Celestyal Cruises Makes Maiden Call in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Expanding Red Sea and Arabian Gulf Itineraries with its New Routes and Regional Partnerships

Published on December 4, 2025

Celestyal Cruises marked a milestone on November 29 with its inaugural call at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the conclusion of its newly launched seven-night “Athens to Jeddah” cruise. The voyage called at a number of exciting ports, including Marmaris, Turkey, and three Egyptian ports, Port Said, Sharm el Sheikh, and Safaga, en route to its conclusion in Jeddah. A ceremonial plaque exchange took place in conjunction with local partner Cruise Saudi to commemorate the occasion, marking the start of this new chapter in the company’s expanding Red Sea and Arabian Gulf offering.

This sets a significant milestone in the growth of Celestyal in Saudi Arabia and, in fact, the whole Red Sea cruise market, which has been growing fast over the last few years. Jeddah acts as an entrance to tourists who want to visit all the cultural and natural wonders of Saudi Arabia, and the coming of Celestyal Journey means exciting times ahead for cruise tourism in this area.

Cruise Tourism Growth: A Key Driver for Saudi and Regional Economies

The maiden call in Jeddah is not just a significant milestone for Celestyal Cruises, but also a reflection of the growing importance of cruise tourism for both Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea region. As international travelers seek new destinations with rich cultural heritage and untapped natural beauty, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline offers immense potential as a leading cruise destination.

With Jeddah now included in Celestyal’s cruise routes, the company plans to continue highlighting the region’s unique offerings, supporting tourism growth in Saudi Arabia as part of the country’s broader push to diversify its economy through tourism, in line with Vision 2030. As the tourism sector grows, cruise tourism will play an increasingly critical role in bringing international visitors to the region, fostering not only economic development but also increasing global awareness of Saudi Arabia’s diverse destinations.

The Red Sea is set to become an even more prominent cruise hub in the coming years, with Jeddah and other Saudi ports benefitting from greater international cruise traffic, resulting in higher spending on local services, excursions, hotels, and retail. Additionally, Cruise Saudi’s initiatives will help ensure that the region is equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support future growth in the cruise sector, creating a sustainable foundation for long-term tourism success.

Cruise Tourism’s Role in Diversifying the Region’s Tourism Offerings

The inclusion of Jeddah as a port of call on Celestyal’s itineraries opens the door for greater diversity in regional cruise offerings. The company’s presence in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea not only promotes Saudi Arabia’s culture and heritage, but also highlights the destination diversity that the Arabian Peninsula has to offer. This growing trend of regional port-to-port cruising can diversify tourist flows, creating more multi-country itineraries that appeal to long-haul travelers and regional tourists.

Cruise tourism also drives economic diversification, particularly in sectors like hospitality, transportation, and local tourism experiences. The arrival of more cruise ships and visitors will fuel job creation in ports, tour guides, transportation services, and local businesses, contributing to community development. This dynamic is expected to create a multiplier effect, where the growth in one sector supports the growth of others, benefiting Saudi communities as well as global tourism markets.

Celestyal Discovery and Journey Set to Shape the 2025 Arabian Gulf Season

Following the maiden call of the Celestyal Journey in Jeddah, the Celestyal Discovery will also visit the city on December 5, ahead of its first season in the Arabian Gulf. Both ships will continue their journeys to Abu Dhabi, marking the start of Celestyal’s second season in the Arabian Gulf, with both ships deployed to the region.

The Celestyal Journey will embark on a special celebratory cruise for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6, 2025, followed by its seven-night “Desert Days” itinerary. This itinerary will sail roundtrip from Doha, with stops at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain, along with two full days and an overnight stay in Dubai. This extended stay in Dubai reflects Celestyal’s focus on offering more time for passengers to explore key regional cities and enjoy the luxury and entertainment options available in the UAE’s tourism hub.

Meanwhile, the Celestyal Discovery will kick off its first cruise season in the region with three, four, and seven-night “Iconic Arabia” cruises, starting December 12, 2025. These cruises will depart from Abu Dhabi and call at key destinations like Doha, Qatar, Khasab, Oman, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Ras Al Khaimah, marking the ship’s maiden visits to the latter two UAE destinations. These itineraries are expected to offer a new perspective on the Arabian Peninsula, with a mix of cultural, beach, and adventure experiences.

Future Tourism Impact: Growth in Red Sea and Arabian Gulf Cruise Demand

Celestyal’s expanded routes and partnerships are expected to have a significant future impact on both the Saudi Arabian and regional tourism industries. The inclusion of Jeddah as a port of call on the Red Sea routes will provide increased access to the region’s cultural and historical landmarks while supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of becoming a global tourism destination. This development will not only benefit local economies but also create long-term growth for the Middle Eastern cruise market.

As Saudi Arabia continues to open its doors to international tourism, Celestyal’s role in shaping the future of Red Sea and Arabian Gulf cruises is clear. The company’s deepened presence in the region will offer travelers more opportunities to explore Arabian culture, while supporting the economic goals of both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

A Promising Future for Regional Cruise Tourism

With the successful integration of Jeddah and other key regional destinations into its itineraries, Celestyal Cruises is well-positioned to cater for a growing demand for cruise tourism in the Arabian Gulf. Its commitment to expanding in the region is reflective of the broader trend for rising interest in Red Sea cruising and, indeed, Arabian Gulf itineraries.

This will doubtless stimulate further investment in cruise infrastructure, with tourism activity for the region increasing overall, in turn benefiting cruise companies, as well as local communities, businesses, and cultural sites from the rise in international visitors. Celestyal Cruises is well-positioned to become a key driver in the growing appeal of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea as a major cruise destination.