Celestyal, Abu Dhabi Launch Strategic Tourism Partnership

Celestyal Cruises and Abu Dhabi tourism have signed a deal that marks their most important expansion in Arabian Gulf cruise operations. Two ships will make three weekly calls to Abu Dhabi starting December 2025. This three-year agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) lets travelers experience nine curated shore excursions. These include cultural tours, desert safaris, and VIP beach experiences.

The partnership offers exciting cruise options aboard the newly refurbished Celestyal Discovery, which accommodates 1,360 guests. Passengers can select between three-night weekend voyages from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island. They also have the option of four-night midweek adventures to Doha, Ras Al Khaimah, and Khasab in Oman, with prices starting from £558 for two people. This strategic collaboration establishes Abu Dhabi as a premier destination in the Arabian Gulf region, where the cruise industry expects record passenger numbers in upcoming seasons.

Celestyal Cruises Secures Three-Year Deal with Abu Dhabi Tourism

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Celestyal Cruises and The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) signed a mutually beneficial alliance at Seatrade Global in Miami. This multi-year collaborative effort creates a strong base for Celestyal’s expansion in the Middle East. The cruise line will commit two ships to the Arabian Gulf for winter operations.

“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,” said Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal. He added that Abu Dhabi stands out as a perfect destination for travelers who seek rich cultural experiences.

The partnership adds strength to Celestyal’s regional connections and establishes Abu Dhabi as a leading cruise destination. The company reported “a strong first season in the region” and plans to build on the rising interest in Arabian Gulf cruising.

Haslett noted, “The cruise industry in the Arabian Gulf is on track to welcome record passenger numbers in the coming years, and we’re excited to bring the very best of this special part of the world to our guests for many years to come.”

Guest and travel partner feedback from the first Arabian Gulf season helped shape Celestyal’s winter itineraries. The 2025 “Iconic Arabia” sailings will feature improved stops across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Ras Al Khaimah joins as a new port of call.

Both repeat customers and first-time cruise travelers show growing interest in the Arabian Gulf. “Since launching our winter season Arabian Gulf itineraries, we’ve been thrilled by the positive response,” Haslett said. This enthusiasm drove Celestyal’s decision to make a long-term operational commitment to Abu Dhabi and its surrounding region.

Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal Schedule Expands with Weekly Calls

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Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal expects exceptional growth as Celestyal plans three weekly calls to the emirate during winter seasons until March 2026. The schedule will expand in December 2025 when Celestyal brings two ships back to the region.

Celestyal Discovery, which has been refurbished recently, will make Abu Dhabi its home port starting December 12, 2025. The ship can accommodate 1,360 passengers and will run unique routes. These include three-night weekend trips from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island. Passengers can enjoy beach experiences and wildlife safari adventures. The four-night midweek trips will take travelers from Abu Dhabi to Doha, Ras Al Khaimah, and Oman’s coastal port of Khasab.

The terminal’s growth numbers are impressive. During the 2022-2023 season, over 600,000 visitors arrived in Abu Dhabi, and more than 82,000 passengers started their trips from the emirate. The first quarter of 2023 was remarkable with 363,494 visitors and 120 calls. These numbers are up from Q1 2022’s 89,953 visitors and 60 calls. Q1 2023 passenger numbers exceeded the entire 2022 year’s figures by more than 37 percent.

World Cruise Awards recognized the terminal’s excellence in 2023. Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port won both the World’s Best Cruise Terminal and the Middle East’s Best Cruise Terminal awards. Cruise Terminal 2 opened in Q4 2022 to handle increased capacity.

The terminal will welcome over 7,000 visitors during Formula 1 Abu Dhabi and provide world-class hospitality. Celestyal has also planned special sailings that align with both Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. These trips are perfect for motorsport fans.

Celestyal Cruises Center Ltd Unveils Arabian Itineraries

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Celestyal has revealed its new Arabian Gulf itineraries for 2025-26. The cruise line made these changes based on positive feedback from their first season. Travelers now have multiple ways to explore the region’s famous destinations through three different cruise types.

Weekend travelers can choose the three-night “Iconic Arabia” voyages from Abu Dhabi every Friday. These cruises take guests to Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island. Sir Bani Yas Island’s nature reserve lets visitors see endangered Arabian oryx and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

The four-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises start from Abu Dhabi on Mondays. These midweek trips take guests to Doha, Dubai through Ras Al Khaimah port, and Oman’s beautiful coastal town of Khasab. Guests can enjoy both busy cities and quiet coastal spots during their trip.

Celestyal Journey’s seven-night “Desert Days” cruise gives travelers a complete view of the region. The ship stays overnight in Dubai and visits Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Doha. Guests can explore bustling cities and natural wonders across the Arabian Gulf.

Both ships will sail special 14-night cruises from Athens to Abu Dhabi in November 2025. These trips mark their first visits to Aqaba (Jordan), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Muscat (Oman), and Sharm El Sheik (Egypt).

The 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery starts its first Arabian Gulf season on December 12, 2025. The 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey returns on December 6, 2025. Celestyal Journey’s first sailing matches the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix dates for a special celebration cruise.

Prices start at AED 1,244.79 per person for four-night cruises and AED 3,778.43 for 14-night trips. Each package includes meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees, and gratuities.

Celestyal Cruises’ mutually beneficial alliance with Abu Dhabi reshapes the scene of Arabian Gulf cruise operations. Through this collaborative effort, travelers can enjoy tailored experiences with itineraries that range from three-night weekend adventures to detailed 14-night voyages. Travelers can now head over to a variety of destinations including Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, Doha, and the newly added Ras Al Khaimah port.

Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal’s remarkable success shows in its record-breaking passenger numbers and international awards, making the emirate a top cruise destination. The terminal’s capacity has expanded with Cruise Terminal 2, showing it’s ready to welcome more visitors. The special Formula 1 Grand Prix sailings add an exciting element to Celestyal’s offerings.

This partnership responds to travelers’ growing interest in Arabian Gulf cruising experiences, with prices that start at AED 1,244.79 per person. These detailed packages are the foundations of value-driven luxury cruising in the region and include meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees, and gratuities. The mutually beneficial alliance between Celestyal Cruises and Abu Dhabi Tourism opens new possibilities for cruise tourism in the Arabian Gulf, where travelers can experience both cultural immersion and modern luxury.