Celestyal has launched four new 14-night repositioning cruises in the Arabian Gulf as part of its winter sun season.
The sailings feature two new countries for the brand, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and five maiden calls:
Aqaba is in Jordan, Jeddah is in Saudi Arabia, Muscat is in Oman, Sharm El Shiekh is in Sharm, and Ain Sukhna is in Egypt. The itineraries also mark the cruise line’s return to Egypt after a two-year break.
Celestyal – Aqaba Petra
The new 14-night ‘Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi’ itinerary will be available across the two-ship fleet. Celestyal Journey will depart Athens on November 22, 2025, calling at Port Said, with maiden calls to Sharm El Sheikh, Aqaba, Jeddah and Muscat, followed by Dubai, arriving at Abu Dhabi on December 6, 2025, in time for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. She then departs on her ‘Desert Days and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’ on December 7, taking in the race weekend before embarking on the season’s first ‘Desert Days’ itinerary.
Celestyal Discovery will depart Athens on November 28, 2025, charting the same course with an additional call at Kusadasi, Turkey, arriving for her maiden call into Abu Dhabi on December 13, 2025, ahead of her inaugural winter season operating new three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries and homeporting for a winter season in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years.
Both ships will also offer a returning 14-night cruise including ‘Amazing Abu Dhabi to Ancient Athens’ and ‘Dazzling Doha to Ancient Athens’. Celestyal Discovery will cruise from Abu Dhabi on March 6, 2026, charting a similar return course, including the port of Ain Sukhna in Egypt for the return, arriving back into Athens for the summer Greece and Mediterranean season. Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey will depart Doha on March 21, 2026, with an additional call to Kusadasi on her return.
The announcement follows Celestyal Journey’s return to Athens this week, following a successful and extended maiden season in the Arabian Gulf. Bookings were 27% above target for the first season, which saw the ship homeport in Doha, Qatar, as part of a three-year partnership with the state.
Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “Last year, we committed to offering our guests even more destinations. Whether they are returning travellers or new to cruising, we welcome everyone with the warm hospitality that is at the heart of our heritage. Our tenth anniversary year will be bigger than ever, beginning with extensive renovations across our fleet and an expanded program featuring two new countries, five new ports of call, and a long-awaited return to Egypt”.
“2024 was a record-breaking year for Celestyal, with our highest-ever bookings. We know this success is thanks to the incredible support of our guests, regional partners, travel agents and staff. As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering unmissable experiences for our guests.”
All four cruises will feature several bookable segments ranging between four and 13 nights. Prices start from A$469 per person for a four-night leg and A$1429 per person for the entire 14-night cruise, including meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities.
