Celestyal Cruises adds Ras Al Khaimah to port line up on 2025/26 Arabian Gulf itineraries

Celestyal Cruises has entered into a three-year partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), expanding its presence in the Arabian Gulf with scheduled port calls to the northern emirate beginning in December 2025.

The agreement was announced at Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai and will see Ras Al Khaimah featured in Celestyal’s seasonal Winter Sun itineraries, with plans to co-develop new shore excursions in collaboration with RAKTDA and local stakeholders.

“We’re proud to build strong partnerships with the regions we visit, and are thrilled to enhance our award-winning shore excursion program by working with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority,” said Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal. “Together, we’ll offer our guests even more immersive and culturally rich experiences.”

“Ras Al Khaimah is a truly unique and diverse destination, and we’re excited to showcase it to our guests – many of whom choose Celestyal specifically for our focus on authentic, in-depth exploration,” he added. “We’re looking forward to creating a collection of inspiring shore experiences in close collaboration with the tourist board and local partners.”

The partnership follows a hugely successful inaugural Arabian Gulf season for Celestyal, during which bookings exceeded projections by 35 percent, according to the cruise line. In December 2025, the line will return to the region with two ships, including Celestyal Discovery, which will homeport in Abu Dhabi from 12ᵗʰ December through March.

The 1,360-guest vessel will operate 3-, 4- and 7-night Iconic Arabia cruises. 

The 4-night itinerary will sail roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Ras Al Khaimah, and Khasab in Oman, while the 7-night option will add Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island. Fares start at $918 for two people on a 4-night cruise, and $1,478 for two on a 7-night sailing. Prices include meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities.

“Our partnership with Celestyal underscores a powerful alignment of vision and values,” said Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA. “Celestyal’s commitment to authentic, culturally rich experiences mirrors our own DNA of creating meaningful and immersive journeys for visitors.” 

“By combining our strengths, we will deliver unique, experiential offerings that elevate Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a premier destination on the global cruise map,” he added.

Celestyal also confirmed that the addition of Celestyal Discovery will more than double its number of calls to Qatar during the 2025/26 season, further expanding its presence across the Gulf. The cruise line signed a separate agreement with tourism authorities in the country on the first day of Arabian Travel Market.