Celestyal announces maiden calls for Middle East 2025/26 repositioning cruises

Celestyal Cruises has announced four new repositioning cruises for its 2025/26 winter season in the Arabian Gulf, with maiden calls in Aqaba in Jordan, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.

The 14-night sailings will see Celestyal dock in Jordan and Saudi Arabia for the first time, and will mark the cruise line’s return to Egypt after a two-year hiatus.

“Last year, we committed to offering our guests even more destinations. Whether they are returning travelers or new to cruising, we welcome everyone with the warm hospitality that is at the heart of our heritage,” said Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer, Celestyal.

“Our tenth anniversary year will be bigger than ever, beginning with extensive renovations across our fleet and an expanded program featuring two new countries, four new ports of call and a long-awaited return to Egypt,” he added.

The announcement comes following Celestyal Journey’s return to Greece, after an extended maiden season in the Arabian Gulf, during which booking exceeded the cruise line’s target by more than 27% despite the season having been extended to meet demand.

“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,” Haslett said.

Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery will offer 14-night cruises from Athens to Abu Dhabi in November 2025.

While the Celestyal Discovery arrives in Abu Dhabi on December 7th, 2025, Celestyal Journey will call in time for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend on December 6th, 2025.

During the 2025/26 season, between December and March, Celestyal Journey will sail 7-night roundtrip cruises from Dubai and Doha, while Celestyal Discovery will homeport in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering 3, 4 and 7-night roundtrip cruises from both cities.

At the end of the season, both ships will again sail 14-night “Amazing Abu Dhabi to Ancient Athens” repositioning cruises.

The Celestyal Discovery will cruise from Abu Dhabi on March 6th, 2026, charting the same return course and arriving back in Athens for its summer season in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. Celestyal Journey will depart Abu Dhabi on March 21st, 2026.

All four cruises will feature several bookable segments ranging between four and 13 nights. Prices start at $339 per person on a four-night voyage, and $1,029 per person on a 14-night cruise, including meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees and gratuities.