Celestyal Brings Two Ships to Arabian Gulf with 211% Capacity Increase

Celestyal is doubling down on the Arabian Gulf with an expansion that brings both Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery to the region for the 2025/26 winter season, representing a massive 211% capacity increase over last year.

Two Ships, Three Different Itineraries

The Celestyal Discovery, with its blue and white hull and multiple decks, has returned to service. Featuring premium accommodations, the top deck boasts lifeboats and a pool area. Industrial buildings dot the background, all reflected in the calm waters of the port.
(Photo courtesy of Celestyal Cruises)

The deployment includes both the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey and 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery beginning in December 2025.

Celestyal Journey will operate seven-night “Desert Days” cruises round-trip from Doha, visiting Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Dubai with two full days and an overnight stay in the popular UAE city.

Celestyal Discovery will offer three-, four-, and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises from Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Khasab in Oman, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, and making maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE.

New Athens to Jeddah Repositioning Route

A large white and blue cruise ship, perfect for the Celestyal Journey Trip, is docked at a port. In the foreground, a red sign reads "Bahrain" with the slogan "An island, limitless" and features a location pin. The sky is clear and blue.

Perhaps most interesting for Mediterranean cruise fans are two new seven-night repositioning sailings from Athens to Jeddah. These replace the originally planned 14-night “Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi” voyages, offering a shorter but more port-intensive alternative.

Celestyal Journey departs Athens November 22, 2025, calling at Marmaris, Turkey, plus three Egyptian ports – Port Said, Sharm el Sheikh, and Safaga – before ending in Jeddah.

Celestyal Discovery follows November 28 with stops in Kusadasi, Turkey, and two Egyptian ports before reaching Jeddah.

Building on Successful Debut

A large cruise ship, possibly from Celestyal Cruises, is docked at a port in a city with numerous tall, illuminated skyscrapers in the background. The scene is set at dusk over the Arabian Gulf, with the sky transitioning from light to dark and a small boat visible on the shimmering water.

The expansion builds on Celestyal’s successful maiden Arabian Gulf season, with Managing Director John Diorio noting “exceptional feedback from both guests and our trade partners.”

“Our maiden Arabian Gulf season firmly established Celestyal as a standout in the region,” Diorio said. The cruise line has formed multi-year partnerships with Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah to support the expanded deployment.

The season kicks off with Celestyal Journey’s special Abu Dhabi Grand Prix celebratory cruise on December 6, 2025, followed by Celestyal Discovery joining the region on December 12.

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Frank M

Frank is a seasoned travel journalist with over a decade of experience covering hospitality, cruise, and air travel. He has traveled extensively by land, sea, and air, collaborating with industry giants like Marriott, Hyatt, Disney, and Carnival Corp. His work has been featured in major international and industry publications across four continents.
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