Celestyal Partners with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
Celestyal Signs Three-Year Partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
Celestyal has announced a multi-year agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), marking a strategic partnership that will see the cruise line promote this rising destination in the Arabian Gulf. The three-year collaboration was signed during Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and is set to launch an exciting new chapter for both Celestyal and Ras Al Khaimah.
Following the cruise line’s successful inaugural season in the region — where bookings exceeded expectations by 35% — Celestyal will return this December with two ships, including the newly refurbished Celestyal Discovery. The ship will homeport from Abu Dhabi from 12 December 2025, offering three, four, and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises. Weekly calls to Ras Al Khaimah are scheduled throughout the winter season, continuing for at least the next three years.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
The four-night itineraries will sail roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, with stops in Doha, Ras Al Khaimah, and Khasab in Oman. The seven-night version adds Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island. Cruise fares start from just £698 for two people (four-night) and £1138 for two people (seven-night), including meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities.
Crucially, the agreement also includes plans to co-develop immersive, guest-exclusive shore experiences in Ras Al Khaimah, enhancing Celestyal’s signature focus on authentic and culturally rich travel.
Pictured: Lee Haslett - CCO at Celestyal and Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Development Authority
Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal, commented:
“We’re proud to build strong partnerships with the regions we visit, and are thrilled to enhance our award-winning shore excursion programme by working with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Ras Al Khaimah is a truly unique and diverse destination, and we’re excited to showcase it to our guests.”
Iyad Rasbey, Vice President – Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA, added:
“Our partnership with Celestyal underscores a powerful alignment of vision and values. By combining our strengths, we will deliver unique, experiential offerings that elevate Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a premier destination on the global cruise map.”
About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKTDA aims to develop the Emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Authority has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the Emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.
For more details on Celestyal’s Arabian Gulf cruises, visit celestyal.com or call 0808 258 4170.