winter homeport — Celestyal Cruises has launched its winter homeport in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant expansion of its operations beyond the Mediterranean. The inaugural season of the Celestyal Discovery commenced on December 12, 2023, with the 1,360-guest ship embarking on a series of cruises designed to showcase the Arabian Gulf.
Winter homeport: New Itineraries for the Arabian Gulf
The Celestyal Discovery is operating a range of ‘Images of Arabia’ itineraries, which include three, four, and seven-night cruises. These round-trip voyages connect key destinations across the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman, with Abu Dhabi serving as the seasonal homeport. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the company’s presence in the region.
Celebrating the Launch with Official Ceremonies
To commemorate the beginning of this new chapter, plaque-exchange ceremonies were held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Ras Al Khaimah, and Khasab. These events underscored the official support from local authorities and Celestyal’s commitment to establishing a long-term footprint in the Arabian Gulf.
Environmental Initiatives and Commitment to Sustainability
In addition to its cruise offerings, Celestyal is keen to highlight its environmental initiatives. Executives participated in a mangrove-planting activity at Jubail Island Mangrove Park, aligning with the UAE’s ambition to plant 100 million trees by 2030. This initiative not only supports local biodiversity but also reinforces the cruise line’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Market Demand for Destination-Focused Cruising
Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, remarked, “Celestyal Discovery’s maiden voyage to the Arabian Gulf opens an exciting new chapter for the company.” He noted the growing demand for more destination-focused cruising experiences. To support this, Celestyal has made a three-year commitment to operate two ships in the region, enhancing the depth of its offerings.
Affordable Pricing and Booking Options
The ‘Images of Arabia’ itineraries are competitively priced, starting from €309 per person for a three-night cruise. This pricing includes meals in the main restaurants, refreshments, WiFi, port fees, and gratuities. Bookings for these itineraries are currently open until February 5, 2026, subject to availability, making it an attractive option for travellers seeking unique experiences in the Arabian Gulf.
Familiarisation Trip for Travel Agents
In conjunction with the launch, Celestyal hosted 30 travel agents on a familiarisation trip in the Arabian Gulf. This initiative, organised in cooperation with the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, aimed to strengthen relationships with trade partners. Agents from various international markets participated in the programme, coinciding with the debut of the Celestyal Discovery and the introduction of the new-for-2025 ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries.
Exploring Cultural and Natural Wonders
The five-day familiarisation trip included a two-night pre-cruise stay at the Grand Hyatt in Abu Dhabi, where agents visited cultural and leisure landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum, Ferrari World, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Following this, participants enjoyed a three-night sailing on the Celestyal Discovery, with stops at Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island, where they took part in nature-focused excursions.
Future Itineraries Set to Launch
Looking ahead, the ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries are scheduled to launch in 2025, operating roundtrip from Abu Dhabi and featuring ports of call such as Ras Al Khaimah, a new destination for the cruise line, alongside Doha, Khasab, Dubai, and Sir Bani Yas Island. Odyssia Odysseos, country manager UAE at Celestyal, emphasised that this initiative is crucial for enhancing engagement with trade partners and showcasing the diverse offerings of the Arabian Gulf.
“Hosting 30 travel professionals for a pre-cruise stay and three-night voyage on Celestyal Discovery was an opportunity to present the diversity of the Arabian Gulf,” Odysseos concluded, highlighting the significance of this collaboration in promoting the region’s tourism potential.
