Celestyal unveils new itineraries and maiden calls for 2025/26 winter sun season

Wednesday, Mar 26, 2025 0

Four new 14-night repositioning cruises for 2025/26 Arabian Gulf season
Maiden calls to four new ports and two countries
The line will return to Egypt for the first time in two years
Bookings for inaugural Arabian Gulf season 27% above target

Celestyal has launched four new 14-night repositioning cruises, as part of its winter sun season in the Arabian Gulf.

The sailings feature two new countries for the brand, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and four maiden calls: Aqaba in Jordan, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. The itineraries also mark the cruise line’s return to Egypt after a two-year break.

A 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 Shiekh, Aqaba, Jeddah and Muscat, followed by Dubai, arriving back into 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’ sailing on December 7, taking in the race weekend before embarking on the first ‘Desert Days’ itinerary of the season.

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. Her inaugural winter season will sail the new-for-2025 three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries, with the ship homeporting over the winter season in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years.

The two returning 14-night ‘Amazing Abu Dhabi to Ancient Athens’ cruises will also feature across both ships. Celestyal Discovery will cruise from Abu Dhabi on March 6, 2026, charting the same return course and arriving back into Athens for the summer Greece and Mediterranean season. Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey will depart Abu Dhabi on March 21, 2026.

All four cruises will feature several bookable segments ranging between four and 13-nights.

The announcement comes following Celestyal Journey’s return into Athens yesterday, following a successful 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 programme featuring two new countries, four 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.”

Prices start from £259pp on a four-night voyage, and £789pp on a 14-night cruise including meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities.