Celestyal Cruises is offering Australians a new, exotic cruise destination in the Arabian Gulf. The cruise line has launched new itineraries, making the region a major winter hub for Australian cruisers and those passing through the UAE.
The company is expanding its presence in the Arabian Gulf, offering a blend of popular city destinations such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, as well as unique, off-the-beaten-path locations. These include the wildlife sanctuary of Sir Bani Yas Island and the coastal town of Khasab in Oman, both signature stops on a Celestyal voyage.
“We’ve been thrilled by the demand for our Arabian Gulf itineraries,” said Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal. “Our 2025 Desert Days cruises sold out quickly, exceeding our booking targets by 27% and passenger numbers by 35%. This shows the growing interest in immersive cruise experiences in the GCC.”
The strong results underline the demand for Celestyal’s destination-focused itineraries aboard its mid-sized ships. These ships provide a boutique cruise experience, combining access to major cities with visits to less-traveled spots.
Celestyal’s Arabian Gulf winter program runs from December to March and will feature two ships: the Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery. This marks the first year both ships will operate in the region.
Arabian Gulf Itineraries
The 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, based in Doha, will offer a 7-night Desert Days itinerary. Passengers can depart from either Doha (Qatar) on Saturdays or Dubai (UAE) on Mondays. The cruise will visit six ports, including Bahrain, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi.
The 1,360-passenger Celestyal Discovery, homeported in Abu Dhabi, will offer shorter itineraries, perfect for those looking to add a cruise to their UAE holiday. The 3-night Iconic Arabia cruise departs from Abu Dhabi on Fridays and visits Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island. Meanwhile, the 4-night midweek Iconic Arabia cruise, departing on Mondays, takes passengers to Doha, Dubai (via Ras Al Khaimah), and Khasab in Oman.
For those attending the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Celestyal Journey will arrive in Abu Dhabi on December 6, 2025, just in time for the race weekend. The ship will depart on December 7, after the race, visiting Sir Bani Yas Island, Bahrain, and Doha.
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