Abu Dhabi: 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 Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), sets the stage for a partnership that will highlight the cruise line’s itinerary in the area and encourage Abu Dhabi as a top travel destination for Celestyal’s clients.
A noteworthy addition to the Arabian Gulf cruise schedule, Celestyal is known for its small fleet and immersive cruise itineraries that combine an incredibly friendly experience with must-see places and undiscovered gems. This program, which is scheduled to start operations in Abu Dhabi in November 2024 and last for three seasons, aims to acquaint the world with the cultural legacy, friendly hospitality, and stunning sights of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi is home to the 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 have 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 onshore, showcasing the best of the region to its 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 fleet 1,260 passenger ship, Celestyal Journey, will set sail in the region in 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 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.