Cruise Saudi welcomes Celestyal on its maiden call to Jeddah with plaque exchange

Manal Saleh

Celestyal has marked its first ever visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a traditional plaque exchange ceremony in collaboration with Cruise Saudi.

The 1260-guest Celestyal Journey’s maiden call took place on November 29 as the final port on the cruise line’s new special seven-night ‘Athens to Jeddah’ voyage, which left Athens on November 22 and called at Marmaris, Turkey, and three ports in Egypt - Port Said, Sharm el Sheikh and Safaga - before concluding in Jeddah.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of Celestyal including Captain Angelos Vassilakos, as well as senior team members from Cruise Saudi and port officials.

The 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery will also call into Jeddah on December 5, before joining her fleet mate for her inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf region.

Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “We are honoured to celebrate our maiden call in Jeddah alongside our partners at Cruise Saudi, marking the beginning of a long and effective relationship. As the cultural heart of Saudi Arabia and the gateway to its incredible destinations, Jeddah offers huge potential for cruise tourism, and today’s plaque exchange is an exciting step in our collaboration.”

Barbara Buczek, chief destination experiences officer at Cruise Saudi, said:  “This maiden Red Sea sailing highlights the strong appeal of the region and aligns with Cruise Saudi’s commitment to developing seamless, high-quality cruise experiences in Saudi Arabia. Celestyal’s expanded itineraries demonstrate the growing demand for distinctive Red Sea and Arabian Gulf journeys. We continue to work closely with cruise operators to ensure our ports, destinations and onshore excursions showcase the Kingdom’s culture, heritage and renowned hospitality. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to experience the beauty of the Red Sea and the richness of Saudi Arabia’s destinations.”

Upon disembarkation, guests will be welcomed by Jeddah’s renowned warmth and hospitality, home to the UNESCO-listed Jeddah Historic, with its distinctive Hijazi architecture and vibrant souks.

Both ships will continue their passage from Jeddah to Abu Dhabi, to commence Celestyal’s second season in the Arabian Gulf.

Celestyal Journey will open the season on December 6, 2025, with a special Abu Dhabi Grand Prix celebratory cruise, before operating the seven-night ‘Desert Days’ itinerary for the rest of the season, sailing roundtrip from Doha and calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, as well as two full days and an overnight stay in Dubai, with prices starting from £309/ €349/ $399/ AU$559 per person for a seven-night cruise.*

Celestyal Discovery’s first departure is December 12, 2025, launching the line’s new three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises, sailing roundtrip from her winter homeport in Abu Dhabi and calling at Doha, Qatar; Khasab, Oman; Dubai, UAE; Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE, and maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, with prices starting from £159/ €179/ $199/ AU$279 per person for a three-night cruise.*

For more information visit celestyal.com or call 0808 258 4170.

TRADE ONLY >> For more information, visit the trade portal, CelestyalCompass.com or call 0808 258 4170.

ENDS

Notes:

*All fares are inclusive of all meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities. The offers are available to book from November 26 to December 02, 2025, in the cruise lines Black Friday Promotion.

UK ONLY About Celestyal

Celestyal, an award-winning and year-round cruise company, and now with a UK tour operator extension – Celestyal Travel, continues to set the standard for unmissable travel experiences in the Greek Islands, the Adriatic, and the Arabian Gulf. The company excels in delivering exceptional hospitality, ensuring genuine cultural immersion both onboard and ashore. Operating two extensively refurbished vessels, accommodating up to 1360 passengers each, Celestyal prioritises highly personalised services, establishing a high-end environment that welcomes over 140,000 passengers annually from more than 130 different nationalities. 

About Celestyal

Celestyal, an award-winning and year-round cruise company, continues to set the standard for unmissable travel experiences in the Greek Islands, the Adriatic, and the Arabian Gulf. Built on a foundation of unique Greek heritage, the company excels in delivering exceptional hospitality, ensuring genuine cultural immersion both onboard and onshore. Operating two extensively refurbished vessels, accommodating up to 1360 passengers each, Celestyal prioritizes highly personalised services, establishing a high-end environment that welcomes over 140,000 passengers annually from more than 130 different nationalities. 

About Cruise Saudi

Cruise Saudi, a wholly owned company of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), was established in 2021 to develop and operate a world-class cruise ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The company is responsible for the full onshore and offshore value chain required to position Saudi Arabia as a premier global cruise destination – from planning, developing and operating cruise berths and terminals, to curating destination experiences, coordinating shore excursions, and supporting vessel operations.

Since launch, Cruise Saudi has activated five cruise ports and gateways across the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf; introduced AROYA Cruises, the first-ever Arabian cruise line; and announced its Joint Venture in partnership with AMAN Group, Aman at Sea, an ultra-luxury yacht scheduled to set sail in 2027. To date, the company has welcomed over 600,000 passengers from more than 120 nationalities on board 30 cruise ships from 15 international cruise lines, working closely with ministries, regulatory authorities, and global cruise partners to open up Saudi Arabia’s cultural, historical and natural assets to the world.

In line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Cruise Saudi aims to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035, enable the creation of 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Saudi tourism ecosystem, and support the diversification and long-term growth of the national economy and tourism goals.