Celestyal has celebrated the start of its second season in the Arabian Gulf, welcoming 13 travel agents aboard the Celestyal Journey on its special sailing “Amazing Desert & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix”.
The familiarization trip, which took place from December 5th to 9th, brought together agents from eight international markets, who enjoyed an exclusive fireside chat with Formula 1 driver, entrepreneur, author, and presenter David Coulthard. He discussed his career, shared his insights on the current F1 season, and offered commentary on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He was joined by sports presenter and commentator Laura Winter.
The trip, supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, allowed the agents to enjoy three nights aboard the Celestyal Journey, along with multiple onshore experiences, including premium access to the Grand Prix.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cruise marked the start of the ship's winter season. The Celestyal Journey will continue operating the seven-night "Awesome Desert" itinerary for the remainder of the season, sailing round-trip from Doha and calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain, plus two full days and one night in Dubai.
The Celestyal Discovery will join the Celestyal Journey on December 12, 2025, inaugurating the new three, four, and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises, with round-trip departures from its winter homeport in Abu Dhabi and calls at Doha (Qatar); Khasab (Oman); Dubai (UAE); Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE); and will include inaugural visits to Ras Al Khaimah (UAE).
All fares include meals, a selection of soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port taxes, and gratuities. Offers can be booked between December 10, 2025, and February 5, 2026, subject to availability. The current promotion also includes additional benefits on selected sailings, with up to €500 in CelestyalPay credit*—valid for specialty restaurants, drinks, and cocktails—as well as shore excursion credits.
Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer of Celestyal, commented: “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cruise was an exceptional opportunity to showcase the strength of our season in the Arabian Gulf and the quality of our onboard experience. Having David Coulthard and Laura Winter on board created a unique 'behind-the-scenes' moment for both agents and other passengers, and we loved welcoming our global partners on a truly immersive familiarization voyage.”
With the Celestyal Journey operating the 'Awesome Desert' itinerary and the Celestyal Discovery soon joining the region with its inaugural 'Iconian Arabia' itineraries, we are significantly expanding capacity and opportunities for our UK business partners. Feedback from agents has been extremely positive, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the industry as we grow in the region.”
David Coulthard competed in Formula One from 1994 to 2008, winning 13 Grands Prix over 15 seasons and driving for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull. After his racing career, he worked as a television commentator for the BBC and Channel 4.
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