Celestyal Cruises has confirmed that its two vessels, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, will complete their Red Sea transits without passengers before commencing their 2025–2026 winter operations in the Arabian Gulf.
The company indicated that while the upcoming Middle East season remains on schedule, adjustments have been made to the ships’ repositioning itineraries as a safety precaution.
Both vessels will depart from Piraeus-Athens on voyages ending in Jeddah, carrying guests until the Saudi Arabian port, after which they will continue unoccupied through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
According to current plans, Celestyal Journey will depart Athens on November 22nd, 2025, followed by Celestyal Discovery on November 28th. Each will operate a 7-night voyage including calls at Kusadasi, Sharm El Sheikh, and Aqaba, with a full Suez Canal transit before disembarking guests in Jeddah. From there, the ships will proceed to the UAE without passengers, reflecting a cautious approach amid persistent regional instability.
The decision follows similar route adjustments made by other maritime operators due to ongoing security concerns in the southern Red Sea. Despite these developments, Celestyal has reiterated its full commitment to the Arabian Gulf programme.
Celestyal Journey is scheduled to begin her first voyage in the Gulf on December 6th, 2025, featuring the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix and subsequent 7-night cruises from Doha, calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Dubai. Celestyal Discovery will commence operations on December 12th, offering 3-, 4-, and 7-night itineraries from Abu Dhabi with visits to Doha, Khasab, Dubai, and Sir Bani Yas Island.
The company stated that the decision to reposition both ships without passengers was taken to ensure operational safety and an uninterrupted start to Celestyal’s first full winter season in the Arabian Gulf.