Celestyal has marked its first ever visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a traditional plaque exchange ceremony in collaboration with Cruise Saudi.

The 1260-guest Celestyal Journey’s maiden call took place on November 29 as the final port on the cruise line’s new special seven-night ‘Athens to Jeddah’ voyage. The ship left Athens on November 22 and called at Marmaris, Turkey, and three ports in Egypt - Port Said, Sharm el Sheikh and Safaga - before concluding in Jeddah.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of Celestyal including Captain Angelos Vassilakos, as well as senior team members from Cruise Saudi and port officials.

The 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery will also call into Jeddah on December 5, before joining her fleet mate for her inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf region.

Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “We are honoured to celebrate our maiden call in Jeddah alongside our partners at Cruise Saudi, marking the beginning of a long and effective relationship. As the cultural heart of Saudi Arabia and the gateway to its incredible destinations, Jeddah offers huge potential for cruise tourism, and today’s plaque exchange is an exciting step in our collaboration.”

Barbara Buczek, chief destination experiences officer at Cruise Saudi, said: “This maiden Red Sea sailing highlights the strong appeal of the region and aligns with Cruise Saudi’s commitment to developing seamless, high-quality cruise experiences in Saudi Arabia. Celestyal’s expanded itineraries demonstrate the growing demand for distinctive Red Sea and Arabian Gulf journeys.

"We continue to work closely with cruise operators to ensure our ports, destinations and onshore excursions showcase the Kingdom’s culture, heritage and renowned hospitality. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to experience the beauty of the Red Sea and the richness of Saudi Arabia’s destinations.”