Celestyal Confirms Two-Ship Arabian Gulf Deployment, Adds New Repositioning Itinerary

Celestyal reinforced its commitment to the Arabian Gulf, confirming a two-ship deployment to the region. The announcement was made during Cruise Arabia – the Gulf’s first-ever cruise summit. The two-ship deployment follows the line’s successful maiden season in the region in 2024/25 and represents a 211% year-on-year capacity increase.

As part of its updated deployment plans, Celestyal has amended its two 14-night 2025 repositioning sailings, “Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi,” departing Nov. 22, 2025, onboard Celestyal Journey, and November 28, 2025, onboard Celestyal Discovery.

“Our maiden Arabian Gulf season firmly established Celestyal as a standout in the region, with exceptional feedback from both guests and our trade partners,” said John Diorio, managing director and vice president of business development North America at Celestyal. “Listening to that feedback, we’re enhancing our deployment with two new seven-night Athens-to-Jeddah sailings that highlight even more of Egypt’s diverse beauty…”

Two new seven-night Athens to Jeddah itineraries will now operate, sailing from Athens, Greece, on the same departure dates. Celestyal Journey will call at Marmaris, Turkey, three ports in Egypt – Port Said, Sharm el Sheikh, and Safaga – concluding in Jeddah. Celestyal Discovery will call at Kusadasi, Turkey, two ports in Egypt – Sharm el Sheikh and Safaga – also concluding in Jeddah. Six-night segments will also be available from the Turkish ports.

“These refinements give us great confidence as we return stronger to the Arabian Gulf for 2025/26 with two ships and significantly increased capacity to meet soaring demand for the winter sun,” Diorio added. “Our multi-year partnerships with Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah remain central to this growth, and together we’re committed to showcasing the very best of the region to both new and returning cruisers. With demand already running high, we’re incredibly optimistic about the opportunities ahead and confident this will be one of our strongest seasons yet.”

Following these departures, both ships will continue their passage from Jeddah to Abu Dhabi, enabling them to arrive in the Arabian Gulf in time to begin the season as planned: Dec. 6, 2025, for Celestyal Journey and Dec. 12, 2025, for Celestyal Discovery.

Most guests booked on the original segments departing Athens, sailing to Sharm El Sheik and Jeddah will be unimpacted, but for some there will be port changes or shorter sailings offered.

All travel partners have been notified, assured protected commission, and provided with updated information and guest rebooking options.