Celestyal has further strengthened its partnership with Qatar Tourism, Visit Qatar, and Mwani Qatar. The agreement, announced last week at the Arabia Travel Market, will double the number of passengers Celestyal will carry to Doha over the next three years, with twice-weekly calls during the winter season, in addition to the existing three-year agreement with Doha as its home port.
Last year, Celestyal launched the “Amazing Desert” itinerary aboard the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, based in Doha, Qatar. During its inaugural season, 14,500 travelers sailed to Doha, with 10% coming from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and surrounding regions to experience Celestyal’s product. Following the success of the inaugural season, which was extended due to high demand, the cruise line will return to the region this December with two ships, including twice-weekly calls in Qatar. The seven-night “Amazing Desert” cruise departs from Doha and visits Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain, with an overnight stay in Dubai.
In addition, the newly refurbished Celestyal Discovery, with a capacity for 1,360 passengers, will join its fleetmate for the next three winter seasons, sailing on the new three-, four-, and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises, scheduled to begin in 2025. Departing from Abu Dhabi, the itinerary includes stops in Doha, Khasab, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, and inaugural visits to Ras al Khaimah.
Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer of Celestyal, stated: “It is a privilege to extend and strengthen our partnership with Qatar Tourism, Visit Qatar, and Mwani Qatar. As one of our key homeports, Doha is a highly popular destination with our passengers, and we are delighted to double our calls in the region over the next three years, with twice-weekly calls during the winter seasons.”
“Following a very successful first season in the Arabian Gulf with Celestyal Journey, we are delighted to double our capacity in the region over the next three years with the addition of Celestyal Discovery starting in December of this year. We know there is strong demand for the Arabian Gulf, and we are proud to be at the forefront of promoting this region. As a cruise company that offers deeply immersive experiences, we proudly promote the destinations we visit, and in a booming city like Doha, both new and returning Celestyal guests are sure to find something new and exciting to discover.”
Celestyal's shore excursion program in Qatar includes 10 options that take passengers to the heart of the country, with tours of the destination's cultural icons, experiences combining traditional teas, mosque visits, and beach stays, as well as full-day excursions led by local guides that may include visits to the Falcon Souq, the Grand Mosque, luxury boutiques, and exceptional local museums. Celestyal reports that the most popular excursions during its first season in Qatar were "Adventure to the Inland Sea," which offers guests a glimpse into local life before venturing into the desert to visit the vast tidal bay recognized for its national heritage value, and "A Cultural Journey through Doha," which takes passengers from Souq Waqif to Pearl Qatar Island, the Katara cultural village, and concludes at the Dhow Port and the beautiful Museum of Islamic Art.
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