Cross is known for some of Bali’s top dining spots including Mason and Bar Vera. He is responsible for the world-class dining on board Aqua Blu which presents the region’s signature flavors, inspired by the legendary spice route.
From the 48-hour beef short rib rendang to handline-caught fish grilled with Balinese sambal, Chef Cross’s Indonesian dishes are a celebration of regional diversity and culinary craftsmanship.
During the sailing, Chef Cross will also showcase a new vegan menu created using the freshest, sustainably sourced ingredients that East Indonesia has to offer.
Over in Peru, journey with Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino deep into the Amazon rainforest where the lush tropics offer up their unique and vibrant flavors. Chef Schiaffino is a pioneer of the rainforest-to-table movement and was the chef and owner of Malabar and ámaZ, previously two of Lima’s most innovative restaurants. The first of Chef Schiaffino’s two sailings is already booked out, and cabins are quickly filling up on the second from 17th - 21st September.
While on board, experience a ceviche-making masterclass, a cocktail demonstration, and a chef-hosted dinner.
Scenic invites gastronomy enthusiasts to discover the “Tastes of Discovery” along the coasts of Kimberley (Australia) and South America.The Tastes of Discovery series offers a selection of interactive cooking demonstrations, meetings with resident chefs and dining experiences using local ingredients and respecting local traditions. Special events on board include a welcome cocktail party, cooking challenges and pop-up restaurants. Chef Tom Goetter of the Scenic Group is also the visionary behind this new story. He is joined by chefs Dale MacKay and Gabri Rodriguez, who are known for their achievements and contributions to the culinary arts.
Chef Dale has had the privilege of working with masters like Gordon Ramsay and Daniel Boulud, most notably his triumph on the first season of Top Chef Canada. Known for winning Top Chef Mexico, Chef Gabri is a revelation in his own right. He has risen from a dishwasher in Pujol's case to the force he is today. Together they curate exclusive menus and an immersive experience that leaves guests engrossed but hungry for more.
Currently, the Tastes of Discovery series is available on the following routes: The 11-day "Tastes of Discovery: Uncover the Kimberley Coastline", aboard the Scenic Eclipse II, departing May 20, 2024 to explore the wilderness of Australia.
The 12-day "Tastes of Discovery: Rhythms of the Brazilian Coastline", aboard the Scenic Eclipse, departing November 16, 2024 to discover the flavors of the Brazilian coast. This trip starts in Rio de Janeiro, sails along the coast of Brazil and Uruguay and explores pristine beaches and rainforests. Top chef Gabri Rodriguez, finalist of Top Chef Mexico, will treat guests to traditional flavors combined with contemporary techniques. The journey continues to the rainforests of Ilha Grande and ends in Buenos Aires.
