Celestyal has held a series of plaque exchange ceremonies to mark Celestyal Discovery’s debut in the Arabian Gulf.
The 1360-guest ship, which has joined Celestyal Journey in the region, set sail on December 12, operating the cruise line’s new three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises, sailing roundtrip from her northern winter homeport in Abu Dhabi.
To start the celebrations, Celestyal also participated in a mangrove planting experience at Jubail Island Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi – an initiative supporting the UAE’s wider conservation efforts and ambitious goal of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030. Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides, COO Captain George Koumpenas, VP hotel operations & passenger services Alexis Economou, and ship Captain Nikolaos Vasiliou joined Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism to plant mangrove saplings.
Plaque exchange ceremonies to mark the start of the ship’s season and maiden calls took place in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE; Doha in Qatar and Khasab in Oman.
Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer, at Celestyal, said: “Celestyal Discovery’s debut in the Arabian Gulf marks an exciting new chapter for our brand. The warm welcome we’ve received reflects the region’s growing enthusiasm for cruise, and this is replicated by the demand we’re seeing from guests for immersive experiences and authentic encounters, all at unbeatable value. Having both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey operating in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years underscores our commitment to offering guests deeper, more meaningful ways to explore this remarkable part of the world”.
Prices for the three-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ itinerary start from A$509 per person as part of the current summer promotion, which is available to book until February 5, 2026, while availability lasts. Fares include meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities.
Celestyal’s two-ship 2025/26 Arabian Gulf season represents a 211% year-on-year capacity increase
for the cruise line, following on from its maiden 2024/25 program. In addition to Celestyal Discovery’s new ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries, the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey continues to operate its seven-night ‘Desert Days’ cruise.
