Celestyal celebrated the start of its second Arabian Gulf season by hosting global partners on the Celestyal Journey.

According to a press release, 13 partners, including six from North America, were onboard Celestyal for the special “Desert Days & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix” sailing.

The fam trip, which took place from Dec. 5 to Dec. 9, 2025, included advisors from eight markets who participated in a chat with Formula 1 driver, entrepreneur, author and broadcaster David Coulthard.

The chat covered Coulthard’s racing career, insights into the current F1 season and commentary on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He was joined by UK sports broadcaster and commentator Laura Winter.

“The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sailing was a standout opportunity to showcase the strength of our Arabian Gulf season and the quality of our onboard experience,” said Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal.

“Having David Coulthard and Laura Winter join us created a standout ‘backstage pass’ moment for agents and guests alike, and we were delighted to host our global trade partners onboard for an immersive fam trip,” he added.

Celestyal stated that the fam trip was supported by the Department of Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism and included three nights onboard the Celestyal Journey, as well as multiple shore experiences, including premium Grand Prix access.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sailing opened the ship’s winter deployment, which will include a series of seven-night “Desert Days” cruises.

The regular itinerary sails roundtrip from Doha and features an overnight stay in Dubai, in addition to visits to Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. Prices start at $739 per person, the company revealed.

The Celestyal Discovery joined the Celestyal Journey on December 12, 2025, launching the line’s new three-, four- and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises.

The short cruises sail roundtrip from Abu Dhabi and call at Doha, Qatar; Khasab, Oman; Dubai, UAE; Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE; with maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Celestyal stated that prices start at $359 per person for a three-night sailing.

“With the Celestyal Journey now operating ‘Desert Days’ and the Celestyal Discovery also sailing the region this season for her inaugural ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries, we’re significantly expanding capacity and opportunity for our North American trade partners,” said John Diorio, vice-president of business development for North America at Celestyal.

“The feedback from global advisors onboard has been incredibly positive, and we look forward to working closely with the trade as we continue to grow in the region.”