Celestyal has launched four new 14-night repositioning cruises as part of its winter sun season in the Arabian Gulf featuring two new countries and five maiden calls.
The sailings feature two new countries for the brand, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and five maiden calls: Aqaba in Jordan, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman, Sharm El Shiekh and Ain Sukhna in Egypt. The itineraries also mark the cruise line’s return to Egypt after a two-year break.
The new 14-night ‘Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi’ itinerary is available across the two-ship fleet. Celestyal Journey departs Athens on 22 November 2025, calling at Port Said, with maiden calls to Sharm El Sheikh, Aqaba, Jeddah and Muscat, followed by Dubai, arriving at Abu Dhabi on 6 December 2025, in time for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. She then departs on her ‘Desert Days and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’ sailing on 7 December, taking in the race weekend before embarking on the first ‘Desert Days’ itinerary of the season.
Celestyal Discovery departs Athens on 28 November 2025, charting the same course with an additional call at Kusadasi, Turkey, arriving for her maiden call into Abu Dhabi on 13 December 2025, ahead of her inaugural winter season operating new three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries and homeporting for a winter season in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years.
Both ships also offer a returning 14-night cruise including ‘Amazing Abu Dhabi to Ancient Athens’ and ‘Dazzling Doha to Ancient Athens’. Celestyal Discovery cruises from Abu Dhabi on 6 March 2026, charting a similar return course with the inclusion of the port of Ain Sukhna in Egypt for the return, arriving back in Athens for the summer Greece and Mediterranean season. Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey departs Doha on 21 March 2026, with an additional call to Kusadasi on her return.
The announcement comes following Celestyal Journey’s return into Athens this week, following a successful and extended maiden season in the Arabian Gulf. Bookings were 27 per cent above target for the first season, which saw the ship homeport in Doha, Qatar, as part of a three-year partnership with the state.
“Last year, we committed to offering our guests even more destinations,” Celestyal chief commercial officer, Lee Haslett, said. “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 tenth anniversary year will be bigger than ever, beginning with extensive renovations across our fleet and an expanded program 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.”
All four cruises will feature several bookable segments ranging between four and 13-nights. Prices start from $469 per person for a four-night leg and $1,429 per person for the full 14-night cruise including meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees and gratuities.
