John Diorio, vice president and managing director of North America for Celestyal, recently hosted a media briefing to provide several updates about the Greece-based cruise line.
One talking point centered on “selling stories” as an important part of selling cruises.
“Together with our travel advisors, industry partners and media friends, we want to create a new chapter — one where our travelers return home not just with photos, but with experiences they will talk about for years to come,” Diorio said.
Celestyal Differentiators
To help advisors sell the brand, Diorio pointed out key differentiators, including the line’s regional expertise, which allows guests to take a deeper dive into the destination.
Examples Diorio cited extend to award-winning shore excursions and experiences such as cooking alongside a local family and learning traditional crafts. Taking in a sunset in Santorini, visiting the fishing village of Milos, wandering the backstreets of Dubrovnik or the spice markets of Abu Dhabi are among other special opportunities.
John Diorio joined Celestyal earlier this year.
Credit: 2025 John Diorio“It’s this kind of authenticity that keeps people coming back for more — and it’s all commissionable for our travel advisors,” Diorio added.
Growth in the Arabian Gulf
Extra time on land is something else Diorio touted.
“With more time ashore and [in] carefully chosen ports, travelers discover both the legends they’ve dreamed of and the hidden gems they didn’t expect,” he said.
To that end, Celestyal is gearing up for its 2025/2026 season in the Arabian Gulf. Celestyal Journey will feature on the line’s returning seven-night Desert Days itinerary showcasing six ports in seven days, including Doha, Qatar and Dubai. On shorter jaunts, Celestyal Discovery will feature three-and four-day journeys which can be combined for a full week.
Both vessels will first reposition from Athens to the Gulf on seven-night itineraries at the end of this November, affording the opportunity to visit Jeddah, Saudi Arabia along the way.
Once in place, a special F1 sailing on Celestyal Journey — Desert Days & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — will embark on Dec. 6, 2025, with the added option of a two-night, pre-cruise extension beginning on Dec. 4. Tickets for the first and second F1 practice sessions, as well as qualifying and race days, are also available.
Celestyal is also offering savings on 60 Desert Days trips and 47 Iconic Arabia departure dates from 2025 to 2027, with pricing beginning at $113 per person, per day for a three-night sailing. The promotion can be combined with the line’s “Kids Go Free” offer, available on 157 Arabian Gulf sailings during the same period.
Agent Tools
Rounding out the benefits for agents, Diorio pointed to “better tools to tell our story, including revamped marketing materials, booking tools, sales support and rewards programs via our Celestyal Compass portal.”
Also on its way is the new Celestyal All Stars trade engagement series of fam trips.
