Celestyal is expanding its 2026 cruise plans by adding two repositioning sailings that will connect Europe with the Middle East ahead of its upcoming Arabian Gulf season.
The new voyages offer travelers a rare opportunity to experience a long, destination-rich journey that blends history, culture and scenic cruising.
Scheduled for November 2026, the cruises will sail between Athens and Jeddah, following routes that are less commonly offered in today’s cruise market.
Celestyal says the move responds to growing interest in longer, immersive sailings that go beyond traditional short itineraries.
A Rare Route from Athens to Jeddah
The first of the two voyages will see the Celestyal Journey depart Piraeus on November 14, 2026, for a seven-night sailing priced from $789 per person.
The itinerary includes calls in Port Said and Safaga in Egypt, as well as Aqaba in Jordan, before continuing toward Saudi Arabia.
One of the standout moments of the journey is the transit of the Suez Canal, a highlight that allows guests to experience one of the world’s most important maritime passages from the deck of their ship. The voyage combines iconic landmarks with ports that are less frequently visited by mainstream cruise lines.
A second option follows on November 20, 2026, when the Celestyal Discovery departs Piraeus for an eight-night cruise starting at $909 per person.
This sailing features the same core route but adds a stop in Kusadasi, Turkey, where additional guests can join the voyage.
Strong Demand Shapes the Gulf Season
Celestyal says demand for last year’s Athens-to-Jeddah sailings confirmed strong interest in longer, destination-led cruises that link multiple regions in a single journey.
According to the company, travelers are increasingly drawn to itineraries that feel like true voyages rather than simple port-hopping trips.
Following the repositioning sailings, both ships will continue into the Arabian Gulf to begin their winter programs.
The Celestyal Journey will operate its refreshed “Desert Days” itinerary from Doha, while the Celestyal Discovery will offer a mix of short and week-long cruises roundtrip from Abu Dhabi, expanding the brand’s footprint in the region.
The move builds on Celestyal’s wider deployment strategy, which has already seen the cruise line outline its broader plans for upcoming seasons.
