LUXE Serendipity magazine

● Two new F1-themed departures will set sail in the Arabian Gulf

● Both Celestyal ships to sail the Arabian Gulf for the line’s third consecutive season

Celestyal has announced two new F1 sailings for its 2026/27 Arabian Gulf season.

On November 27, 2026, the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey will be in Doha, for an eight-night Doha F1 itinerary. The ship will stay in port for three nights, allowing guests to watch all practice sessions, qualifying and race day events*. They will then sail from Doha, visiting Dubai, UAE (overnight); Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE; and Khalifa Bin Salman, Bahrain. Prices start from £659pp.

On December 4, 2026, the 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery will be in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for a seven-night Abu Dhabi F1 itinerary. Similarly, the ship will stay in port for three nights, allowing guests to watch all practice sessions, qualifying and race day events*. They will then depart Abu Dhabi on a four-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ sailing, calling at Doha, Qatar; Ras Al Khaimah, UAE; and Khasab, Oman. Prices start from £689pp.

Fares include all meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities. Race tickets will be available to purchase via Celestyal.

Celestyal Journey will then continue her Arabian Gulf season, operating a new version of the seven-night ‘Desert Days’ itinerary through to March 2027, sailing roundtrip from Doha and calling at Dubai (overnight), Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Bahrain.

Celestyal Discovery, also operating through to March 2027, will sail the line’s three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises, sailing roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Khasab, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island and Ras Al Khaimah.

Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “Returning to the Arabian Gulf for a third consecutive season with both of our ships is a significant milestone for Celestyal, and a clear reflection of the demand we continue to see for this region. Our previous Formula 1 sailings have been some of the most successful and talked-about itineraries we have ever operated, combining world-class sporting events with immersive destinations and the ease of a cruise holiday.

“Building on that momentum, our new Doha and Abu Dhabi F1 sailings for 2026 offer guests even more time in port, seamless access to race-weekend action and the opportunity to explore the Gulf in depth, all wrapped into the value-led, premium casual, destination-rich experience Celestyal is known for.”

For more information visit www.celestyal.com or call 0808 258 4170.

Celestyal, an award-winning and year-round cruise company, and now with a UK tour operator extension – Celestyal Travel, continues to set the standard for unmissable travel experiences in the Greek Islands, the Adriatic, and the Arabian Gulf. The company excels in delivering exceptional hospitality, ensuring genuine cultural immersion both onboard and ashore. Operating two extensively refurbished vessels, accommodating up to 1360 passengers each, Celestyal prioritises highly personalised services, establishing a high-end environment that welcomes over 140,000 passengers annually from more than 130 different nationalities.