Celestyal Cruises will once again homeport in the Arabian Gulf this winter, but ongoing Red Sea security concerns may have forced the cruise line to cancel its planned repositioning voyages.

The Middle East deployment of its full two-ship fleet confirms Celestyal’s intention to make the region a seasonal hub following a debut season that exceeded expectations. The line has described the Gulf as its “home” during the colder months, pointing to strong demand and ambitions to expand its presence.

However, amid ongoing Red Sea security concerns, and with other operators such as MSC Cruises, Costa and TUI having already dropped repositioning voyages through the Red Sea in favour of longer routes around Africa, industry observers have long expected Celestyal to follow suit. 

Those expectations have been reinforced by the quiet removal of the line’s Dubai–Mediterranean repositioning itineraries in November 2025 and March 2026 from its website, fuelling rumours that the voyages have been cancelled.

At least two guests booked on the outbound November cruise have told Cruise Arabia & Africa that they have not yet received any official confirmation from Celestyal. The absence of communication has added to uncertainty among passengers, some of whom expressed unease at the lack of clarity.

At the Connections Cruise Arabia forum, Celestyal’s Anna Gregori, Vice President, Brand, Marketing, PR & Customer Experience, avoided questions regarding the Red Sea, focusing on the line’s Gulf wider strategy. 

“Last year we were really excited to start our first season in the Arabian Gulf. This year we will also be operating in Jeddah, which is really exciting for us and has been a very conscious decision,” she said. 

“For us, the Gulf is our home for the winter season, and we say that proudly. We have big ambitions to work with our colleagues and the wider industry to make this a hub, and we’re very passionate about that,” she added.

While the company has not issued a formal statement regarding the repositioning, the removal of the sailings from its booking platform has fuelled speculation that the Dubai–Mediterranean voyage will not proceed. 

For passengers already booked, the uncertainty has left them awaiting clarity on whether alternative arrangements will be offered, and the nature of the refunds to be provided.

Cruise Arabia & Africa has reached out to Celestyal Cruises for comment.