Celestyal has further strengthened its partnership with Qatar Tourism, Visit Qatar and port authority Mwani Qatar to double the number of guests it brings to Doha over the next three years.
The partnership looks to bring twice weekly calls during the northern winter season, alongside the existing three-year homeport arrangement.
Last year, Celestyal launched the ‘Desert Days’ itinerary onboard the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey, homeporting from Doha, Qatar. The first season saw 14,500 guests sail into Doha, with 10 per cent coming from the GCC and surrounding regions. Following the success of the inaugural season, which was extended due to demand, the cruise line now returns to the region with two ships in December this year and offer twice weekly calls to Qatar.
Celestyal’s seven-night ‘Desert Days’ cruise sails roundtrip from Doha, calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, with an overnight stay in Dubai. As part of a two-for-one promotion, prices start from AU$2,078 for two people on a seven-night voyage, with all meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities included.
In addition, the recently refurbished 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery joins her fleet mate for the next three northern winters, sailing the new-to-2025 three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises. Sailing roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, the itinerary includes calls at Doha, Khasab, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, and the first calls at Ras al Khaimah. Prices start from AU$1,018 for two people on a three-night voyage, and AU$1,258 for two people on a four-night cruise, with all meals, soft drinks Wi-Fi and gratuities included.
“It’s a privilege to extend and strengthen our partnership with Qatar Tourism, Visit Qatar and Mwani Qatar,” Celestyal chief commercial officer, Lee Haslett, said. “As one of our landmark homeports, Doha is a firm favourite amongst our guests, which is why we’re excited to be doubling our calls to the region over the next three years, with twice weekly calls throughout the northern winter seasons.
“Following a very successful first season in the Arabian Gulf with Celestyal Journey, we are delighted to be doubling our capacity in the region for the next three years, with Celestyal Discovery joining her fleet mate from December this year. We know there is a real demand for the Arabian Gulf, and we are proud to be at the forefront of showcasing this region. As a cruise line that offers deeply immersive experiences, we proudly promote the destinations we visit and in a booming city like Doha, new and returning Celestyal guests are sure to find something fresh and exciting to do.”
Celestyal’s shore excursion program includes 10 Qatari excursions that transports guests to the heart of the state, including tours that explore the cultural icons of the destination, trips that combine high teas, mosque visits and beach stays, and full day excursions curated by the local guides that may include the Falcon Souk, Grand Mosque and luxury boutiques and exceptional local museums.
During Celestyal’s first season the most popular Qatari excursions were ‘The Quest to the Inland Sea’ which gives guests a snapshot of local life before transporting them into the desert and onto the large tidal bay recognised for its national heritage, and a ‘Cultural Journey Through Doha’, which takes guests from Souk Waqif to Pearl Qatar-Island and Katara Cultural village before culminating at Dhow Harbour and the beautiful Museum of Islamic Art. Both are half day experiences which start from AU$103 per person.
