Celestyal cancels 3 more Med cruises as Middle East repositioning delayed

Celestyal Cruises has cancelled three additional sailings in the Mediterranean and Adriatic scheduled for early April 2026, as delays to vessel repositioning from the Middle East continue to affect its European deployment.

The affected departures include one sailing aboard Celestyal Discovery on April 6th, 2026, and two itineraries on Celestyal Journey scheduled for April 4th, 2026.

Both vessels are currently positioned in the Middle East and are no longer due to return to Europe in time for the start of their Mediterranean summer programme.

“Due to the current situation, Celestyal has delayed the repositioning of both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey ahead of the start of their Mediterranean programme,” said Celestyal Cruises in a statement.

Celestyal Discovery had been scheduled to operate a short cruise from Lavrion to destinations in Greece and Turkey, including Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion, and Santorini.

Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey was due to depart from Piraeus on a week-long itinerary covering ports in Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy, with calls planned in Kotor, Dubrovnik, Bari, Corfu, Argostoli, and Katakolon.

A longer two-week option incorporating additional stops in Greece and Turkey, including Mykonos, Milos, Santorini, Agios Nikolaos, Rhodes, and Kusadasi, has also been cancelled.

Passengers booked on the affected sailings are being offered the choice of a full refund or a future cruise credit.

“We continue to monitor developments closely and remain focused on resuming our planned programme as soon as possible,” said Celestyal Cruises.

The disruption reflects a wider operational challenge facing cruise lines currently deployed in the Arabian Gulf. Several ships remain in the region, delaying their usual spring repositioning voyages to Europe as operators exercise caution around planned transits through the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waterways.

While some commercial shipping continues to move through the corridor, cruise operators face a different risk profile and have kept their vessels alongside in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

Unlike cargo vessels, cruise ships carry large numbers of passengers and operate on fixed itineraries, making them more sensitive to uncertainty around routing, port access, and onward logistics.

Even limited disruption or the potential for itinerary changes can have significant implications for guest experience, insurance requirements, and operational planning.

In addition, repositioning voyages depend on precise timing to meet the start of seasonal programmes in Europe. Any delay in departure from the Gulf can cascade into cancellations of early-season sailings, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic where ships are due to enter service in April.

Air connectivity has also emerged as a contributing factor. Adjustments to regional flight schedules have complicated crew movements and passenger travel arrangements, further reducing the flexibility available to operators planning long-distance repositioning itineraries.