Celestyal Cruises Expands to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf: Two Ships Set to Sail in Winter 2025-2026

Celestyal Cruises has confirmed its commitment to the Persian/Arabian Gulf by sending two ships, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, to operate in the region starting December 2025. This deployment marks a significant capacity increase of 211% compared to the original Gulf program planned for 2024-2025.

In a recent update, the cruise line announced that two repositioning voyages, which were initially set as lengthy 14-night journeys from Athens to Abu Dhabi, are now transformed into shorter 7-night itineraries connecting Athens and Jeddah.

The itinerary for Celestyal Journey includes stops at Marmaris, Port Said, Sharm el Sheikh, and Safaga before arriving in Jeddah. Meanwhile, Celestyal Discovery will stop by Kusadasi, Sharm el Sheikh, and Safaga, also culminating in Jeddah. Additionally, 6-night segments from the Turkish ports will be available.

Most guests who originally booked the 14-night trips should see minimal changes, though some may be offered modified ports or shorter journeys. After reaching Jeddah, both ships will continue to Abu Dhabi to begin their Arabian Gulf seasons.

Celestyal Journey is scheduled to kick off its service with a Grand Prix cruise on December 6, 2025, followed by a weekly "Desert Days" roundtrip from Doha. This itinerary will feature visits to Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Dubai, including an overnight stay.

Celestyal Discovery will arrive in the region on December 12, 2025, launching new voyages called "Iconic Arabia" with durations of 3, 4, and 7 nights, departing from Abu Dhabi. Ports of call will include Doha, Khasab, Dubai, and Sir Bani Yas, with the ship making its debut at Ras Al Khaimah.

The revised program comes in response to positive feedback from past seasons and aims to highlight Egypt’s attractions, enhance regional partnerships, and accommodate the growing market demand in the Gulf.

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