Celestyal has cemented its commitment to the Arabian Gulf by signing a three-year partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), unveiled at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
The new alliance will see the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah promoted as a key destination for Celestyal cruise guests, with the cruise line planning to offer immersive, guest-exclusive shore experiences from December 2025. The agreement comes on the back of a highly successful debut Arabian Gulf season, where Celestyal exceeded its booking targets by 35 per cent.
From December, the recently refurbished Celestyal Discovery will homeport in Abu Dhabi, launching a series of three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ sailings. Over the next three seasons, the 1,360-guest vessel will call weekly at Ras Al Khaimah as part of its itinerary.
The four-night cruises will visit Doha, Ras Al Khaimah and Khasab in Oman, while the longer seven-night itinerary adds Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island. Fares start from AU$1,258* for two people on a four-night cruise, and AU$2,078* for a seven-night sailing, with inclusions such as meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities.
Lee Haslett, Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, said the partnership reflects the cruise line’s philosophy of forging deep regional ties. “We’re thrilled to enhance our award-winning shore excursion program by working with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Together, we’ll offer guests even more immersive and culturally rich experiences.”
Iyad Rasbey, Vice President – Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA, added: “Celestyal’s commitment to authentic, culturally rich experiences mirrors our own vision. By combining our strengths, we will deliver unique offerings that elevate Ras Al Khaimah’s position on the global cruise map.”
Celestyal has built a strong reputation for meaningful travel, with a focus on cultural immersion and personalised service. Its expansion in the Arabian Gulf complements its core offering in the Greek Islands and Adriatic.
For more details or to book, visit celestyal.com or call 1800 648 737.
*Prices valid until 31 May 2025, with port fees applicable to the second guest on select sailings. Offer also includes ‘kids fare for free’ on third and fourth berths.
Featured image from Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. Group caption L-R: Lee Haslett – Celestyal CCO, Janet Parton – Celestyal VP Business Development, Marios Polydorou – VP Business Development at Celestyal and Jasem Zaiton – CEO at Zaitoncorp, Saleh Mohamed – General Manager at Elevate, Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development and Rana El Dimassi, Manager, Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Development Authority
