Celestyal Cancels Spring 2026 Cruises as Ships Stay in Gulf

Celestyal Cruises has cancelled additional spring 2026 departures after delaying the repositioning of its two ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, from the Middle East back to the Mediterranean amid the ongoing regional conflict.

In a series of March updates, the boutique Greek cruise line said it is working “in close coordination with the relevant authorities” as it finalizes operational arrangements for the ships’ onward movements and summer deployment, but has not provided a new date for when either vessel will depart the region.

Cancelled departures across late March and early April

Celestyal’s cancellations span short, port-intensive cruises in Greece and Turkey as well as longer Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic itineraries that were due to begin in late March and early April.

Celestyal Discovery cancellations

• March 20, 2026: A three-night Iconic Aegean sailing that was scheduled to be part of the ship’s early Mediterranean season.
• March 23, 2026: A four-night Iconic Aegean sailing that was due to operate roundtrip from the Athens area.
• March 27, 2026: A three-night Iconic Greek Islands cruise that Celestyal said would no longer go ahead; the line later described these late-March short cruises as calling in Greece and Turkey, including destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Kusadasi.
• March 30, 2026: A four-night Iconic Greek Islands cruise that was also scheduled to visit ports in Greece and Turkey, including Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Kusadasi.
• April 3, 2026: A three-night sailing planned roundtrip from Lavrion, with calls scheduled for Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion and Santorini.
• April 6, 2026: A four-night sailing planned from Lavrion, with calls scheduled for Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini.

Celestyal Journey cancellations

• April 4, 2026: Itineraries scheduled to depart from Piraeus, including a weeklong Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise with calls listed as Kotor, Dubrovnik, Bari, Corfu, Argostoli and Katakolon, plus a longer two-week option that added additional stops in Greece and Turkey.
• April 6, 2026: Celestyal also previously announced the cancellation of an April 6 voyage for Celestyal Journey, as the ship remained in the region while the company worked on repositioning arrangements.

Why Celestyal says it is delaying the move back to the Mediterranean

Celestyal has tied the changes to the conflict in the Middle East, which began on Feb. 28, 2026, and the resulting challenges in moving ships out of the region.

“As the conflict in the Middle East continues, and in close coordination with the relevant authorities, we have had to delay the repositioning of the Celestyal Discovery,” the company said in one of its statements. For at least one of the early-April cancellations, Celestyal said Discovery’s repositioning voyage back to the Eastern Mediterranean had been delayed while operational arrangements for the move were still being finalized ahead of the summer program in Greece and Turkey.

Where the ships are now

Celestyal said guests who had been onboard both ships at the start of the conflict have safely disembarked. The Celestyal Discovery remains docked in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, while the Celestyal Journey is alongside in Doha, Qatar.

“Both vessels are fully operational,” Celestyal said, adding that their departure from the region will take place in line with guidance from the relevant authorities. The cruise line has also cited the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage, as part of the disruption to ship movements.

Options for affected guests

For the cancelled departures, Celestyal said impacted guests are being offered a choice between a full refund and a future cruise credit. The company has directed passengers to contact their original travel provider or point of purchase to review refund and rebooking options and next steps.

“We continue to monitor developments closely and remain focused on resuming our planned program as soon as possible,” the company said.

Broader cruise industry disruption in the region

Celestyal is not alone in cancelling voyages involving ships positioned in Middle Eastern ports. TUI Cruises confirmed multiple cancellations for Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, and Saudi Arabia’s Aroya Cruises terminated all remaining Arabian Gulf sailings for its 2026 season, as operators contend with the operational impact of the conflict and the knock-on effects on ship redeployments.

What Celestyal has said about its summer plans

Celestyal has said it remains focused on operating its summer European itineraries once the ships can reposition safely. The line’s planned program includes Celestyal Discovery’s Greek Isles cruises departing from Piraeus with stops including Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and Kusadasi, along with Celestyal Journey’s longer Mediterranean and Adriatic sailings with calls in destinations across Croatia, Montenegro and Italy.

Celestyal previously suspended Arabian Gulf operations in late February and then cancelled the remainder of its Middle East season in early March, after both Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery had been sailing in the region as part of the company’s 2025-26 winter season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why has Celestyal Cruises cancelled spring 2026 sailings?

Celestyal said the cancellations are tied to delays repositioning Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey from the Middle East back to the Mediterranean amid the ongoing conflict. The cruise line said it is coordinating with relevant authorities as it finalizes operational arrangements for the ships’ onward movements.

What compensation is Celestyal offering for cancelled cruises?

Celestyal said affected guests will be offered a choice between a full refund and a future cruise credit, and has asked passengers to contact their original travel provider or point of purchase to arrange next steps.

Where are Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey currently located?

Celestyal Discovery is docked in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Celestyal Journey is alongside in Doha, Qatar. Celestyal said all guests have safely disembarked and that both ships remain fully operational, with departures to align with official guidance.

Which Celestyal Journey itineraries were cancelled in early April 2026?

Celestyal cancelled itineraries scheduled for April 4, 2026, on Celestyal Journey, including a weeklong Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise from Piraeus with calls listed as Kotor, Dubrovnik, Bari, Corfu, Argostoli and Katakolon, as well as a longer two-week option that added additional Greek and Turkish stops. Celestyal also previously announced the cancellation of an April 6 voyage for the ship.