Celestyal, Visit Qatar Partner for Arabian Gulf Cruise Season

Celestyal has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Visit Qatar as it prepares for its inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf. The MOU, announced at the World Travel Market in London, outlines a three-year partnership promoting Qatar as a premier destination to Celestyal’s guests and travel agents.

The announcement was accompanied by news that Formula 1 driver, entrepreneur, author, and broadcaster David Coulthard will be the featured guest speaker on Celestyal’s “Desert Days & Qatar Grand Prix” cruise, which departs November 30, 2024.

The seven-night maiden voyage, aboard the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, kicks off with an overnight stay in Doha, Qatar, enabling guests to attend the F1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2024 events, including sprint, qualifying, and race days. Following Doha, the cruise will visit Dubai (UAE), Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE), and Abu Dhabi (UAE) before returning to Doha.

Onboard, guests will have the opportunity to attend an event with Coulthard, who, after a distinguished F1 career spanning 15 seasons with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, transitioned to a broadcasting career with the BBC and Channel 4 in the UK.

Lee Haslett, Celestyal’s chief commercial officer, stated: “It’s a privilege to sign this agreement with Visit Qatar and we would like to thank them for all their support in bringing this partnership to life. Qatar is an extraordinary destination and an ideal fit for our guests who are seeking immersive, culturally rich experiences. We look forward to working together with our agent partners to showcase everything this unique region offers.”

Celestyal’s first Arabian Gulf season runs from November 2024 to March 2025, with a commitment to continue for three years. The Celestyal Journey will offer the “Desert Days” itinerary, a seven-day roundtrip from Doha with stops in Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi. Fares start at $509 per person.

This voyage marks Celestyal’s debut in the Arabian Gulf, with sister ship Celestyal Discovery scheduled to join Celestyal Journey for the 2025-2026 season in December 2025.