Image: Celestyal Journey

Celestyal’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season is now underway.

The cruise line’s flagship vessel, Celestyal Journey, arrived in Doha, Qatar.

The season kicked off with two specially themed F1 voyages for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix events on December 1 and December 8.

Subsequent departures offer seven-night ‘Desert Days’ itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Doha, through March 2025. Each cruise features calls to Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, an overnight stay in Dubai Marina, as well as visiting hidden gem destinations Khasab, and Sir Bani Yas Island.

Celestyal Journey will sail from Doha for three consecutive years throughout the winter seasons, through a collaboration between Celestyal and Visit Qatar.

The ship underwent a multi-million euro refurbishment in September 2023, prior to entering the Celestyal fleet and received additional extensive refurbishment while on route to Doha.

“We’re incredibly excited to see our first ever Arabian Gulf season get underway,” said Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lee Haslett. “Whether guests are familiar with the destinations we visit or are sampling them for the first time, there will be a wealth of authentic experiences available to everyone.”

Celestyal Discovery will join Celestyal Journey in the region at the end of 2025 for three-night long weekend ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises and four-night midweek ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises.

“We’re delighted to be commencing our season in the Arabian Gulf, with this momentous arrival into Doha. It marks the significant start of Celestyal’s next chapter, operating a fully refreshed fleet across year-round operations and two regions,” said Celestial CEO Chris Theophilides.

He added: “We listened to our guests, 86% 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.”

Source: Travelweek