You are viewing 1 of your 2 free articles
Celestyal expands its Arabian Gulf shore excursion programme
Line introduces “authentic” experiences as Ras Al Khaimah joins UAE port lineup
Celestyal Cruises has expanded its Arabian Gulf shore excursion programme ahead of the 2025-26 cruise season, introducing new experiences in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). The move coincides with the line’s maiden call to RAK and follows a three-year partnership agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).
The expansion is part of Celestyal’s new Iconic Arabia itineraries aboard the 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery. Launching 12 December 2025, the ship will homeport in Abu Dhabi for three-, four- and seven-night roundtrip voyages, calling at Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, Khasab, Doha and – for the first time – Ras Al Khaimah.
The expanded programme features half-day, full-day and two-day ‘Authentic Encounters’, designed as small-group experiences to “connect travellers with the authentic spirit of the destination”.
Among the new RAK shore excursion highlights is a full-day guided tour showcasing the emirate’s contrasting landscapes, from desert dunes to mountain villages, along with visits to the royal camel racing stables and an Emirati date farm.
RELATED:
Celestyal introduces two new Athens-Jeddah sailings
Celestyal unveils Arabian Gulf sailings for 2027/2028
Introducing the 2025 Cruise Insight Report
Guests seeking a deeper cultural encounter can opt for the House of Pearls tour, which includes a traditional boat trip through mangroves to the region’s first cultured pearl farm, plus visits to RAK’s Old Town and Dhayah Fort. Excursion prices range from €71 (AED300) to €234 (AED995) per person.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Celestyal has also unveiled two new half-day tours. Guests in Dubai can explore the Museum of the Future, take a ride on Ain Dubai’s observation wheel and pass Zabeel Palace, residence of the emirate’s royal family. In Abu Dhabi, a new half-day culinary and culture tour includes a visit to the city’s renowned dates market, while thrill seekers can opt for a full-day excursion to Yas Island’s water park.
“Our new Iconic Arabia shore excursions offer what we call a true backstage travel pass to the Arabian Gulf, giving guests insider access to the rich tapestry of culture, history and natural beauty that defines the region,” said Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal.
Celestyal has pledged a long-term presence in the Arabian Gulf, deploying two ships for at least the next three years. This season, the line is also operating its seven-night Desert Days itinerary roundtrip from Doha, calling at Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain and Sir Bani Yas Island. Additionally, two seven-night sailings from Athens to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, are scheduled for November 2025.
Cruise fares start from €289 (AED1,230) per person for a three-night itinerary, with all fares on all sailings including meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees and gratuities.
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, launched in September 2025, will bring together 300 senior cruise leaders and stakeholders in September 2026 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
Trending
Jacobs Media is a company registered in England and Wales, company number 08713328. 3rd Floor, 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU
© 2025 Jacobs Media
