Celestyal begins its maiden season in the Arabian Gulf

Celestyal launched its inaugural cruise season in the Arabian Gulf on November 30, when the Celestyal Journey arrived in Doha, Qatar.

According to a news release, the company commemorated the anniversary by conducting a one-day event in collaboration with Visit Qatar, Qatar Tourism, and the Mwani Port Authority.

Local leaders, media, and influencers gathered onboard the Celestyal Journey for presentations, a ship tour, the usual plaque exchange ceremony, and a celebratory meal.

Following the occasion, the vessel will sail on the first of two F1-themed excursions.

Subsequent cruises will be seven-night “Desert Days” itineraries sailing roundtrip from Doha until March 2025.

Each voyage includes stops in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Khasab, and Sir Bani Yas, as well as an overnight stop in Dubai.

Celestyal and Visit Qatar have collaborated to launch the Celestyal Journey from Doha for three years in a row during the winter season.

“We’re very eager to start our first Arabian Gulf season. I’d like to thank our partners at Visit Qatar, Mwani Port Authority, and Qatar Airways for their ongoing support and warm welcome to the region,” said Celestyal’s chief commercial officer, Lee Haslett.

“We are optimistic that our special F1-themed cruises will ensure a strong start to the season, while the Desert Days itinerary showcases the best of the local region. Whether guests are familiar with the countries we visit or are discovering them for the first time, there will be a plethora of authentic experiences available to all,” he added.

The Celestyal Discovery will join the Celestyal Journey in the Middle East for a series of “Iconic Arabia” voyages during the winter of 2025-26, expanding the company’s regional services.

The ship will sail roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, offering three-night weekend cruises to Doha, Bahrain, and Dubai, as well as four-night midweek cruises to Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Muscat, and Khasab.

“We’re thrilled to be starting our season in the Arabian Gulf with this historic arrival in Doha. I want to thank our staff and partners for making this a reality. It represents a significant start to Celestyal’s next chapter, with a fully updated fleet operating year-round in two regions,” stated Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides.

“We listened to our guests and 86 percent tell us they want to return after they have spent time with us, and with our new Desert Days itinerary, as well as our additional Iconic Arabia itineraries on Celestyal Discovery next year, we are expanding the many reasons to try or come back to Celestyal.”