Celestyal finalises agreement with Abu Dhabi and AD Ports Group
Celestyal has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) alongside AD Ports Group. The MOU, signed at Arabian Travel Market, will promote Abu Dhabi as a key destination among Celestyal’s guests and help further raise the cruise line’s profile in the region.
Celestyal has previously launched a seven-day ‘Desert Days’ itinerary for 2024, sailing roundtrip from Doha and calling at Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. The itinerary launches from November until March 2025, with a number of special sailings such as festive cruises and will feature for three seasons.
All voyages are on the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, which joined the line last year, although Celestyal have hinted that the recently purchased and refurbished 1,266, Celestyal Discovery may also be set to join the region for the winter season in the near future. Due to popularity, there is currently limited availability across all new departures.
Lee Haslett, Celestyal Chief Commercial Officer, said: “It’s a huge privilege to sign this agreement and we would like to thank DCT Abu Dhabi for all their support. Our ethos has always been to proudly partner and showcase our fabulous destinations, building strong connections with the regions we visit. Abu Dhabi is a truly unique destination, and we are eagerly anticipating showcasing everything it has to offer to our guests. The cruise industry continues to attract record passenger numbers and we are looking forward to a successful first season that highlights the very best of this special region.”
Celestyal’s vision is firmly rooted in creating unmissable experiences at sea and ashore, and they are committed to showcasing the best of the region to their guests. As part of their award-winning shore excursion offerings, they already offer nine Abu Dhabi excursions that will transport their guests to the heart of the emirate, including half day tours taking in the best of Abu Dhabi, food and culture explorations, theme park visits, VIP beach days, as well as the classic desert safaris and attractions.
The ‘Desert Days’ itinerary is available to book from €529pp for seven nights and includes €75pp shore excursion discount, full board, select drinks with meals, all port and service charges. All cruises are on sale now and include 50% deposits as part of the Spring campaign, bringing deposits down to as low as €125 per booking.
About Celestyal
Celestyal, an award-winning and year-round cruise company, continues to set the standard for unmissable travel experiences in the Greek Islands, the Adriatic, and the Arabian Gulf. Built on a foundation of unique Greek heritage, the company excels in delivering, exceptional hospitality, ensuring genuine cultural immersion both onboard and onshore. Operating two brand new vessels, accommodating up to 1260 passengers each, Celestyal prioritizes highly personalized services, establishing a high-end environment that welcomes over 100,000 passengers annually from more than 130 different nationalities.
The company’s unique approach, informed by valuable passenger feedback and market insights, has contributed to its continuing success in the cruise industry. Celestyal’s vision extends beyond the shores of Greece and the Mediterranean, aiming to redefine the cruising experience. As the company looks to the future, its dedication to providing authentic and unmissable experiences, reaffirms the company’s vision of offering travellers a unique and enriching exploration of diverse destinations.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate efort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae
About AD Ports Group
Abu Dhabi Ports, part of AD Ports Group, owns or operates 10 ports and terminals in the UAE. Each facility is strategically located, harnessing sea, air, road, and rail connectivity to provide gateways to global markets. We ofer multipurpose, end-to-end solutions to our partners and customers enabling them to maximise growth opportunities and become truly global businesses.
For more information on AD Ports Group, please visit:
Ports & Terminal Operations | Abu Dhabi Ports (adports.ae)
