For those of us who’ve spent more than a minute on this side of the Sahara already know that Abu Dhabi (and most of the cities here) has plenty to offer as a holiday destination, thanks to its unique weaving of the old and new. Better yet, it may also be the starting point for exploring the most beautiful cities in the world. Celebrity Constellation, one of the luxury vessels from Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, will be departing from Abu Dhabi in a few days and will be sailing as far as the Andaman Sea in South East Asia, or the Mediterranean. So, who wouldn’t want to be on board? But just in case you miss the “all aboard!” call, I’m sharing with you what will be happening onboard Celebrity Constellation so that you can catch the next one with an idea of what to expect.

Port of Departure – Abu Dhabi

The Celebrity Constellation itineraries start form Abu Dhabi on March 11th, 2018 with a 12-night cruise package of the Arabian Sea and India. Before setting sail, the itinerary offers a choice of activities to be enjoyed in the city; take in the splendor and awe of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, or learn about the history and development of Arabian horse breeding; alternately for the slightly more adventurous, turn your skiing skills to the sand dune or take an action-packed ride in a 4×4 vehicle.

Dubai – the City of Wonders

How can anything with ‘celebrity’ in it miss Dubai? That would be next to never. After stopping for two nights in Dubai, depending on your mood, you can choose to experience an ayurvedic spa at one of the city’s finest hotels, or take a 4-wheel drive out onto the dunes of Dubai’s desert for a real adventure, or enjoy a more sedate pace, and watch traditional camel races.

Gate of India

Two days at sea follows before you arrive for the next stage of the journey in India, with separate days in New Mangalore, Goa and Mumbai. Opportunities include visits to high-end restaurants, picture-perfect beaches, fabulous shopping and a wonderful blend of many cultures. The return journey takes in a visit to Kassab, in the Sultanate of Oman, where the Omani fjords provide for a beautiful journey through the majestic Hajjar mountains or take a trip on a traditional dhow and watch the dolphins play. The Celebrity Constellation cruise returns to Abu Dhabi, with opportunities to continue exploring the city at leisure.

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Celebrity Constellation – the Best of India and Sri Lanka

Another cruise on Celebrity Constellation; the Best of India and Sri Lanka, departs with two cruising dates, March 23rd or April 7^th (mark your calendar) with a similar itinerary that starts in Abu Dhabi and passing through Dubai. The cruise then takes in one of the Middle East’s oldest cities, Muscat, with its beautiful parks, and an ancient stone moat that surrounds the area. The ship continues via India’s key cities of Mumbai, Goa, New Mangalore, and finally Cochin before sailing on for Colombo, Sri Lanka, to enjoy museums, art galleries, festivals and historic buildings and warm culture. Rather than returning to the UAE, the cruise then turns to the crystal water of the Andaman Sea in Phuket, Thailand, surrounded with colorful reefs filled with tropical fish. Discovering the culture of Phuket, filled with elaborate Chinese and Thai temples, take to a trail along the old rubber plantations or lie back on Patong beach and let the sand sift through your fingers.

Port of Call – Singapore

The cruise ends in the port of Singapore located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and just north of the equator, offering a wonderful tropical rainforest climate year-round. Eastern and Western cultural influences blend seamlessly in Singapore through culture, religions and ancient treasures. Filled with incredible high-end fashion shopping on Orchard Road, wonderful antique shops in Chinatown, dozens of peaceful city parks and of course the cuisine, which is a national obsession.

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Celebrity Constellation is one of those vessels that offer a one-suitcase journey to many destinations, and an experience filled with new cultures, delicious food, and adventure, one you are most likely never to forget; and it all begins in Abu Dhabi.