Celestyal Is Taking Cruisers to the Arabian Gulf for Formula 1 Race Season

Formula 1 fans who also love cruising, listen up — Celestyal Cruises has just announced something pretty exciting for late 2026.

Celestyal Is Combining F1 Racing With Arabian Gulf Cruising

Celestyal Cruises has revealed two new Formula 1-themed cruises in the Arabian Gulf. These sailings put guests right in the middle of two of the most thrilling Grand Prix weekends of the year. You can watch the Qatar Grand Prix or the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — or both, if you’re really ambitious.

Two Itineraries to Choose From

Each cruise is built around a Formula 1 race weekend. Guests can buy tickets to attend practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the big race itself. Here’s a breakdown of each option.

The Qatar Grand Prix Sailing

The Celestyal Journey sets sail on November 27, 2026. This ship holds up to 1,260 guests. The itinerary runs eight nights and is centered around the Qatar Grand Prix in Doha.

The ship stays docked in Doha for three nights. That gives you plenty of time to take in the full race weekend. After the Grand Prix, the cruise visits Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Khalifa Bin Salman in Bahrain. Prices start at £659 per person.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Sailing

The Celestyal Discovery departs on December 4, 2026. This ship accommodates up to 1,360 guests. The seven-night itinerary focuses on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Just like the Qatar sailing, the ship spends three nights in port. That means you won’t miss a single moment of the race weekend action. After Abu Dhabi, the ship heads out on a four-night “Iconic Arabia” voyage, stopping in Doha, Ras Al Khaimah, and Khasab, Oman. Prices start at £689 per person.

What’s Included in the Fare?

Both sailings include all meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees, and gratuities. That’s a solid value for a cruise package. Keep in mind, though — race tickets are sold separately. You can purchase them through Celestyal.

What Celestyal Is Saying About These Cruises

Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal, shared his enthusiasm for these new itineraries:

“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.”

He also highlighted what makes these sailings stand out from previous offerings:

“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.”

Haslett added that the 2026 sailings take things even further:

“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.”

Other Cruise Lines Are Getting in on the Action Too

Celestyal isn’t the only cruise line heading to the Gulf for race season. MSC Cruises also has ships sailing in the region during the Grand Prix weekends. Tour operators like Formula Escapes and Paramount Cruises offer packages that bundle grandstand tickets with a seven-night sailing. Those packages start at around £3,500 per person.

Is an F1 Cruise Right for You?

If you love motorsports and want a unique way to experience the Arabian Gulf, this kind of trip is hard to beat. You get the thrill of a live Formula 1 race plus the relaxed experience of a cruise vacation. It’s a combination that not many other travel experiences can offer.

For U.S. travelers, keep in mind that prices are listed in British pounds. Be sure to check the current exchange rate and factor in transatlantic flights when planning your budget. The Arabian Gulf in late November and early December offers warm, sunny weather — a great escape from the cold back home.