Celestyal Cruises announced the cancellation of two 14-night relocation voyages (RepositionCruises.com) and 6 additional departures in 2024 and 2025 due to the escalating political unrest in the Middle East, particularly along the original route through the Red Sea.
The affected itineraries include the ‘Ancient Athens to Dazzling Doha’ and ‘Dazzling Doha to Ancient Athens’ (both repositioning) which were scheduled to depart on October 26th, 2024 and March 8th, 2025, respectively, on the Celestyal Journey ship.
In response, Celestyal Journey will now undertake a 34-night non-commercial repositioning to and from Doha (Qatar) to maintain its commitment to the year-round deployment and support the launch of its inaugural Arabian Gulf season. As a result, the first 3 ‘Desert Days’ itineraries, originally scheduled to depart from Doha on November 9th, 16th, and 23rd, 2024, have been cancelled.
Similarly, upon Celestyal Journey's return to Europe, the first 3 ‘Heavenly Adriatic’ itineraries of 2025, scheduled for March 22nd and 29th, and April 5th, have also been cancelled.
The vessel’s maiden Arabian Gulf voyage will now be a revised 7-night ‘Desert Days and Qatar Grand Prix’ roundtrip cruise from Doha, departing on November 30th, 2024. Passengers and trade partners affected by these changes have been informed, with alternative cruise options and/or reimbursements offered.
Celestyal's Chief Commercial Officer, Lee Haslett, emphasized that Celestyal Journey will continue to homeport in Doha starting from November 30th for the next three winter seasons, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the region.