Thirty-two agents from around the world, including 12 from the UK, are taking part in a five-day F1 themed ‘super fam’ to mark the launch of Celestyal’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season.
The cruise line’s flagship, Celestyal Journey, has arrived in Doha, Qatar, to start the line’s maiden Arabian Gulf season. The season begins with two themed F1 voyages, which take in the Qatar and Abu Dhabi grand prix events.
The fam trip comprises a three-night land stay, with various local excursions including to the Arabian Travel Market, and two days on Celestyal Journey while it is docked at Doha’s Grand Cruise Terminal.
The attendees also had the option to attend the Qatar Grand Prix races and join a speaking session with Formula 1 driver and presenter David Coulthard and Formula 1 presenter Laura Winter.
Agents were gifted a free ‘Desert Days’ cruise credit so that they could return to experience the full voyage.
More: Celestyal overhauls fare structure and drinks packages
Ship review: Celestyal Journey
Celestyal gears up for ‘adrenaline-fuelled’ Qatar fam trip
Celestyal also hosted an onboard event with Visit Qatar, Qatar Tourism, Qatar Airways and Mwani Port Authority for local dignitaries.
Subsequent Celestyal Journey departures will feature seven-night ‘Desert Days’ itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Doha, up to March 2025.
The cruises call at Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, stay overnight in Dubai Marina, and visit the lesser-known destinations of Khasab and Sir Bani Yas Island.
Celestyal Journey will sail from Doha for three consecutive years throughout the winter seasons, following a collaboration between Celestyal and Visit Qatar.
The 630-cabin ship features seven restaurants, eight bars and lounges, two pools and Jacuzzis, and a deck dedicated to wellness including a spa and fitness area.
It underwent a multimillion-euro refurbishment in September 2023 before entering the Celestyal fleet.
Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “We are confident that our special F1 themed cruises will ensure we have a roaring start to the season, while the Desert Days itinerary offers the very best of the local region.”
Celestyal Discovery will join Celestyal Journey in the region at the end of 2025. It will sail three-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Khalifa Bin Salman (Bahrain) and Dubai Marina, as well as four-night departures calling at Fujairah, Muscat and Kasab.
Chris Theophilides, chief executive at Celestyal, said the maiden season “marks the significant start of Celestyal’s next chapter, operating a fully refreshed fleet across year-round operations and two regions [Greek Islands and the Adriatic, plus the Arabian Gulf].”
He added: “We listened to our guests; 86% tell us they want to return after they have spent time with us, and with our new Desert Days itinerary, as well as our additional Iconic Arabia itineraries on Celestyal Discovery from next year, we are expanding the many reasons to try or come back to Celestyal.”
From left: Sam Redfearn (My Cruise), Janet Parton (Celestyal Cruises’ vice-president of business development for the UK, Europe and Australia), David Coulthard, Julie Taylor (Barrhead Travel), Gary Slade (Iglu) and Marco Macchieraldo (Paramount Cruises).