Celestyal Cruises releases Abu Dhabi Grand Prix itinerary for 2025/26 season

Celestyal Cruises has announced a special December sailing that will give guests front-row access to the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, combining the thrill of Formula 1 with a cruise featuring  ley UAE and Arabian Gulf ports.

The sailing will take place aboard the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, and marks a key feature of the cruise line’s expanding Arabian Gulf deployment. Guests will be offered two options—either a 7-night Sail & Stay experience or a 5-night cruise-only package—both of which include tickets to the Grand Prix and associated events.

“This new itinerary is a once-in-a-lifetime voyage combining the high-octane thrills and prestige of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with an immersive cruise experience,” said Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal. “It’s the ideal curtain raiser to our Arabian Gulf season.”

The 7-night itinerary, departing December 4^th, 2025, includes:

• A 2-night stay at a four-star hotel in Abu Dhabi
• Tickets to all three days of the Grand Prix, covering practice sessions, qualifying, and race day
• A 5-night cruise featuring an overnight in Dubai and a call to Sir Bani Yas Island

This package starts from US$2,138 per guest and includes transfers to the Yas Marina Circuit.

The 5-night alternative departs on December 6^th, 2025 and includes:

• Tickets to the third practice session, qualifying, and race day
• Ports of call in Dubai (overnight) and Sir Bani Yas Island

The cruise-only fare starts at US$1,418 per guest.

Both options include scheduled transfers to and from the racetrack, all meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees, and gratuities. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception on embarkation day and a private beachside party at Sir Bani Yas.

Further elevating the voyage, Formula 1 driver and broadcaster David Coulthard will join the sailing as a guest speaker, alongside UK sports commentator Laura Winter. The pair will provide behind-the-scenes insights into the race weekend, offering a rare opportunity for motorsport fans to hear expert commentary while at sea.

With a growing number of cruise lines tailoring sailings around major events in the region, Celestyal’s offering reflects the increasing appeal of the UAE as both a cruise and sporting destination.

The combination of world-class infrastructure in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, along with the natural appeal of Sir Bani Yas Island, places the UAE firmly at the centre of cruise innovation in the Gulf.