The cruise line will instead extend its current Mediterranean program, with both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey’s Arabian Gulf seasons cancelled for 2026-2027.
Discovery’s 2027-2028 in the region is also cancelled, with further details for Journey for next year to be announced soon.
Additional sailings will be added to the end of Celestyal’s current two-ship Eastern Mediterranean season, with Discovery to offer two additional ‘Iconic Greek Islands’ sailings in Nov, and four more in Mar.
The cruise line will also introduce a new Western Mediterranean program for winter 2026/27 and winter 2027/28 for Discovery, with further details to be shared soon.
New sailings will go on sale from 15 Jun.
Meanwhile, the cruise line’s other ship Celestyal Journey will add four departures in Mar, comprising two ‘Heavenly Greece, Italy and Croatia’ sailings and two ‘Idyllic Greece’ itineraries.
“Following a review of our winter deployment, we have decided to focus on strengthening our authentically Mediterranean offering,” chief commercial officer Lee Haslett said.
“As a brand rooted in the region, these updates allow us to add more choice across some of our most popular itineraries and introduce brand new Western Mediterranean sailings for the first time.
“We know our guests value Celestyal for our warm hospitality, destination immersion and premium casual approach to cruising, and this extended program will give them even more opportunities to explore the region with us.”
Celestyal was forced to end its most recent Arabian Gulf season early due to the Iran war, with its two ships stuck in the United Arab Emirates following the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
The line’s Arabian Gulf strategy marked a major departure from its core Eastern Mediterranean market by offering destination-intensive, winter itineraries for the first time, in addition to its summer European cruises.
Celestyal had in 2024 signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with Visit Qatar, which signified a three-year commitment to the region, promoting the West Asian country as a key destination.
Celestyal hosted dozens of travel advisors on its Arabian cruises last year to promote the product.
