Celestyal confirms ‘commitment’ to two-ship Arabian Gulf deployment

Celestyal has “confirmed its commitment” to deploying two ships in the Arabian Gulf from December this year.

This follows recent conflict in Qatar and the line’s maiden season in the region in 2024-2025 season.

As part of its updated deployment plans, the line has amended two 14-night repositioning sailings, one by Celestyal Journey on November 22 and the other by Celestyal Discovery on November 28.

The ships will operate two new seven-night Athens to Jeddah itineraries on the same departure dates.

Celestyal Journey will call at Marmaris in Turkey; Port Said, Sharm El Sheikh and Safaga in Egypt and Jedda.

Celestyal Discovery will visit Kusadasi in Turkey; Sharm El Sheikh and Safaga and Jedda.

Shorter six-night sailings will be available from ports in Turkey.

Most passengers booked on the original sailings from Athens to Sharm El Sheikh and Jeddah will not be impacted, but for some there will be port changes or shorter sailings offered.

Celestyal confirmed it had notified all travel partners, assured protected commission and provided them with updated information and guest rebooking options.

Following these amended sailings, Celestyal Journey will operate its seven-night Desert Days itinerary from Doha and Celestyal Discovery will sail three, four and seven-night Iconic Arabia cruises from Abu Dhabi.

Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “Our maiden Arabian Gulf season firmly established Celestyal as a standout in the region, with exceptional feedback from both guests and our trade partners.

“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 winter sun.”

He 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 are confident this will be one of our strongest seasons yet.”