Celestyal Cruises Expands Offerings with New Repositioning Voyages to the Arabian Gulf
In a strategic move to bolster travel options in the burgeoning cruise market, Celestyal Cruises has announced two new repositioning voyages set to sail from Athens, Greece, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026. This initiative comes as part of the company’s ongoing expansion efforts to cater to the increasing demand for immersive cruise experiences that connect diverse and culturally rich destinations.
According to a press release issued by the company, the first voyage will feature the Celestyal Journey, which is scheduled to depart from the historic port of Piraeus on November 14, 2026. This seven-night cruise is designed to take passengers on an enriching journey across the Eastern Mediterranean, with notable stops at iconic locations such as Port Said and Safaga in Egypt, and Aqaba in Jordan, along with a transit through the renowned Suez Canal. Pricing for this cruise is set to begin at an attractive rate of 9 per person, rendering it an appealing choice for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.
Following this voyage, the Celestyal Discovery is slated to embark on an eight-night cruise on November 20, 2026. This itinerary, priced starting at 9 per person, mirrors the stops of its predecessor while also including a call at Kusadasi, Turkey, which will serve as an additional embarkation point for guests. This dual offering underscores Celestyal’s commitment to providing varied travel options, as well as its recognition of the growing interest among cruise passengers to explore lesser-known ports alongside well-trodden tourist paths.
Both ships will subsequently make their way to Jeddah, where they will initiate the 2026-27 winter cruise season in the Arabian Gulf. John Diorio, the managing director and vice president of business development for Celestyal North America, articulated the rationale behind this expansion. “The strong demand for our Athens to Jeddah sailings last year confirmed the growing appeal of longer, destination-led voyages that connect both iconic and lesser-known ports across these popular regions,” he remarked. Diorio noted that these new itineraries would not only enhance the travel experience for passengers but also ensure a seamless transition into the company’s third consecutive Arabian Gulf season.
Interestingly, the introduction of these new repositioning cruises will necessitate the cancellation of a previously scheduled three-night “Iconic Greek Islands” sailing on the Celestyal Discovery, originally set for November 20, 2026. The company has assured all travel partners with affected travelers that they have been notified and provided with options for rebooking, as well as assurances regarding commission protection.
Looking ahead to the Arabian Gulf season, the Celestyal Journey will introduce a revamped “Desert Days” itinerary that features a seven-night cruise departing roundtrip from Doha. This itinerary includes notable stops in Dubai (with an overnight stay), Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Bahrain, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry and vibrant urban experiences available in the Gulf region.
Simultaneously, the Celestyal Discovery will continue to serve the region with a selection of three-, four-, and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises. These voyages will operate roundtrip from Abu Dhabi and include ports of call at Doha, Khasab, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Ras Al Khaimah. This diversification not only strengthens Celestyal’s portfolio but also reflects the company’s responsiveness to the evolving desires of modern cruisers who seek both luxury and meaningful travel experiences.
As tourism in the Arabian Gulf continues to flourish, led by advancements in infrastructure and a growing appetite for unique travel experiences, Celestyal Cruises is poised to capture the interest of a diverse clientele. The company’s strategic repositioning efforts and innovative itineraries signify a noteworthy expansion in the competitive cruise market, highlighting its ability to adapt and thrive amid the changing landscapes of global travel.
As the 2026 season approaches, cruise enthusiasts will have much to anticipate, with Celestyal Cruises leading the charge in redefining maritime exploration across the Eastern Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf.
Such developments attest not only to the resilience of the tourism sector but also to the rich cultural exchanges that cruises can facilitate, ultimately enhancing the global travel landscape.
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