Celestyal returns winter cruises to the Mediterranean
If you were considering a winter cruise with Celestyal in the Arabian Gulf, plans will need to be revised: the company has canceled its entire program for the 2026–27 season. Instead, two of its ships will operate in the Mediterranean — with additional routes through Greece, Italy, and Croatia.
What has changed
Celestyal has scrapped its planned winter sailings in the Arabian Gulf due to the tense situation in the Middle East. The company has decided not to return ships to the region next winter, but to extend the Mediterranean season and add new departures.
For passengers, this means not just the cancellation of one route, but a complete shift in winter direction. Instead of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Gulf ports, the fleet will focus on a geography more familiar to Celestyal — the islands of Greece and the western and eastern Mediterranean.
Which cruises will be added
Celestyal Discovery will receive two additional "Iconic Greek Islands" cruises in November 2026 and four more departures in March 2027. This is a good option for those who want to see the Greek islands outside the classic summer peak — with less competition for attention in the ports and without the heat typical of July and August.
Celestyal Journey in March 2027 will add four sailings: two "Heavenly Greece, Italy and Croatia" routes and two "Idyllic Greece" cruises. The latter are expected to combine well-known Greek islands with less obvious stops, so the program may appeal to those who have already been to the most popular tourist spots.
Separately, the company plans a new program in the western Mediterranean for the winters of 2026–27 and 2027–28. Details of this direction have not yet been provided, but the mere emergence of such a program indicates that Celestyal is betting not on a short replacement for canceled sailings, but on a longer-term strengthening of its Mediterranean presence.
Is it worth considering such a trip
Yes, if you are interested in Greece, Italy, and Croatia, and traveling in the cooler season seems more appealing than the summer heat. Winter cruises can be convenient for a leisurely acquaintance with cities and islands, especially if you want to combine several countries in one trip.
At the same time, it is worth considering that this is no longer an alternative to a beach holiday in the Gulf. The Mediterranean winter has more variable weather, and some tourist attractions may operate on a seasonal schedule. However, during this period, the itinerary may feel calmer and less crowded.
Passengers on canceled sailings in the Gulf, according to reports on the company's decision, are expected to receive a full refund or credit for an alternative cruise. For those who have not yet booked a trip, the new program seems a logical choice if one wants winter Europe without the hassle of complex self-planning for transfers.
Would you choose the winter islands of Greece and the Mediterranean over a cruise in the Arabian Gulf?