Celestyal, the boutique cruise line offering unmissable and immersive experiences at sea and on land, has signed a three-year agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
The multi-year partnership, agreed at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, will promote Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE as a key destination among Celestyal’s guests, further establishing the cruise line’s affiliations in the Arabian Gulf region. The agreement also lays out plans to work in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah to offer immersive, guest-exclusive shore experiences, beginning in December of this year.
Following a successful inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf, where bookings exceeded targets by 35%, Celestyal will return to the region with two ships in December this year, featuring weekly calls to Ras Al Khaimah on Celestyal Discovery across the winter season, for the next three years.
The recently refurbished 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery will homeport in Abu Dhabi from December 12, 2025, sailing three-, four- and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises. The four-night itineraries will sail roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Ras Al Khaimah and the coastal port of Khasab in Oman. The seven-night sailings add calls to Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island to the itinerary. Prices start at $918 total for two people on a four-night cruise, and $1,478 total for two people on a seven-night voyage, with all meals, soft drinks Wi-Fi and gratuities included.
Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal, said: “We’re proud to build strong partnerships with the regions we visit, and are thrilled to enhance our award-winning shore excursion program by working with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Together, we’ll offer our guests even more immersive and culturally rich experiences.
“Ras Al Khaimah is a truly unique and diverse destination, and we’re excited to showcase it to our guests – many of whom choose Celestyal specifically for our focus on authentic, in-depth exploration. We’re looking forward to creating a collection of inspiring shore experiences in close collaboration with the tourist board and local partners.”
Iyad Rasbey, Vice President – Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Our partnership with Celestyal underscores a powerful alignment of vision and values. Celestyal’s commitment to authentic, culturally rich experiences mirrors our own DNA of creating meaningful and immersive journeys for visitors. By combining our strengths, we will deliver unique, experiential offerings that elevate Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a premier destination on the global cruise map.”
Celestyal has also announced that with Celestyal Discovery joining Journey next winter, it will more than double the number of calls to Qatar, further strengthening its relationships with the country.
