Celestyal has become the latest cruise line to cancel its Arabian Gulf sailings for winter 2026/27 amid the ongoing Iran conflict. The company’s two cruise ships were stranded in the Gulf region after the Middle East war broke out in February and were only able to return to the Mediterranean in April following the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Shift to Mediterranean Programme
The brand has confirmed that it will not return to the Gulf next winter and will instead extend its Mediterranean programme with additional sailings across its two-ship fleet. The 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery will offer two additional Iconic Greek Islands sailings in November 2026, followed by four further sailings in the region during March 2027. These itineraries, ranging from three to seven nights, include stops in Mykonos and Santorini, as well as smaller Greek islands such as Patmos. Prices start from £349 per person.
Meanwhile, the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey will add four March 2027 departures, including two Heavenly Greece, Italy and Croatia sailings and two Idyllic Greece sailings. Prices start from £619 per person.
New Western Mediterranean Sailings
Celestyal also announced it will introduce a new western Mediterranean programme for winter 2026/27 and winter 2027/28 on Celestyal Discovery. Further details, including full itineraries and pricing, will be shared soon, with the new sailings scheduled to go on sale from 15 June.
Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “Following a review of our winter deployment, we have decided to focus on strengthening our authentically Mediterranean offering. 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 programme will give them even more opportunities to explore the region with us.”
MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys, Aida and Costa Cruises have also cancelled their Persian Gulf sailings for next winter.
