Adventure in cruise ships is continually changing as new and more creative features find their way on board to enhance an ever-growing demand for offbeat experiences. A significant move here is the introduction of Celestyal Travel, which has been set up as a brand-new tour operator business to serve the UK market. While launched by Celestyal Cruises, this tour operator is geared toward the so-called cruise curious. Aimed at making it easier for new-to-cruise customers to sample cruising as part of a full vacation package, Celestyal Travel is offering land and sea packages to the Greek Islands, the Mediterranean, the Arabian Gulf, and the Maldives. The strategic move aims to leverage the burgeoning adventure travel industry, providing travellers with a means to discover the most desired, yet remote, locations in the world, both on land and at sea.

A Comprehensive Travel Experience

Celestyal Travel The newly established Celestyal Travel will start with a portfolio of 12 initial travel packages, with others to come. These are tailorable programs that have been created for different tastes and budgets to create an individual combination of on-land stays and cruise routes. The travel agency is putting effort behind making it easier and faster for travellers to book trips like all-inclusive packages, whether made up of flights, hotels, or even a cruise. They are also supposed to be cheap, at £1,249 per person for some packages. Below are some of the highlights that travellers can book through Celestyal Travel:

Heavenly Med Escape: A 14-night break from £1,249 per person that involves seven nights in Rhodes before setting sail for seven nights on board Celestyal Journey and an immersive tour of Greece and the Adriatic. December 17, 2023 This itinerary is perfect for those who want to combine land-based adventures with some cruising.

Perfect Gulf Explorer: This 13-night trip costs £3,499 per person and features a six-night stay in the Maldives and a seven-night cruise from Doha on board the Celestyal Journey with calls including Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain. This itinerary is for November 2025 – February 2026 departures.

The land and sea packages, together with all-inclusive pricing offered by Celestyal Travel, are a compelling proposition for the emerging category of cruise newcomers who are interested in more typical resort vacations.

A New Approach to Attracting “Cruise Curious” Travelers

But, for Celestyal, the ultimate goal is building a gateway for the “cruise curious”—those ”that have never considered a cruise as a holiday before who would like to try out something new. With its variety of travel choices, Celestyal Travel caters to customers who think they would struggle to book a full cruise, despite having had a land-based holiday.

By providing comprehensive, bookable packages, travellers can appreciate the benefit of two types of travel packaged into one seamless trip to their favourite destination. The idea here is to offer a new level of accessibility to cruising, making it more appealing to potential cruisers who might prefer cruising within the lifestyle without missing out on the opportunity to explore cities and destinations.

Crystal Cruises: New Wellness Retreats on the Horizon

In addition to the emergence of new tour operators, established players in the cruise industry are also expanding their offerings. For example, Crystal Cruises is launching a new wellness retreat series aboard the Crystal Symphony in 2025. These retreats are designed to combine luxury cruising with holistic health experiences.

One such cruise, a 27-night voyage from Lisbon to Cape Town, will feature renowned wellness expert Dalila Roglieri, a former professional tennis player and nutritionist, leading the wellness sessions. These wellness cruises offer more than just relaxation—they provide a way for passengers to rejuvenate while experiencing some of the world’s most stunning coastal landscapes. The trip, priced at £8,500 per suite, also includes a $500 ‘As You Wish’ credit, making it an attractive choice for travellers seeking a blend of relaxation, culture, and luxury at sea.

Additionally, guests who book by July 31, 2025, can take advantage of up to £1,800 in air credits, further enhancing the appeal of these wellness-focused voyages. As the demand for wellness tourism continues to rise, Crystal Cruises is positioning itself as a leader in providing wellness-focused cruising experiences.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: 2027-2028 Collection and New Ship Launch

Meanwhile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled its 2027-2028 Voyage Collection, which features a staggering 234 new sailings across Africa, Asia, Alaska, and Europe. This collection includes new itineraries in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, and it marks the first full season of the new Seven Seas Prestige, which is set to launch in late 2026.

The Seven Seas Prestige will offer 44 journeys across Europe and the Caribbean, further enhancing Regent’s extensive offering of luxury cruise options. The introduction of this new ship will meet the demand for both extended voyages and high-end luxury cruising and is expected to become one of the most sought-after ships in the luxury cruise sector.

Michelin Dining Returns with Cunard

Cunard, known for its elegant and luxury cruises, is bringing back its exclusive Michelin dining experience, Le Gavroche at Sea, for its Queen Anne ship in 2026. Hosted by Michel Roux, a two-Michelin-starred chef, this experience will feature a five-course tasting menu served on Cunard’s Norwegian Fjords voyages. The limited seating will allow just 50 guests per evening, ensuring an intimate and exclusive dining experience while sailing through the picturesque landscapes of Northern Europe.

This culinary experience is one of many luxury offerings that Cunard provides on its cruises, cementing its reputation for offering top-tier gastronomy at sea.

Conclusion: The Future of Cruise Travel

The cruise industry of 2025 is growing inside and out, introducing new entrants like Celestyal Cruises, who will redefine the way passengers explore destinations through a mix of land and sea experiences. Eldership companies such as Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas are expanding their offerings with specialised wellness retreats and extravagant voyages. With new products focusing on updated traveller interests like wellness tourism and Michelin dining at sea, the cruise industry is laying the groundwork for a transformative year ahead.

Both are trends we’ll continue to see in 2020, as the industry continues to expand and travellers are left with more options than ever before—whether they want to travel on an immersive land-and-sea journey, splurge on a wellness retreat, or savour luxury dining at sea. These advancements show how the cruise industry strives to broaden its appeal, no matter whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned multitime cruiser: each traveller can find exactly what they’re looking for.