Cruise line Celestyal has cancelled its Arabian Gulf sailings for the 2026/27 winter season, citing the ongoing conflict with Iran. The decision follows the stranding of its two ships in the Gulf region after the Middle East war erupted in February; they were only able to return to the Mediterranean in April after a temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Instead of returning to the Gulf next winter, Celestyal will extend its Mediterranean programme with additional sailings across its two-ship fleet. The 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery will offer two extra Iconic Greek Islands sailings in November 2026, followed by four more in March 2027. These itineraries, ranging from three to seven nights, include stops at Mykonos, Santorini and smaller islands such as Patmos, with prices starting from £349 per person.
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, with prices from £619 per person. Celestyal also plans to introduce a new western Mediterranean programme for winter 2026/27 and winter 2027/28 on Celestyal Discovery, with full details to be released and bookings opening on 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.' He added that the extended programme gives guests more opportunities to explore the region.
Celestyal joins other cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys, Aida and Costa Cruises in cancelling Persian Gulf sailings for next winter due to the Iran conflict.
