Celestyal has reaffirmed its commitment to the Arabian Gulf by dispatching both Celestyal Journey (1,260 guests) and Celestyal Discovery (1,360 guests) to the region beginning December 2025. This represents a 211% increase in capacity relative to its initial 2024-2025 Gulf programme.
As part of the deployment update, two repositioning sailings originally scheduled as 14-night “Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi” cruises have been redesigned into 7-night itineraries between Athens and Jeddah. On the Journey, the ports of call will include Marmaris, Port Said, Sharm el Sheikh, and Safaga before finishing in Jeddah; Discovery will call on Kusadasi, Sharm el Sheikh, and Safaga before the same terminus. Shorter, 6-night segments from the Turkish ports will also be offered.
Many guests booked on the original 14-night itineraries are expected to see little impact; in some cases, port changes or shorter itineraries will be proposed. After arriving in Jeddah, both vessels will continue onward to Abu Dhabi, in time to launch their Arabian Gulf seasons.
Celestyal Journey is slated to commence service with a Grand Prix cruise on December 6th, 2025, before switching to its regular “Desert Days” 7-night roundtrip programme from Doha, calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Dubai (including an overnight stay). Celestyal Discovery will enter the region on December 12th, 2025 and begin operation of new 3-, 4-, and 7-night “Iconic Arabia” voyages out of Abu Dhabi, with ports of call such as Doha, Khasab, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas, and maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah.
According to Celestyal’s leadership, the refined programme responds to positive feedback from the previous season and aims to further showcase Egypt’s offerings, extend regional partnerships, and address rising demand in the Gulf market.