Celestyal Cruises has officially launched its highly anticipated 2027 and early 2028 cruise schedule, unveiling a robust expansion into the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf regions. The announcement marks a milestone for the cruise line as it prepares for its most ambitious season yet, with a total of 182 departures across nine itineraries scheduled between March 2027 and March 2028.
Offering a blend of cultural immersion, iconic destinations, and flexible voyage lengths, the new itineraries are designed to appeal to a diverse range of travelers—from short break seekers to long-haul explorers.
A Dual-Season Expansion Strategy
For the first time, Celestyal is rolling out a dual-season offering that includes Mediterranean cruises from spring to fall and Arabian Gulf cruises during the winter months, ensuring year-round sailing and broadening market appeal. At the core of this expansion are two of the line’s flagship vessels: the Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, each offering a unique mix of comfort, regional focus, and cruise durations ranging from three to 14 nights.
Mediterranean Magic: Greek Isles and Beyond
From April to November 2027, Celestyal Journey will be based in Athens, sailing several immersive itineraries throughout Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, and Turkey. Highlights include:
- Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia (7 nights)
Travelers will explore iconic stops like Mykonos, Kotor, Bari, and Dubrovnik—with an overnight stay in the historic Croatian city. Fares start at £739 per person, combining natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. - Idyllic Greece (7 nights)
This itinerary focuses on Greece’s most beloved islands—Rhodes, Santorini, Milos, Crete, and Mykonos—as well as Kusadasi in Turkey, offering travelers the perfect Aegean escape. - Mediterranean Icons (14 nights)
A combination of the above two itineraries, this two-week journey delivers an unparalleled cultural voyage through the Eastern Mediterranean, starting at ÂŁ1,689 per person.
Meanwhile, Celestyal Discovery will offer shorter cruise options for those looking for brief but unforgettable getaways:
- Iconic Greek Islands (3 nights)
Sailing from Athens to Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Kusadasi, this compact voyage is ideal for first-time cruisers or weekend travelers. Prices start at just ÂŁ399. - Four-Night Iconic Greek Islands
This version adds stops in Patmos and Rhodes, offering a slightly extended escape beginning at ÂŁ509 per person.
Winter Sun: Arabian Gulf Adventure
From November 2027 through March 2028, Celestyal Journey will pivot to the Arabian Gulf, anchoring its winter operations in Dubai and Doha. The key itinerary for this season is:
- Desert Days (7 nights)
Sailing between Doha and Dubai, with port calls in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Sir Bani Yas Island, this cruise immerses guests in the opulence, heritage, and innovation of the Gulf states. Prices begin at ÂŁ589 per person, with flexible embarkation options.
In parallel, Celestyal Discovery will operate short and value-driven sailings:
- Iconic Arabia (3 nights)
A weekend getaway from Abu Dhabi that visits Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, and back to Abu Dhabi, priced from ÂŁ289 per person. - Iconic Arabia Extended (4 nights)
This version adds Doha and Khasab (Oman) to the itinerary, offering a deeper dive into Gulf diversity from ÂŁ359 per person. - Seven-Night Iconic Arabia
For a more comprehensive Gulf exploration, this itinerary covers Doha, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and other ports for ÂŁ589 per person.
Early Booking Offers and Extra Perks
To sweeten the deal, Celestyal Cruises is offering 25% extra onboard credit as part of its Summer Campaign, valid for bookings made before August 31, 2025. The credit can be redeemed for a variety of onboard experiences, from fine dining and beverages to spa treatments and shore excursions.
This added value underscores Celestyal’s reputation for affordable luxury, especially appealing for travelers who want to maximize experience without compromising on cost.
A Strategic Move Toward Year-Round Sailing
The expansion into the Arabian Gulf isn’t just seasonal—it signals Celestyal’s intent to compete more aggressively in global cruise markets by offering warm-weather voyages year-round. The Gulf’s growing popularity, coupled with Dubai and Doha’s increasing visibility as cruise hubs, gives Celestyal a competitive edge while introducing its brand to new markets across the Middle East and Asia.
The move also complements the cruise line’s legacy in the Mediterranean, where it continues to be recognized for its regional expertise, locally inspired excursions, and cultural authenticity.
What It Means for Travelers
Celestyal’s expanded 2027-2028 program allows travelers to:
- Experience more destinations than ever before
- Choose voyages tailored to their schedules and budgets
- Enjoy value-added perks like onboard credits
- Discover emerging cruise regions like the Arabian Gulf
From sun-drenched Greek isles to the architectural marvels of the UAE, Celestyal Cruises offers a compelling proposition for travelers seeking comfort, connection, and cultural depth.
Conclusion
As Celestyal Cruises gears up for its most extensive season yet, the company’s renewed focus on diverse routes, affordable pricing, and high-value experiences positions it as a serious player in the mid-sized cruise category. With itineraries stretching from the blue domes of Santorini to the skyscrapers of Dubai, the 2027-2028 program is a celebration of modern travel—bold, enriching, and unforgettable.
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