by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 9:40 AM ET, Tue September 23, 2025
Celestyal Cruises has reconfirmed its commitment to the Arabian Gulf, with Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery scheduled to sail in the region starting in December following a successful 2024-25 maiden season.
The company has also updated its 14-night repositioning sailings—the “Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi” itinerary—departing November 22, 2025, onboard Celestyal Journey, and November 28, 2025, onboard Celestyal Discovery. Instead, the company will offer two new seven-night Athens to Jeddah itineraries, sailing from Athens, Greece, on the same departure dates.
Celestyal Journey will now call at Marmaris, Turkey, plus three ports in Egypt, before concluding in Jeddah. Celestyal Discovery will now call at Kusadasi, Turkey, plus two ports in Egypt, before concluding in Jeddah. Six-night segments will also be available from the Turkish ports.
Most guests will not be impacted by the change, though some may experience port changes or shorter sailings. All travel partners have been notified, assured protected commission and provided with updated information and guest rebooking options.
After these cruises, both ships will continue from Jeddah to Abu Dhabi for the start of the Arabian Gulf season. Celestyal Journey will begin sailing in the region on December 6, 2025, with a special Abu Dhabi Grand Prix celebratory cruise, before operating the seven-night “Desert Days” itinerary for the rest of the season.
Celestyal Discovery will embark upon her inaugural season in the region on December 12, 2025. The vessel will sail the line's new three-, four- and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises.
“These refinements give us great confidence as we return stronger to the Arabian Gulf with two ships and significantly increased capacity to meet soaring demand for the winter sun,” says John Diorio, managing director and vice president of business development for North America at Celestyal. “With demand already running high, we’re incredibly optimistic about the opportunities ahead and confident this will be one of our strongest seasons yet.”
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