Celestyal ends Arabian Gulf cruise season early as ships remain alongside in region

Celestyal Cruises has brought its Arabian Gulf cruise season to an early conclusion after cancelling the remaining sailings scheduled for March, as ships operating in the region remain alongside amid the current regional situation.

The company confirmed that Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery will not operate their remaining departures from Doha and Dubai.

The vessels had been scheduled to offer further sailings in the Gulf during March but have remained docked in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates following the suspension of operations earlier in the week.

The cancellations include departures previously scheduled from Doha on March 7 and March 14, as well as sailings from Dubai planned for March 9 and March 16. The decision effectively ends Celestyal’s winter Arabian Gulf programme ahead of schedule.

Celestyal Journey is currently docked in Doha, while Celestyal Discovery remains alongside in Dubai. Guests onboard both ships have remained onboard while travel arrangements are finalised.

“Due to operational constraints and confirmed port arrangements, guests currently onboard Celestyal Discovery in Dubai and Celestyal Journey in Doha will be advised of disembarkation plans within the next 24 to 48 hours,” said Celestyal Cruises.

“Our onboard teams will support guests with onward travel arrangements and provide assistance with transfers or accommodation where required. Guests have been advised to contact their airlines directly regarding flight arrangements and to register with their respective embassies for any official updates or repatriation support,” the company added.

Celestyal indicated that it remains in contact with embassies and foreign offices as part of the coordination process to assist guests with return travel arrangements.

“We remain in contact with embassies and foreign offices to stay informed of any guidance or assistance being provided for onward travel arrangements,” the company said.

All guests booked on the cancelled sailings will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit.

The vessels are expected to reposition to Athens to begin their scheduled Mediterranean deployment once operating conditions allow.

“Subject to operational conditions, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery will reposition to Athens to begin their scheduled programme in the Mediterranean,” Celestyal explained.

Other cruise operators in the region have also adjusted their operations this week. TUI Cruises confirmed that Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 remain docked in Abu Dhabi and Doha respectively after cancelling several scheduled sailings. MSC Cruises has similarly ended the Gulf season for MSC Euribia.

MSC said it is coordinating with regional airlines to support passengers returning home.

“At present, airlines operating flights have indicated that they will follow an order of priority based on the original flight date,” said MSC Cruises.

“In order to speed up the repatriation, we are working on other options such as chartering flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Muscat. In parallel we are in constant contact with local authorities, embassies and foreign offices to also support the safe return of our guests,” the company added.

Guests remaining onboard ships in the region continue to have access to onboard services while cruise lines coordinate with authorities and airline partners on travel arrangements.