The appeal of cruises is mostly rooted in their blend of luxury, indulgence, and immersive destination experiences. The cruise market is expected to generate a revenue of $44.39 billion worldwide this year. 

Cruise tourism in the Middle East and Africa region is expected to see rapid growth in the coming years, driven by increased regional cooperation and investment in infrastructure. 

Boosted by efforts from destination authorities to enhance intra-regional travel, the MENA cruise market generated $144 million in revenue last year and is projected to reach $229.8 million by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 8.1%.

Other global cruise lines are also seeing potential in the region as they expand their own reach. One of those is the Greece-based Celestyal Cruise line which positions itself as an experience-led cruise line.

Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal says the company aims to create “unmissable experiences rooted in cultural richness.”

“Rather than chasing scale for scale’s sake, our cruise experience prioritises immersive destination discovery, personalised service and onboard moments that reflect the spirit of each region we sail in, including the Arabian Gulf.”

Haslett explains that their mission is reflected in their choice of mid-sized ships, which can access hidden-gem ports and offer a more intimate, experience-first approach.

MAINTAINING CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY

Celestyal recently expanded beyond the Greek Islands and the Mediterranean to include the Arabian Gulf, a move Haslett says comes with cultural responsibility.

“As we’ve grown into new regions like the Arabian Gulf, we’ve scaled responsibly by partnering with local experts and investing in regionally relevant experiences, while retaining the human touch through our crew and guest service,” Haslett explains.

“Whether it’s Arabic coffee rituals or destination-specific menus, we stay culturally connected while expanding our footprint,” he adds.

He notes that the success of their inaugural Arabian Gulf season reflects this approach. “Since launching the product, we’ve tracked 35% ahead of our guest target, bringing 10,000 guests into the region over just a few short months.”

He says the company plans to double its capacity, with Celestyal Discovery joining Celestyal Journey in the region from December 2025, offering three-, four-, and seven-night cruises from Abu Dhabi, alongside existing sailings from Doha and Dubai.

MEETING CONSUMER DEMAND

Haslett says Today’s traveller is seeking true connection, with places, people and purpose. “They want experiences that reflect local authenticity at an accessible price-point with outstanding value.”

Authenticity, he adds, means enabling guests to experience a destination as locals might—through its food, traditions, and everyday moments.

“It’s not about staged folklore or mass-market excursions, it’s about partnering with local people, celebrating real traditions and inviting guests to engage meaningfully,” he explains. “In the Arabian Gulf, this means experiences like falconry showcases, pearl diving stories and culinary workshops led by local chefs.”

To meet evolving guest expectations, Celestyal has introduced longer port stays, regional cuisine, and storytelling-led excursions—including overnight stops and immersive desert experiences. The cruise line also offers port-intensive itineraries to maximize time in the region.

Technology is also a major tool utilized in meeting customer demand as a means to improve personal connection. Haslett references their new online platform which includes key features designed to enhance the customer experience and simplify the booking process. 

“It will also soon include an AI-powered CelestyalPay option that will allow guests to plan their pre-purchased specialty food and drinks tab based on their predicted consumption, to receive a top-up bonus amount from Celestyal,” he adds.

STANDING OUT

As the market grows, the competition gets tougher. However, Celestyal’s strategy when it comes to standing out is different due to its original purpose.

“We’re not chasing the biggest ships or the most amenities, we’re focused on experience, connection and storytelling. We proudly showcase the regions we visit. Our itineraries are built with intention, blending marquee destinations with hidden gems,” Haslett notes.

He explains that Celestyal distinguishes itself by sailing to smaller, less-visited ports that are often inaccessible to larger ships, providing travelers with off-the-beaten-path experiences and extended stays that encourage deeper exploration. Onboard offerings, such as destination-inspired cocktails and regionally themed entertainment, are designed to reflect the cultural context of each journey. 

“This cultural integration, paired with our approachable scale, gives us a clear space in a crowded market.”