Celestyal Cruises cancels sailings as ships remain alongside in Arabian Gulf

Celestyal Cruises has cancelled two Middle East departures and confirmed that its vessels Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery will remain alongside in Doha and Dubai respectively for the time being, citing the current geopolitical situation in the region.

Celestyal Journey’s sailing scheduled to depart Dubai on March 2nd and the Celestyal Discovery’s departure from Abu Dhabi on the same date have both been cancelled.

“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain our highest priority,” said Celestyal in a statement.

“We regret to inform our guests and travel partners that, in view of the current circumstances in the Middle East, the Celestyal Journey cruise scheduled to depart from Dubai on March 2 and the Celestyal Discovery cruise scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi on March 2 have been cancelled,” the company added.

Celestyal Journey is expected to remain docked in Doha through March 7th. Guests currently onboard have been offered the option to disembark in Qatar or remain on the vessel while further updates are provided.

Subject to operating conditions, the ship is expected to resume its scheduled Desert Days itineraries thereafter.

Celestyal Discovery is currently alongside in Dubai. The company indicated that disembarkation is pending approval from local authorities.

“At present, in line with instructions from local authorities, we are unable to disembark guests. We are working closely with the relevant authorities and will begin disembarkation in Dubai as soon as permission is granted,” Celestyal explained.

The line said guests will be advised as soon as further information becomes available and confirmed that support will be provided for transfers from the ship to Abu Dhabi airport once disembarkation is authorised.

“All guests who were due to travel on the cancelled sailings will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit,” the company said.

“We strongly encourage guests to speak directly with their travel provider regarding onward or alternative travel arrangements,” Celestyal added.

The developments follow wider operational adjustments by cruise operators in the region amid evolving regional circumstances.

Ports in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar remain open, with authorities coordinating closely with cruise lines to ensure safe and orderly operations.

Celestyal operates seasonal programmes in the Arabian Gulf, including its Desert Days itineraries, which call at ports in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. The company said it would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to guests and travel partners as conditions evolve.

“We sincerely apologise for the disruption to their travel plans and greatly appreciate their patience and understanding while we work through this evolving situation,” Celestyal said.