• Celestyal Cruises launched an expanded “Authentic Encounters” shore excursion program for its new Iconic Arabia itineraries starting December 12, 2025.
• The voyages are sailing roundtrip from Abu Dhabi and include calls at Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Doha, and Khasab, Oman.
• New excursions in Ras Al Khaimah feature desert dunes drives, camel stables, and the House of Pearls by Suwaidi Pearls experience.
• Celestyal is homeporting both of its ships in the Arabian Gulf for the 2025/26 season, signifying a major commitment to this emerging winter cruise market.

Celestyal Cruises has unveiled a significantly expanded shore excursion program for its new Iconic Arabia itineraries, aiming to offer guests deeper cultural engagement and more personalized experiences in the Arabian Gulf. The enhanced program will debut aboard the Celestyal Discovery starting December 12, 2025, with three-, four-, and seven-night cruises sailing roundtrip from Abu Dhabi.

The cruise line’s new itinerary includes calls at several destinations in the UAE—Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, and Sir Bani Yas Island—as well as Doha in Qatar and Khasab in Oman. This expansion follows a three-year agreement signed earlier this year between Celestyal and the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

The expanded line-up features half-day, full-day, and two-day options categorized under the “Authentic Encounters” banner, emphasizing small-group excursions and meaningful local interactions. New offerings include a $260 guided tour of Ras Al Khaimah featuring a desert dunes drive, royal camel racing stables, and an Emirati date farm. In Dubai, guests can take a half-day tour to the Museum of the Future and Ain Dubai. Culinary travelers are also catered to with a food and culture tour in Abu Dhabi. Celestyal is homeporting both of its ships in the Arabian Gulf for the 2025/26 season, positioning itself as a major provider in this emerging winter cruise market.