Three proved a lucky number for Celestyal Cruises as 30-plus travel agents enjoyed a stay on Celestyal Journey during its inaugural visit at the start of its three-year home porting of Doha, which included watching the Qatar Grand Prix where Aussie Oscar Piastri took out third place last night.

The mega famil proved a winning formula for those invited by hosts Qatar Airways, a major sponsor of F1, Visit Qatar, Mawani Port Authority and Celestyal. With Travel Weekly along for the ride, it included a visit to pit lane and the speedy F1 track, plus seeing Piastri’s win in the sprint race for the McLaren team followed by qualifying a day later which saw Piasti start on the grid at fourth. Fourth also happens to be Piastri’s position on the driver-leader ladder at the end of round 23 of the 24 race series.

On the way to the Lusail Circuit. Photo: Grant Jones

The final race in the 2024 season takes place next week in Abud Dhabi. Fortunately, Celestyal Journey will be following the F1 to the round which could see Piastri and teammate Lando Norris take out the Constructors Championship.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix events onboard Celestyal Journey will also include Formula 1 presenter Laura Winter hosting an intimate speaking session with former Formula 1 driver and presenter David Coulthard on the ship, as they did before the Qatar race at the Lusail International Circuit.

Local dignitaries, including Director of Shared Services at Qatar Tourism, Omar Al Jaber, were joined in port by media, influencers and agents onboard Celestyal Journey, as it was docked in Mwani Port from November 30, for a series of presentations, a ship tour, the traditional plaque exchange ceremony and a celebratory lunch.

Celestial Journey arrives in Mwani Port, Doha.

Subsequent departures will comprise of seven-night ‘Desert Days’ itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Doha, up to March 2025. Each cruise features calls to iconic destinations, departing  Doha to Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and an overnight stay in Dubai Marina, as well as visiting the hidden gem 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. An Australian love of sport, including F1, mixed with visiting new destinations, has proved perfect timing for Celestyal Journey’s offering.

The McLaren Team from pit lane. Photo: Grant Jones

The ship features 630 comfortable suites and spacious staterooms, seven restaurants, eight bars and lounges, two pools and Jacuzzis, and a whole deck dedicated to wellness including a spa, and fitness and wellness areas.

It underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment in September 2023, prior to entering the Celestyal fleet and has been receiving additional extensive refurbishment while on route to Doha, including updating the Junior Dream Suite bathrooms, and adding the popular coffee bar, Café Nation which was introduced on her fleet mate Celestyal Discovery back in March 2024.

“We’re incredibly excited to see our first ever Arabian Gulf season get under way,” Celestyal chief commercial officer Lee Haslett said.

“I would like to thank our partners at Visit Qatar, Mwani port authority and Qatar Airways for their continued support and warm welcome to the region. We are confident that our special FI-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. Whether guests are familiar with the destinations we visit or are sampling them for the first time, there will be a wealth of authentic experiences available to everyone.”

Fans get ready for the Qatar Grand Prix. Photo: Grant Jones

Apart from the F1, the famil included a city tour of Doh, which included the souk, a desert drive in 4WDs, a soccer match between El Clasico legends from soccer teams Real Madrid Legend v Ronaldhino’s Barca Legends, plus a visit to cultural icons, including the impressive National Museum of Qatar. The famil also included stays at impressive top hotels, including The Ned, the Hilton and Rixos Gulf Hotel.

Celestyal Discovery will join Celestyal Journey in the region at the end of 2025. She will sail three-night long weekend ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha Port, Khalifa Bin Salman port (Bahrain) and Dubai Marina port, and four-night midweek ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises, sailing roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Fujairah, Muscat and Kasab.

“We’re delighted to be commencing our season in the Arabian Gulf, with this momentous arrival into Doha,” Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides added.

“I want to thank our teams and partners who have made this a reality. It marks the significant start of Celestyal’s next chapter, operating a fully refreshed fleet across year-round operations and two regions. We listened to our guests, 86 per cent 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.”

National Museum of Qatar. Photo: Grant Jones

Celestyal’s Arabian Gulf sailings are on sale until December 3 as part of the cruise line’s Black Friday sale, with the Desert Days itinerary priced from $579pp twin share, representing a 67 per cent saving, and the Iconic Arabia cruises starting from $389 per person, representing a 57 per cent saving.

Celestyal’s Arabian Gulf sailings are on sale until December 3 as part of the cruise line’s Black Friday sale, with the Desert Days itinerary priced from $579pp twin share, representing a 67 per cent saving, and the Iconic Arabia cruises starting from $389pp, representing a 57 per cent saving.

Celestyal Journey will offer another Formula 1 cruise in 2025, sailing roundtrip from Doha, on December 6, 2025. The seven-day cruise includes the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as well as calls to Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island and Bahrain, from A$1029 per person twin share. Grandstand packages can be purchased for an additional cost.

For more information visit the Celestyal trade portal, or call 1800 648 737.

The writer travelled to Qatar as a guest of Qatar Airways, Visit Qatar and Celestyal Cruises.

Former F1 driver David Coulthard pictured with commentator Anne Winter and Celestyal Cruises officials onboard Celestyal Journey in Doha.

Feature image: Celestial Journey and the Doha Port Grand Cruise Terminal. Photo: Grant Jones