Celestyal has confirmed that its cruise ships will not be returning to the Middle East for the next two years after revealing its new Mediterranean winter sailing season.
The cruise line had based both its vessels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the previous two winters but had to end its most recent season early amid the Iran conflict.
The ships were stranded in the region for almost two months before they were able to return to the Mediterranean through the Strait of Hormuz in April.
It is unclear when the cruise line will return to the region.
Janet Parton, vice president of marketing, public relations and customer experience at Celestyal, said: “We had a slightly challenging time early on in the year, we have not ruled it out.
“But our deployment plans over the next two winters are western and eastern Med focused.
“If we go back, we would go with one rather than two ships, nothing is finalised at the moment.
“It was a really popular area and if it is safe to do so, we would like to go back.”
Instead of Middle East sailings, the cruise line has already confirmed that it will operate its first western Mediterranean programme for the winter 2026/27 and 2027/28 aboard Celestyal Discovery, with maiden stops in Sete, France and Tangier, Morocco.
Passengers will also have more choice across the eastern side of the Mediterranean after new winter itineraries for Celestyal Journey were revealed this week.
From December 2027, the 1,258-capacity ship will sail four seven-night “Mediterranean Mosaics” voyages between Athens and Istanbul, with prices starting from £629 per person.
Passengers can also choose from three 14-night “Three Continents Explorer” cruises from Athens and Istanbul that combine many of the stops of the “Mediterranean Mosaics” route and spans Africa, Asia and Europe with visits to Alexandria in Egypt, Kusadasi in Turkey and Thessaloniki in Greece.
Prices start from £1,099 per person.
All fares include meals, soft drinks with meals, wifi, port fees and gratuities.
Ms Parton added: “Our recently unveiled western Mediterranean programme on Celestyal Discovery marked an exciting new chapter for the brand, and this new winter season on Celestyal Journey continues that momentum by offering even more choice across the wider Mediterranean.
“The opportunity to experience Europe, Asia and Africa in a single holiday is incredibly special, while the choice of seven- or 14-night voyages gives guests the flexibility to explore in a way that suits them.
“Combining celebrated cities with a diverse mix of culture, history and cuisine, these destination-rich itineraries are exactly the kind of immersive journeys Celestyal does best.”
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