Celestyal further strengthened their partnership with Qatar Tourism, Visit Qatar and Mwani Qatar.

The agreement was announced at the Arabian Travel Market, which was held from April 28th to May 1^st, doubling the number of guests Celestyal will bring into Doha over the next three years, with twice weekly calls during the 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 travellers sail into Doha with 10% coming from the GCC and surrounding regions experiencing the Celestyal product. Following the success of the inaugural season, which was extended due to the demand, the cruise line will now return to the region with two ships in December this year, and feature twice weekly calls to Qatar.

The 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. Prices start from €1278 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 will join her fleet mate for the next three winter seasons, 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 maiden visits to Ras al Khaimah. Prices start from €618 for two people on a three-night voyage, and €778 for two people on a four-night cruise, with all meals, soft drinks Wi-Fi and gratuities included.

Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal, said: “It’s a privilege to extend and strengthen our partnership with Qatar Tourism, Visit Qatar and Mwani Qatar. 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 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 programme includes 10 Qatari excursions that will transport 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. Celestyal reports that during the 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, Pearl Qatar-Island, Katara Cultural village and culminates at Dhow Harbour and the beautiful Museum of Islamic Art. Both are half day experiences which start from €62 per person.