Celestyal introduces two new Athens-Jeddah sailings

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Celestyal Discovery

Celestyal has extended its Arabian Gulf itineraries for the upcoming 2025/2026 cruise season, introducing two seven-night sailings from Athens in Greece to Saudi city Jeddah in November 2025.

The line has committed to basing two ships – Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery – in the Arabian Gulf, representing a 211% year-on-year capacity increase.

The new Athens–Jeddah sailings are part of Celestyal’s revised deployment plan, replacing two previously scheduled 14-night repositioning cruises.

Celestyal Journey will now depart Athens for Jeddah on 22 November, followed by Celestyal Discovery on 28 November, with both ships sailing directly to Jeddah on these dates.

Situated on the western coast of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah hugs the Red Sea and is known for its vibrant marine life, Unesco-listed old town, traditional markets and fresh seafood.

Both new itineraries will conclude in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Celestyal Journey’s new route will include calls at Marmaris in Türkiye, along with three Egyptian ports – Port Said, Sharm El Sheikh and Safaga – before concluding in Jeddah. Celestyal Discovery will visit Kusadasi in Türkiye and two Egyptian ports, Sharm El Sheikh and Safaga, en route to Jeddah.

Passengers will also be able to opt for shorter six-night sailings departing from select ports in Türkiye.

The cruise line confirmed that most guests booked on the original repositioning sailings will not be affected. However, for some, port calls have been adjusted or shortened alternatives will be offered.

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Celestyal said it has notified all travel partners, reassured them of protected commissions, and provided full details on rebooking options.

“These refinements give us great confidence as we return stronger to the Arabian Gulf for 2025/26 with two ships and significantly increased capacity to meet soaring demand for winter sun,” said Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal.

Following the Athens–Jeddah cruises, both ships will reposition to Abu Dhabi via Jeddah to commence their full Gulf deployments, opening the season on 6 December with an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix celebratory cruise.

This includes the seven-night Desert Days itinerary sailing roundtrip from Doha, with stops at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Bahrain; as well as the four- and seven-night Iconic Arabia cruises departing Abu Dhabi and calling at Doha, Khasab in Oman, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.

Celestyal Journey in Dubai

Celestyal has “confirmed its commitment” to keeping two ships in the Arabian Gulf from December, building on the success of its debut season.

Haslett added: “Our multi-year partnerships with Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah remain central to this growth, and together we’re committed to showcasing the very best of the region to both new and returning cruisers.

“With demand already running high, we’re incredibly optimistic about the opportunities ahead and are confident this will be one of our strongest seasons yet.”

More cruise lines are adding Middle East ports to their itineraries as cruise tourism in the region is on the rise and set to be further accelerated by Connections Cruise Arabia. The game-changing annual event, launched in September 2025, will bring together 300 senior cruise leaders and stakeholders in September 2026 to shape the future of the sector in the region.

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