Celestyal’s 2025 Abu Dhabi F1 cruise itinerary

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Celestyal in the Arabian Gulf

Celestyal Cruises has launched a headline-grabbing new itinerary for December 2025, offering guests a front-row seat at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix along with exclusive onboard access to former Formula 1 winning driver David Coulthard.

Coulthard will join the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey as a guest speaker to discuss the race weekend alongside sports broadcaster and commentator, Laura Winter.

Guests will have the option to choose between five or seven nights with both options including tickets to the full Grand Prix weekend – practice sessions, qualifying and race day – as well as an overnight stay in Dubai, a call at Sir Bani Yas Island and immersive destination experiences.

Capping the F1 season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit delivers a dramatic race weekend crowned by dazzling fireworks and a series of high-profile after-race gigs, with this year’s headline acts including Katy Perry, Metallica and Benson Boone.

F1 abu dhabi fireworks race weekend w hotel

Fireworks over Yas Marina Circuit during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The seven-night sailing departs 4 December 2025 and includes two nights in a four-star hotel in Abu Dhabi, followed by a five-night cruise; while the five-night option departs 6 December.

Fares start at US$1,418 (AED5,200) per person and include race transfers, meals, WiFi, port fees, gratuities, a cocktail reception and a private island beach party on the UAE’s largest natural island, a wildlife sanctuary and eco-tourism destination celebrated for its free-roaming animals.

Describing the one-off itinerary as an “ideal curtain raiser to our Arabian Gulf season”, Celestyal Chief Commercial Officer, Lee Haslett said it was the ideal package for guests who crave adventure and cultural immersion.

Haslett added: “This new itinerary is a once-in-a-lifetime voyage combining the high-octane thrills and prestige of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with an immersive cruise experience."

Celestyal Journey on an a visit to Dubai in the UAE

This high-profile launch signals Celestyal’s sustained commitment to the Arabian Gulf, as the line doubles down on the region for winter 2025-2026 with two ships and expanded itineraries.

Following a successful debut, Celestyal is set to run a full regional program — anchored by the Celestyal Journey and, for the first time, the newly refurbished Celestyal Discovery — which will homeport in Abu Dhabi and operate a range of new 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises visiting Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, and Sir Bani Yas Island.

Katy Perry to headline Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concerts

Groundbreaking new event to drive cruise growth in Gulf region

The 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery has 47 new staterooms, with 30 Junior Dream Suites and two Grand Horizon Suites with balconies added above the bridge, plus 15 Cosmos Cabins.

Celestyal has also launched its latest summer campaign, offering savings of up to 60% across select Arabian Gulf cruises departing between December 2025 and March 2027, with its 2027 and early 2028 sailings Arabian Gulf itineraries already outlined.

More cruise lines are adding Middle East ports to their itineraries as cruise tourism in the region is on the rise and set to be further accelerated by Connections Cruise Arabia. The game-changing annual event, launching 18 September 2025, will bring together senior cruise leaders and stakeholders to shape the future of the sector in the region.

For more information, visit www.celestyal.com; for all the latest cruise news, bookmark www.connectingtravel.com/cruise