Celestyal Cruises has cancelled two scheduled Iconic Arabia sailings later this month as it prepares to reposition vessels currently operating in the Arabian Gulf back to the Mediterranean following regional disruptions.
The Greece-based company confirmed that the March 20th (3-night itinerary) and the March 23rd (4-night itinerary) of Celestyal Discovery will no longer take place.
The cancellations were implemented as part of the operational arrangements required for the vessel’s repositioning ahead of the forthcoming summer season in the Mediterranean.
According to the cruise line, developments in the Middle East continue to be monitored closely, with the company maintaining regular contact with relevant authorities in the region while assessing operational conditions.
Passengers booked on the cancelled departures are being offered either full refunds or future cruise credits. Guests have been advised to contact their travel agents or booking providers to review the available alternatives.
The company also reported that all passengers who had been sailing aboard Celestyal Discovery have now disembarked safely in Dubai.
Meanwhile, the remaining passengers on Celestyal Journey, which is currently alongside in Doha, are expected to complete disembarkation within the next 24 hours.
Both vessels were reported to be fully operational and prepared for departure, with their exit from the Gulf region to proceed in accordance with guidance issued by the relevant maritime and governmental authorities.
Chief Executive Officer Chris Theophilides indicated that during the previous week the company had prioritized the safety and wellbeing of both passengers and crew. He noted that since the onset of military activity in the Gulf at the end of February, company teams had been engaged continuously in managing operational challenges and supporting guests affected by the evolving situation.
The CEO also observed that most passengers had already begun returning to their home countries, although the process of repatriation had been complicated by limited flight availability across the region. With guest departures nearing completion, the company’s attention had shifted toward arranging the safe repositioning of its vessels back to the Mediterranean. He further indicated that the movement of the ships would take place only when conditions were considered appropriate, with crew safety remaining the principal consideration.
Celestyal stated that it remains focused on restoring its scheduled cruise program once conditions allow and operational arrangements have been finalized.