Celestyal Cruises has signed a three-year deal with Abu Dhabi, committing to homeport a vessel in the city for the coming three cruise seasons, sailing roundtrip voyages in the Arabian Gulf.

The partnership, agreed at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, will promote the city as a key destination among Celestyal’s guests and help further establish the cruise line’s position in the Middle East cruise market.

Celestyal will return to the region with two ships in December this year, featuring three weekly calls to Abu Dhabi across the winter season until March 2026.

This builds on Celestyal’s hugely successful debut season in the region this year. The cruise line launched a 7-day Desert Days itinerary aboard its 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey for the 2024/25 season.

Sailing roundtrip from Doha, the cruise called at Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. The inaugural season ran from November until March 2025, and the new agreement commits the cruise line to another three similar seasons.

The recently refurbished 1,360-passenger Celestyal Discovery will join her fleet mate in the region for the 2025/26 season, homeporting in Abu Dhabi from December 12th, 2025.

She will sail 3-, 4- and 7-night Iconic Arabia cruises, catering to the local cruise market, which prefers shorter regional itineraries.

The 3-night weekend sailings will operate roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, visiting Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island for a combination of beach and wildlife safari experiences. 

The 4-night midweek itineraries will sail roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Ras Al Khaimah and the coastal port of Khasab in Oman.

“We’re grateful for Abu Dhabi’s support in bringing this partnership to life,” said Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal. “Abu Dhabi is a diverse and stunning destination, which is why we’re excited to not only homeport there but also include three weekly calls to the city throughout the winter season for the next three years.”

“Abu Dhabi is an ideal fit for our guests who are looking for immersive and culturally rich experiences. The cruise industry in the Arabian Gulf is on track to welcome record passenger numbers in the coming years,” he added.

Celestyal’s shore excursion programme includes nine Abu Dhabi excursions including half day tours taking in the best of Abu Dhabi, food and culture explorations, theme park visits, VIP beach days, as well as the classic desert safaris and attractions.