Plans for winter 2027/28 deployment will be announced soon, but the two-ship Greek Islands specialist has already confirmed it will offer more Eastern Mediterranean voyages this year.
The 1,360-passenger Celestyal Discovery will offer two additional Iconic Greek Islands sailings in November 2026, followed by four further Iconic Greek Islands cruises in March 2027.
The 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey will operate four March 2027 departures, comprising two Heavenly Greece, Italy and Croatia sailings and two Idyllic Greece sailings.
Celestyal will also 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.
When will mainstream cruise ships return to the Middle East?
Celestyal Chief Commercial Officer Lee Haslett 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.”
Travel agents have been notified with updated information to support guest rebooking options.
Celestyal has launched several sales campaigns since it managed to reposition Discovery and Journey away from the Middle East where both ships were homeporting.
The Celestyal ships were among a group of vessels that got stuck in the region following the start of the war on Iran on 28 February.
MSC Cruises' MSC Euribia ship also transited through the Strait of Hormuz as it sailed towards Northern Europe where it is operating its summer itineraries.
Tui Cruises' Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 also successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz at that time.
