Celestyal is returning to Egypt after two years as part of a series of winter 2025-26 repositioning cruises.
The four new 14-night cruises, as part of the line’s winter sun season in the Gulf, also feature two new countries for the brand: Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
There will be five maiden calls: Aqaba, Jordan; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Muscat in Oman; and Ain Sukhna and Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.
Celestyal Journey (pictured) will depart Athens on November 22, calling at Port Said, with calls into Sharm El Shiekh, Aqaba, Jeddah and Muscat, followed by Dubai, into Abu Dhabi on December 6 in time for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
The ship then departs on a ‘Desert Days and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’ sailing on December 7, taking in the race weekend, before embarking on the first regular ‘Desert Days’ itinerary of the season.
Celestyal Discovery will leave Athens on November 28 on the same course with an additional call at Kusadasi in Turkey, arriving into Abu Dhabi on December 13.
The ship’s inaugural winter season in the Gulf includes new three, four and seven-night itineraries. The vessel will be based in the Gulf for the next three winters.
The two returning 14-night cruises, called Amazing Abu Dhabi to Ancient Athens and Dazzling Doha to Ancient Athens, will also feature across each ship.
Celestyal Discovery will cruise from Abu Dhabi on March 6, 2026, charting a similar return course, with the inclusion of the port of Ain Sukhna in Egypt for the return, and will arrive back into Athens for the summer Greece and Mediterranean season.
Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey will depart Doha on March 21, 2026, with an additional call to Kusadasi on its return.
Cruise-only prices start at £789 per person for 14 nights, including meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities.
The schedules were revealed as Celestyal Journey returned to Athens following a first season in the Gulf.
Bookings were 27% above target for the season, which saw the ship homeport in Doha, Qatar, as part of a three-year partnership with the state.
Chief commercial fficer Lee Haslett said: “Last year, we committed to offering our guests even more destinations. Whether they are returning travellers or new to cruising, we welcome everyone with the warm hospitality that is at the heart of our heritage.
“Our 10th anniversary year will be bigger than ever, beginning with extensive renovations across our fleet and an expanded programme featuring two new countries, five new ports of call, and a long-awaited return to Egypt.
“2024 was a record-breaking year for Celestyal, with our highest-ever bookings. We know this success is thanks to the incredible support of our guests, regional partners, travel agents and staff. As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering unmissable experiences for our guests.”