Celestyal Opens 2025 Gulf Season With Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Cruise

Celestyal kicked off its second winter season in the Arabian Gulf in December 2025 with two ships in the region, pairing new itineraries with a series of trade and destination events tied to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Grand Prix-timed sailing opens the winter program

The season-opening activity was a “Desert Days & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix” sailing onboard Celestyal Journey from Dec. 5 to Dec. 9, 2025, hosted for global travel partners. Celestyal said 13 trade partners joined the voyage, including six from North America, with advisors participating from eight different markets.

During the sailing, guests and advisors attended a Formula 1-themed discussion with David Coulthard, described by the company as an F1 driver, entrepreneur, author and broadcaster. UK sports broadcaster and commentator Laura Winter also took part. Celestyal said the conversation covered Coulthard’s career, his view of the current Formula 1 season, and discussion around the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lee Haslett, Celestyal’s chief commercial officer, said the itinerary served as a showcase moment for the line’s winter season in the region. “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sailing was a standout opportunity to showcase the strength of our Arabian Gulf season and the quality of our onboard experience,” Haslett said.

Celestyal said the familiarization sailing was supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and included shore experiences and premium access connected to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Celestyal Journey’s seven-night Desert Days cruises from Doha

Celestyal said the Grand Prix sailing also formally opened Celestyal Journey’s winter deployment in the Arabian Gulf, which is built around a series of seven-night Desert Days cruises.

The standard Desert Days itinerary sails roundtrip from Doha and includes an overnight stay in Dubai, along with calls at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. Celestyal has listed fares starting at $739 per person for the seven-night Desert Days cruises.

Celestyal Discovery begins its first Arabian Gulf season from Abu Dhabi

Days after the Grand Prix sailing, Celestyal brought a second ship into the region. Celestyal Discovery arrived on Dec. 12, 2025, beginning service in the Arabian Gulf for the first time, and is sailing a mix of three-, four- and seven-night Iconic Arabia cruises roundtrip from its homeport in Abu Dhabi. Celestyal describes the ship as a 1,360-guest vessel.

Celestyal said the Iconic Arabia itineraries call at Doha, Khasab, Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island, and the season includes the ship’s maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. The company has priced its three-night Iconic Arabia sailings from $359 per person.

Haslett tied Discovery’s arrival to broader regional plans, saying, “Celestyal Discovery’s debut in the Arabian Gulf marks an exciting new chapter for our brand,” and adding that the welcome in the region aligns with what the company is seeing in guest demand for destination-led experiences.

Trade strategy and destination activations around the ship’s arrival

As capacity increases with two ships operating in the Gulf, Celestyal highlighted its focus on trade engagement, particularly in North America. John Diorio, vice president of business development for North America at Celestyal, said, “With the Celestyal Journey now operating Desert Days and the Celestyal Discovery also sailing the region this season for her inaugural Iconic Arabia itineraries, we’re significantly expanding capacity and opportunity for our North American trade partners.”

Diorio added that feedback from advisors onboard has been “incredibly positive,” and said the company plans to keep collaborating with trade partners as it develops further in the region.

Celestyal also marked Celestyal Discovery’s start of season with plaque exchange ceremonies tied to maiden calls. The exchanges took place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE, Doha in Qatar, and in Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) and Khasab (Oman).

Mangrove planting tied to UAE conservation goals

To mark Celestyal Discovery’s arrival, Celestyal participated in a mangrove planting at the Jubail Island Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi. Celestyal linked the activity to the UAE’s conservation initiatives and its target of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030.

Celestyal said attendees included Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides; COO Captain George Koumpenas; VP Hotel Operations & Passenger Services Alexis Economou; and Celestyal Discovery Captain Nikolaos Vasiliou, along with representatives from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

Three-year Gulf commitment

Celestyal has framed the two-ship deployment as a multi-season presence in the region. “Having both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey operating here for the next three years underscores our commitment to offering guests deeper, more meaningful ways to explore this remarkable part of the world,” Theophilides said.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which ship is sailing the seven-night Desert Days cruises, and where do they depart?

Celestyal Journey is scheduled to operate the seven-night Desert Days itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Doha with an overnight stay in Dubai, plus calls including Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

What is Celestyal Discovery’s homeport for the Iconic Arabia cruises?

Celestyal Discovery is sailing roundtrip from Abu Dhabi on three-, four- and seven-night Iconic Arabia itineraries.

Which destinations are included on Celestyal’s Iconic Arabia cruises?

Celestyal said the program includes calls at Doha, Khasab, Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island, and the season also includes maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE.

What are the starting prices Celestyal shared for the Gulf itineraries?

Celestyal has listed fares starting at $739 per person for the seven-night Desert Days cruises, and starting at $359 per person for three-night Iconic Arabia sailings.

How long will Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery operate in the Arabian Gulf?

Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides said the two ships will operate in the region “for the next three years,” positioning the deployment as a longer-term commitment across multiple seasons.

With Celestyal Journey already operating its winter program and Celestyal Discovery newly introduced in the Arabian Gulf, Celestyal’s December 2025 schedule sets a season built around seven-night Desert Days sailings from Doha and shorter Iconic Arabia cruises from Abu Dhabi, alongside ongoing trade engagement and destination events in the region.