The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AD Ports Group and Celestyal. The MoU, signed at Arabian Travel Market, paves the way for a collaboration that will promote Abu Dhabi as a key destination among Celestyal’s guests, while also emphasising the cruise line’s itinerary in the region.
Celestyal is renowned as a boutique fleet offering a truly hospitable experience coupled with immersive cruise itineraries, packed with can’t-miss destinations and hidden gem locations, marks a significant addition to the cruise calendar in the Arabian Gulf.
With operations set to commence in Abu Dhabi from November 2024 until March 2025 for the next three seasons, this initiative promises to introduce the cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and breathtaking attractions of the emirate of Abu Dhabi to a global audience.
Abu Dhabi is home to Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, which was voted as the best cruise terminal in the region and in the globe during the World Cruise Awards in 2023. The facility’s excellence in customer service, state-of-the-art facilities, and seamless operations has earned it this global recognition reaffirming AD Ports Group’s Cruise Business’s position as a world-class cruise terminal developer and operator. Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port has witnessed remarkable growth, welcoming over 600,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi in 2022- 2023 season.
Celestyal is committed to creating unmissable experiences at sea and on shore, showcasing the best of the region to their guests. With nine excursions that transport guests to the heart of the emirate, it offers half day tours to experience culinary hotspots and cultural sites, theme parks, VIP beach days, as well as classic desert safaris and attractions. The cruise line has confirmed that its new to fleet 1,260 passenger ship, Celestyal Journey, will set sail in the region from November this year.
This collaboration supports a collective vision of enhancing Abu Dhabi’s tourism landscape and enriching cruise travel in the region. In March 2024, DCT Abu Dhabi had entered an agreement with regional tourism entities – Dubai, Bahrain, and Oman – to foster the growth of the region’s cruise tourism industry and to promote key destinations to cruise liners and other cruise stakeholders.