Sales Team Leader Pierre recently joined Celestyal Cruises on Celestyal Discovery in Abu Dhabi for a three-night sailing around the Arabian Gulf visiting Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island. Celestyal Cruises is an award-winning small-ship cruise line sailing the Greek Islands and Arabian Gulf, renowned for its exceptional hospitality and ability to connect guests to each destination through authentic onboard and onshore experiences. Keep reading Pierre’s first-hand Celestyal Discovery review.
Embarkation was quick and impressively well organised, setting a positive first impression from the moment I arrived.
Celestyal Discovery may be one of the smaller ships at sea, but she makes a big impression when it comes to detail and comfort. Considering the size of the ship, there is so much to do. From a two-deck Amphitheatre lounge hosting brilliant entertainment to a fully equipped gym with all new equipment and a relaxing Sozo spa serving up much-needed R&R treatments.
I sailed in a Balcony Cabin which exceeded expectations. A generous space that was thoughtfully laid out and remarkably comfortable. There was plenty of storage too, making it easy to settle in without feeling cluttered.
One of my key highlights was the food, obviously. One night we dined at the main dining Thalassa Restaurant which served Mediterranean-inspired and local Arabian dishes, and the other night at the speciality restaurant Grill Seekers. The food in both was out of this world from perfectly cooked steaks, oysters and chocolate brownies! The food is paired with friendly and accommodating staff which made it feel like a five-star experience. I would highly recommend both restaurants on Celestyal Discovery.
There are six bars onboard, my favourite was the Star Bar and Lounge as the cocktails were mouth-watering and it was a very relaxing area to have a nice drink and chat. Other bars included Halara Cove Pool Bar and Fig & Honey, perfect for daytime juices, cocktails and light refreshments. If you need a coffee fix, you have Café Nation with speciality coffees and some lovely cakes. Of a night, the Casino, Martini Piano Bar and Lounge and Disco Bar got the party started with great music from 9pm to late.
The Arabian Gulf itinerary was an eye-opening, unique experience in a part of the world less discovered than your typical Mediterranean or Caribbean holiday.
First stop was the magnificent city of Dubai with plenty of time to explore as Celestyal Discovery docked from 8am to 11pm, an extended day in port which not every cruise line offers and one of the perks of cruising on a small destination-led cruise line.
I also got to visit Sir Bani Yas Island, the Arabian Gulf’s version of Africa! I joined one of the safari excursions for a bucket-list adventure through the island’s wildlife park where zebras, giraffes and gazelles were an arm’s length away. The excursions Celestyal Cruises offers really do give you the best opportunity to explore the heart of each destination, discovering activities and landmarks that you may not know exist. With another long day in port, I had time to visit the beach and soak up the sun with a couple of beers whilst listening to a DJ play, the best of both worlds.
My overall experience was amazing and if you are looking for a holiday in the U.A.E or Greek Isles without the hustle and bustle of a larger cruise ship, Celestyal Cruises is for you. They offer everything you’d need from a big ship but in my opinion with better service than I have ever experienced on a cruise. I have a very soft spot for Celestyal Cruises, it was a special experience and I recommend you give it a try, you’ll return again and again.
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