Turkey’s Cruise Market Enters Winter Season with Innovations: The Arabian Gulf is on the Route For those looking to explore the peninsula by ship, including Dubai, they can participate in a cruise tour in Dubai by flying from Istanbul.
Celestyal Turkey Director Özgü Alnıtemiz noted that they are collaborating with major airlines in the region: “Cruise is for all seasons. We will take our guests, who are experiencing cruise travel for the first time with our Greek Islands tours, to warm climates again with our Journey ship. We believe our airplane cruise packages will attract demand with their advantageous prices and program content. It’s easy to get a visa for the region. This program, which is even more advantageous than a domestic holiday during the high season, can also be an opportunity for those who couldn’t take a summer vacation.”
Turkish Travelers Discover and Love Cruise Journeys Through Greek Island Tours
Turkish travelers have explored and enjoyed cruise journeys through Greek Island tours. This destination, preferred for its easy visa process and proximity, has also increased demand for cruises in recent years. Now, the Turkish cruise market is preparing to introduce travelers to a new route: the Arabian Gulf. There will no longer be a need to travel to other countries to participate in cruise tours in the Arabian Gulf. Celestyal, one of the cruise brands focused on the Arabian Peninsula programs, has launched airplane cruise packages for travelers. Collaborating with major airlines in the region, Celestyal will start its Arabian Gulf tours with the Journey ship in November. The 7-night cruise tours departing from Dubai via Istanbul will stop at Khasab, Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain.
Celestyal Turkey Director Özgü Alnıtemiz emphasized that cruise travel is a year-round experience, noting that they will again take cruise enthusiasts to warm climates. He explained the Arabian Gulf program: “Cruise is on the rise both globally and in our country, and the number of passengers is increasing. New destinations are being added. The proportion of those who first experienced cruises through Greek Island tours on our ships is 77%. We now aim to take this specific group to a brand-new destination. Due to the Arabian Peninsula’s climate, this is one of the ideal routes during the autumn and winter seasons. We have prepared airplane cruise packages by collaborating with two major airlines in the region. Our 7-night tour packages, which include airfare, meals and accommodation on the ship, drinks during meals, and one land tour, are much more affordable than a domestic holiday during the high season, starting at 899 Euros. Therefore, this is an opportunity for those who could not take a summer vacation; additionally, let’s emphasize that it’s a region where obtaining a visa is easy for those who couldn’t realize their foreign travel plans during the summer. It also offers the chance to discover new countries and cultures.”
Offering a Multifaceted Perspective on the Past, Present, and Future!
It will be possible to dedicate time to all the beauties of the region with an experience-focused cruise program. This comprehensive program will allow exploration of the region’s geography and nature, focus on its magnificent architecture, technology, and futuristic stops, and observe its traditions. The area offers a multifaceted perspective on the past, present, and future. Planned activities will include desert safaris, exploring the city’s landmarks, diving in the Red Sea, as well as featuring the Dubai Shopping Festival and Christmas markets. I have no doubt that domestic tourists will make good use of these advantages and show interest.
Özgü Alnıtemiz noted that with the airplane cruise packages, they aim to create a movement not only in the Turkish cruise market but also in the region, stating: “Istanbul is also a hub. With these programs, we aim to attract interest in cruises not only in our country but also in the region and the Turkic republics. A cruise operation is not just limited to cruise tour packages; it also adds significant value to our economy through the accommodation of cruise tourists before and after the cruise. We aim to draw interest to our tours and the Turkish market in the Arabian Gulf, one of the best destinations for winter cruising.”
