Highlighting collaborations with leading regional airlines, Celestyal Turkey Director Özgü Alnıtemiz emphasized, “Cruise travel is a four-season experience. With our Greek Islands tours, we introduced many guests to cruising, and now we’ll take them to warmer climates with our Journey ship. We believe the attractive pricing and comprehensive programs of our flight-inclusive cruise packages will attract strong demand. Additionally, obtaining a visa for the region is easy. These programs, which are often more affordable than domestic holidays during peak season, offer a great opportunity for those who missed out on summer vacations.”
From Greek Islands to Arabian Gulf: A New Destination for Turkish Travelers
Turkish travelers fell in love with cruising through Greek Islands tours, which were popular for their proximity and visa-on-arrival convenience. This growing demand for cruises is now leading the Turkish cruise market to a new destination: the Arabian Gulf. Travelers no longer need to visit other countries to embark on Arabian Peninsula programs. Celestyal, a cruise brand focused on Arabian Peninsula itineraries, has launched flight-inclusive cruise packages. Collaborating with major airlines, Celestyal will commence Arabian Gulf tours in November aboard the Journey ship. These 7-night cruises will depart from Dubai with stops in Khasab, Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain, accessible via flights from Istanbul.
“Cruising Is on the Rise”
Özgü Alnıtemiz highlighted the increasing popularity of cruises globally and in Turkey: “Cruising is growing, with more passengers and new destinations. In Turkey, 77% of travelers experienced cruising for the first time through our Greek Islands tours. We aim to introduce this audience to a brand-new destination. The Arabian Peninsula, due to its climate, is one of the most ideal routes for the autumn-winter season. By collaborating with two major airlines, we’ve created flight-inclusive cruise packages. These 7-night tours, starting from €899, include flights, onboard meals, beverages during meals, accommodation, and one shore excursion. They are significantly more affordable than a domestic vacation during peak season. This makes them a great option for those who missed summer holidays or faced visa challenges for international travel. Additionally, the region offers easy visa access and the opportunity to explore new countries and cultures.”
A Comprehensive and Experiential Cruise Program
Alnıtemiz emphasized the diverse offerings of the Arabian Gulf program: “This cruise allows ample time to explore the region’s beauty, from its stunning landscapes and grand architecture to its cutting-edge technology and traditions. The itinerary provides a multifaceted perspective on the region’s past, present, and future. Activities include desert safaris, exploring iconic landmarks, diving in the Red Sea, and visiting events like the Dubai Shopping Festival and Christmas markets. I’m confident local travelers will appreciate these advantages and show great interest.”
Creating Regional Momentum with Istanbul as a Hub
Alnıtemiz expressed confidence in creating excitement not only in Turkey but also across the region, including Turkic republics, with the flight-inclusive cruise packages: “Istanbul serves as a hub. With these programs, we aim to generate interest in cruising not just in Turkey but throughout the region. A cruise operation isn’t just about selling tour packages; pre- and post-cruise stays contribute significantly to the economy. We aim to draw attention to our tours and the Turkey market, making the Arabian Gulf one of the best winter cruise destinations.
