Celestyal seals three-year deal with Qatar, bags F1 guest lecturer

Celestyal signed a three-year commitment to Qatar ahead of its first full Arabian Gulf season and announced Formula 1 driver, entrepreneur author and broadcaster David Coulthard as a guest speaker.

A maiden voyage event will feature David Coulthard, who competed in Formula One from 1994 to 2008 PHOTO: CELESTYAL

Coulthard will join the maiden 'Desert Days & Qatar Grand Prix' cruise, departing this month (Nov. 30).

Celestyal officials inked a memorandum of understanding with Visit Qatar during World Travel Market in London. As part of that, the line will promote Qatar as a key destination for its passengers and travel advisor partners. 

F1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2024

The seven-night 'Desert Days & Qatar Grand Prix' on the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey begins with an overnight in Doha, enabling travelers to attend the F1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2024 events, including sprint, qualifying and race days.

The cruise then sails to Dubai, Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE) and Abu Dhabi, before returning to Doha.

An event onboard will feature Coulthard, who competed in Formula One from 1994 to 2008, winning 13 Grands Prix across 15 seasons, racing for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull. After racing he began a career in TV broadcasting, working for the BBC and Channel 4 in the UK.

Extraordinary destination

'Qatar is an extraordinary destination and an ideal fit for our guests who are seeking immersive, culturally rich experiences,' said Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal. 'We look forward to working together with our agent partners to showcase everything this unique region offers.'

Celestyal’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season continues from late November until March, and is confirmed for the next three years. 

Sister ship Celestyal Discovery will join Celestyal Journey for its maiden Arabian Gulf season in December 2025. Celestyal Discovery will offer the new three- and four-night 'Iconic Arabia' sailings from Abu Dhabi.