| Celestyal first Dubai call

CELESTYAL Cruises has marked its maiden call in the United Arab Emirates (pictured) with a dhow escort, a plaque exchange, and a star-studded party.

The cruise line’s Celestyal Journey arrived on Mon, with a number of traditional dhows guiding the ship into port.

Local dignitaries, influencers, and travel advisor partners were then invited on board for an evening of entertainment and celebrations, featuring special guests Tinie and DJ Charlesy.

The call marked the start of Celestyal’s seven-day ‘Desert Days’ itinerary, sailing round trip from Dubai, and visiting Khasab, Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain.

The cruise line’s inaugural Persian Gulf season voyages until Mar, before returning in Nov for a second winter season.

Celestyal Discovery will join Journey in the region at the end of next year, home porting in Abu Dhabi, and offering three-night round trip long weekend ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises, calling at Doha and Sir Bani Yas.

There will also be a four-night midweek ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruise which will call at Fujairah, Muscat, and Khasab.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our history, as we proudly call in Dubai for our first season,” Chief Commercial Officer Lee Haslett said.

“The dhow escort into port was a magical moment and the perfect way to officially start our long-term relationship with this captivating destination.

“We would like to thank our partners in the region and look forward to a successful first season and beyond.”

Celestyal’s inaugural Persian Gulf season also includes a memorandum of understanding with Visit Qatar, as Journey also home ports in the peninsular country (CW 14 Nov) .

The season began with two specially themed F1 voyages, which will take place during the Qatar and Abu Dhabi grand prix (CW 11 Nov).

Celestyal also hosted a number of Aussie agents on the inaugural cruise, during which they had the chance to meet British former F1 driver, David Coulthard. MS