Celestyal makes three-year commitment...

Cruise line to promote Arabian Gulf as region is tipped to attract record passengers

Cruise operator Celestyal has committed to maintaining Abu Dhabi as a winter home port as part of sailing schedules in the Gulf.

A three-year agreement with The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) was confirmed in April 2025 at the Seatrade Global conference in Miami.

The collaboration will see the cruise line promote Abu Dhabi as a key destination and help further establish its affiliations to the Middle East region.

Celestyal will return to the Gulf with two ships in December, featuring three calls a week to Abu Dhabi across the winter season until March 2026.

The company launched a seven-day Desert Days itinerary aboard 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey in November 2024, sailing roundtrip from Doha in Qatar and calling at ports across the Gulf including Bahrain, Khasab in Oman and the UAE's Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi until last month.

The recently refurbished 1,360-passenger Celestyal Discovery will also sail in the region, making Abu Dhabi its home port from December 12, 2025, sailing three-, four- and seven-night Iconic Arabia cruises.

Chief Commercial Officer Lee Haslett said: "It’s a privilege to sign this three-year agreement with DCT Abu Dhabi, and we’re grateful for their support in bringing this partnership to life.

"Abu Dhabi is a diverse and stunning destination, which is why we’re excited to not only homeport there but also include three weekly calls to the city throughout the winter season for the next three years.

“The cruise industry in the Arabian Gulf is on track to welcome record passenger numbers in the coming years, and after a strong first season in the region, we’re excited to bring the very best of this special part of the world to our guests for many years to come."

Celestyal’s programme includes nine Abu Dhabi shore excursions.

For more information, visit www.celestyal.com

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