Celestyal has signed a three-year partnership agreement with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi). The multi-year partnership, formalized during the Seatrade Global event in Miami, aims to promote Abu Dhabi as a key destination for Celestyal passengers and further strengthen the cruise line's presence in the region.
Celestyal will return to the area with two ships in December of this year, making three weekly stops in Abu Dhabi throughout the winter season until March 2026.
Last year, Celestyal launched its seven-day “Awesome Desert” itinerary aboard the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, sailing from/to Doha with stops in Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi. This successful inaugural season was extended from November to March 2025 and will continue for at least three more seasons.
The recently refurbished Celestyal Discovery, with a capacity for 1,360 passengers, will join its sister ship in the region, establishing Abu Dhabi as its home port from December 12, 2025, and offering three, four and seven night cruises under the name “Iconic Arabia”.
The three-night weekend itineraries will operate from/to Abu Dhabi, visiting Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island, combining beach time with wildlife safaris. The four-night weekday itineraries will also depart from Abu Dhabi, with stops in Doha, Ras Al Khaimah, and the coastal port of Khasab in Oman.
Lee Haslett, Commercial Director of Celestyal, stated: “It is a privilege to sign this three-year agreement with DCT Abu Dhabi, and we appreciate their support in making this collaboration a reality. Abu Dhabi is a diverse and spectacular destination, and we are excited not only to establish our home port there, but also to operate three weekly calls in the city throughout the winter season for the next three years.”
“Abu Dhabi perfectly aligns with what our passengers are looking for: immersive and culturally rich experiences. We look forward to working closely with travel agents to showcase everything this city has to offer. The cruise sector in the Arabian Gulf is on track to break passenger records in the coming years, and after a successful first season in the region, we are delighted to be able to offer our customers the very best of this special part of the world for many years to come.”
Celestyal's shore excursion program includes nine different activities in Abu Dhabi, taking passengers to the heart of the emirate. These include half-day tours of the city's main attractions, culinary and cultural experiences, visits to theme parks, VIP beach days, and of course, classic desert safaris and other tourist attractions.
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