Celestyal adds 2 cruises to 2026-27 Arabian Gulf season

Celestyal is expanding its Arabian Gulf programme for the 2026–27 winter season with two new seven-night repositioning cruises from Athens, Greece, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of its third consecutive winter deployment in the region. Fares start from AED3,050 per person.

 

Departing in November 2026, the sailings build on the “strong success” of the line’s inaugural Athens–Jeddah sailings last year and cater to what the line describes as “growing demand for longer, destination-led voyages connecting iconic cities with rising star ports,” according to John Diorio, VP of Business Development at Celestyal.

 

Located on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, Jeddah is an emerging port destination, putting cruise guests within easy reach of its Unesco-listed Al Balad old town, bustling souqs, vibrant marine life and fresh seafood.

 

The 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey will depart Piraeus on 14 November 2026 for a seven-night voyage calling at Port Said and Safaga in Egypt, and Aqaba in Jordan. The itinerary also includes a Suez Canal transit en route to the Arabian Gulf.

 

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On 20 November, the 1,360-passenger Celestyal Discovery will embark on an eight-night itinerary featuring the same ports with the addition of Kusadasi in Türkiye, where guests may also join for a shorter six-night sailing to the Gulf. Prices for this voyage start from AED3,550 per person.

 

Following their Athens–Jeddah crossings, both ships will reposition to Abu Dhabi to begin their Gulf deployments, which include two recently announced Formula 1-themed sailings from 27 November. These itineraries feature extended stays in Doha and Abu Dhabi timed around the region’s flagship race weekends.

 

The upcoming season also features the seven-night Desert Days itinerary, cruising roundtrip from Doha with calls in Dubai (overnight), Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. In addition, Celestyal will operate its three-, four- and seven-night Iconic Arabia cruises from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Khasab in Oman, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas and Ras Al Khaimah.

 

Complementing the expanded itineraries, Celestyal has also enhanced its Arabian Gulf shore excursion programme, introducing new small-group, immersive experiences. Highlights include a full-day guided tour of Ras Al Khaimah’s desert dunes and mountain villages, featuring visits to the royal camel racing stables and a traditional date farm.

 

For more information, visit www.celestyal.com; for all the latest cruise news, bookmark www.connectingtravel.com/cruise

 

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Supporting the growth of the cruise industry, Connections Cruise Arabia will return to Dubai in the UAE in 2026, following the success of the inaugural edition in 2025. The two-day event, taking place from 28 to 29 September, will welcome more than 500 travel trade professionals from across the global cruise ecosystem. To register your interest in attending, contact Connections.