Celestyal Cruises showcases Arabian Gulf destination to international partners

Celestyal Cruises has marked the opening of its second Arabian Gulf season by hosting international travel trade partners onboard Celestyal Journey, positioning the sailing as a familiarisation platform showcasing the region to long-haul source markets.

The initiative formed part of a special Desert Days & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix voyage, which took place from December 5th to 9th, 2025 with 13 global partners onboard, including six advisors from North America, with participants drawn from a total of eight international markets.

The fam trip was designed to provide first-hand exposure to both the onboard product and the Arabian Gulf itineraries that will form the core of Celestyal’s winter deployment in the region.

The sailing coincided with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and included an onboard discussion featuring Formula 1 driver, entrepreneur, author, and broadcaster David Coulthard.

The session covered Coulthard’s racing career, insights into the current Formula 1 season and commentary on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. UK sports broadcaster and commentator Laura Winter also participated in the discussion.

“The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sailing was a standout opportunity to showcase the strength of our Arabian Gulf season and the quality of our onboard experience,” said Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal.

“Having David Coulthard and Laura Winter join us created a standout ‘backstage pass’ moment for agents and guests alike, and we were delighted to host our global trade partners onboard for an immersive fam trip,” he added.

Celestyal said the familiarisation trip was supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and included three nights onboard Celestyal Journey, as well as a programme of shore experiences, including premium access to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The initiative was positioned as part of the cruise line’s broader strategy to build trade confidence in selling the Arabian Gulf as a cruise destination, particularly in markets where awareness remains in its early stages.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sailing marked the opening of Celestyal Journey’s winter deployment, which will include a series of seven-night Desert Days cruises, sailing roundtrip from Doha with an overnight stay in Dubai, alongside calls in Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain.

Celestyal’s presence in the region has expanded this season with the arrival of Celestyal Discovery, which joined Celestyal Journey on December 12th, 2025.

The ship has launched the line’s new three-, four- and seven-night Iconic Arabia cruises, operating roundtrip from Abu Dhabi. These itineraries call at Doha, Khasab, Dubai, and Sir Bani Yas Island, with maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah also included.

“With Celestyal Journey now operating ‘Desert Days’ and Celestyal Discovery also sailing the region this season for her inaugural ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries, we’re significantly expanding capacity and opportunity for our North American trade partners,” said John Diorio, Vice-President of Business Development for North America at Celestyal.

“The feedback from global advisors onboard has been incredibly positive, and we look forward to working closely with the trade as we continue to grow in the region,” he added.