Celestyal held a series of plaque exchange ceremonies to mark the first cruise of Celestyal Discovery in the Arabian Gulf.
The 1,360-passenger-capacity vessel followed Celestyal Journey into the region, departing on December 12 and operating the new Iconic Arabia cruises of three, four and seven nights, roundtrip from its winter homeport in Abu Dhabi.
As part of the celebrations, Celestyal also took part in a mangrove planting experience at Jubail Island Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabian initiative supporting the UAEs broader environmental conservation efforts and the ambitious goal of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030. Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides, Chief Operating Officer Captain George Koubenas, Director of Hotel Operations & Guest Services Alexis Oikonomou, and the ships captain, Nikolaos Vasileiou, planted their own mangrove saplings in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.
Plaque exchange ceremonies celebrating the launch of the ships season and its maiden calls were held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), and Khasab (Oman).
Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer of Celestyal, said: The first cruise of Celestyal Discovery in the Arabian Gulf marks an exciting new chapter for our company. The warm welcome we received reflects the regions growing enthusiasm for cruising, something that is reinforced by the demand we are seeing from our guests for immersive experiences and authentic encounters, always at outstanding value. The presence of both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years underlines our commitment to offering our guests more meaningful ways to explore this spectacular part of the world.
Celestyals 2025/26 Arabian Gulf season with two ships represents a 211% year-on-year capacity increase for the company, following its inaugural 2024/25 program. The 1,260-passenger-capacity Celestyal Journey operates the seven-night Desert Days cruise.
