Celestyal releases 2027/28 Arabian Gulf season early on back of ongoing demand

Celestyal has released details of its 2027/28 season, marking its earliest season launch to date on the back of sustained demand for its Arabian Gulf and wider Mediterranean itineraries. 

The year-round programme includes a winter Arabian Gulf deployment alongside a Mediterranean and Greek Islands summer season.

In total, 182 departures are scheduled across nine itineraries between March 2027 and March 2028, operated by the 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery and 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey, both of which will homeport in the Arabian Gulf for the coming three seasons.

“The 2027 through to early 2028 programme represents our second year of operating our two-ship fleet year-round across these two iconic regions,” said Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal. 

“The return of some well-loved itineraries across the Mediterranean, Adriatic and the Greek Isles, and our continued commitment to the Arabian Gulf, allows guests to experience the perfect blend of iconic landmarks and hidden gems, while enjoying the outstanding hospitality for which we are known,” he added.

“The programme’s early release is testament to our growth as a brand, and we’d like to thank our guests, both newcomers and those returning, alongside the travel agent community for their efforts in our success,” said Haslett.

Arabian Gulf deployment

Celestyal will return to the Arabian Gulf for its second full winter season, following its inaugural season this year, with a mix of three-, four- and seven-night itineraries.

The seven-night Desert Days cruise will operate between November 2027 and March 2028 with 24 departures, departing from either Doha or Dubai. The itinerary includes overnighting in Dubai and calls at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

Celestyal Discovery will be based in Abu Dhabi from December through March, offering shorter sailings.

These include:

• 13 three-night Iconic Arabia cruises (2027) and five in early 2028, roundtrip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island
• 13 four-night Iconic Arabia cruises (2027) and six in early 2028, visiting Doha, Dubai (via Ras Al Khaimah) and Khasab
• 13 seven-night combined itineraries (2027) and five in early 2028, with embarkation in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai

Mediterranean programme

Celestyal will continue to operate a broad summer programme from Athens, including Greece, the Adriatic, and Italy. Highlights include the seven-night Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia and Idyllic Greece itineraries, as well as short three- and four-night Aegean sailings aboard Celestyal Discovery.

The line is currently running a summer promotion until August 31st, 2025, offering up to €250 onboard spend with pre-paid CelestyalPay credit.