Celestyal Cancels Middle East Repositioning Cruises, Keeps Guests Away from Red Sea

Celestyal has canceled its upcoming 14-night repositioning cruises, “Ancient Athens to Dazzling Doha” and “Dazzling Doha to Ancient Athens,” which were scheduled to depart on Oct. 26, 2024 and March 8, 2025, respectively, onboard Celestyal Journey.

According to the cruise line, the decision to cancel was made “following the recent escalation of political unrest in the original path of passage via the Red Sea.”

In order to keep guests out of harm’s way, without completely canceling the Arabian Gulf season, Celestyal Journey will operate two longer non-commercial repositioning cruises to and from Doha, Qatar (one at the start of the inaugural season, and one afterwards).

In order to accommodate these sailings, Celestyal has also canceled its first three scheduled “Desert Days” itineraries, set to depart from Doha on Nov. 9, 16, and 23. The first three “Heavenly Adriatic” sailings, scheduled for after Celestyal Journey returns from Qatar, – on March 22, 29, and April 5 – have also been canceled.

Celestyal is not abandoning its Middle East plans however.

“We recently announced our full cruise program through March 2027 to build simplicity and assurance into our offering,” said Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal. “In light of the current geopolitical climate in our original path of passage to this year’s winter season, we have decided to operate longer non-commercial repositioning sailings to and from Qatar. Celestyal Journey will continue to proudly homeport from Doha, Qatar from November 2024, for the next three winter seasons.”

The line’s maiden voyage in the Arabian Gulf will now be a slightly amended seven-night “Desert Days & Qatar Grand Prix” cruise, sailing roundtrip from Doha departing on Nov. 30, 2024. The ship will remain in Doha for the first three days of the voyage to cover the Qatar Grand Prix, and then travel to Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi.

This voyage will then be followed by a slightly amended seven-night “Desert Days & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix” cruise, now sailing roundtrip from Dubai, departing Dec. 2, 2024.

In total, Celestyal Journey’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season will feature nine seven-night “Desert Days” sailings departing between Nov. 2024 and March 2025, plus the two special Grand Prix voyages.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to our global year-round operation in the Greek islands, Mediterranean, and Arabian Gulf…,” Haslett said.

All affected guests have been notified and provided with alterative cruises and reimbursement. All travel advisors have also been notified, assured of commission protection, and provided with guest rebooking options. The booking system will be updated over the next two weeks.