Celestyal marks ‘exciting new chapter’ in Gulf with mangrove planting in Abu Dhabi

Celestyal Cruises has marked the debut of Celestyal Discovery and Journey in the Arabian Gulf with a programme of inaugural events across the region, including plaque exchange ceremonies and a mangrove planting initiative in Abu Dhabi.

The activities coincided with the start of the cruise line’s expanded Gulf season, where it is homeporting two vessels for the winter season.

The 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery is operating the cruise line’s newly introduced three-, four- and seven-night Iconic Arabia itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, UAE while Celestyal Journey is homeporting in Doha, Qatar, sailing seven-night roundtrip Desert Days itineraries.

To open the celebrations surrounding the ship’s arrival in Abu Dhabi, Celestyal participated in a mangrove planting experience at Jubail Island Mangrove Park. The initiative supports the UAE’s wider environmental conservation efforts and its national target to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030.

Senior representatives from Celestyal took part, alongside Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, including Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides, COO Captain George Koumpenas, Vice President of Hotel Operations and Passenger Services Alexis Economou, and Celestyal Discovery Captain Nikolaos Vasiliou, who planted mangrove saplings at the site.

The mangrove planting was accompanied by a series of plaque exchange ceremonies held to mark the start of Celestyal Discovery’s season and its maiden calls across the region. These took place in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, as well as in Doha, Qatar, and Khasab, Oman, reflecting the multi-country scope of the Iconic Arabia itineraries.

“Celestyal Discovery’s debut in the Arabian Gulf marks an exciting new chapter for our brand. The warm welcome we’ve received reflects the region’s growing enthusiasm for cruise, and this is replicated by the demand we’re seeing from guests for immersive experiences and authentic encounters,” said Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer, Celestyal.

“Having both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey operating in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years underscores our commitment to offering guests deeper, more meaningful ways to explore this remarkable part of the world,” he added.

Celestyal’s two-ship Arabian Gulf season for 2025/26 represents a 211 per cent year-on-year capacity increase compared with its maiden 2024/25 programme.

The shorter Iconic Arabia itineraries out of Abu Dhabi are designed to appeal to a broad range of travellers, including those seeking shorter sailings or first-time cruise experiences in the Gulf.

Prices for the three-night itinerary currently start from US$509 per person under a summer promotion available to book until February 5th, 2026, subject to availability. Fares include meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees, and gratuities.