Celestyal Sets Sail into the Arabian Gulf with Maiden Call in Jeddah, Paving the Way for New Cruise Tourism Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Published on December 1, 2025

Celestyal has officially set sail into the Arabian Gulf with its historic maiden call in Jeddah, marking a significant step in the expansion of cruise tourism in Saudi Arabia. This new route not only showcases Celestyal’s commitment to the Middle East but also opens the door to a wealth of tourism opportunities for the region. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in tourism through its Vision 2030 initiative, Celestyal’s entry into Jeddah highlights the growing appeal of the kingdom as a cruise destination. This maiden call signals the beginning of a promising future for cruise tourism, with the potential to attract more international travelers to the kingdom’s shores.

The 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey made its maiden port call in Jeddah on November 29 as part of the new seven-night ‘Athens to Jeddah’ itinerary. The voyage, which began on November 22, started in Athens, Greece. The cruise included stops in Marmaris, Turkey, and three ports in Egypt—Port Said, Sharm El Sheikh, and Safaga—before making its way to Jeddah, a key destination in the Red Sea. This marks a significant expansion of Celestyal’s routes, which have traditionally focused on the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.

Celestyal’s maiden call in Jeddah was commemorated with a traditional plaque exchange ceremony, an important symbol of the partnership between Celestyal and Cruise Saudi. The event was a momentous occasion, not only celebrating the cruise line’s arrival but also reinforcing the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia as a rapidly growing market for cruise tourism. This inaugural call is just the beginning of what is expected to be a long-lasting and fruitful collaboration between the two organizations.

As part of this collaboration, Celestyal will continue to offer its guests a unique blend of Mediterranean charm and Middle Eastern allure, providing an unforgettable cruising experience. The line’s expansion into the Red Sea comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is making significant investments in tourism infrastructure, positioning Jeddah as a gateway for global travelers looking to experience both the modern and traditional aspects of the kingdom.

Jeddah itself is an exceptional destination, offering a fascinating mix of history, culture, and modernity. For Celestyal passengers, the chance to disembark in Jeddah presents an opportunity to explore some of Saudi Arabia’s most treasured landmarks. The city is home to the UNESCO-listed Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad), a district that boasts stunning Hijazi architecture and vibrant souks (markets), offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. These experiences provide a perfect contrast to the cosmopolitan allure of the modern city, making Jeddah an intriguing and diverse stop for cruise travelers.

Beyond its cultural and historical significance, Jeddah is also the gateway to other stunning Saudi Arabian destinations. As the Red Sea’s primary port, Jeddah is strategically located, providing easy access to other regions of the kingdom. Visitors to the city can embark on excursions to the nearby Al-Ula, known for its ancient Nabatean tombs and dramatic desert landscapes, or enjoy the pristine beaches along the Red Sea coast. The city’s growing infrastructure, along with its expanding tourism offerings, is attracting more international travelers, positioning it as a key player in the region’s travel and tourism industry.

Celestyal’s new itineraries are designed to appeal to travelers seeking not only relaxation but also cultural immersion and adventure. The cruise line’s commitment to exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations sets it apart from other cruise operators. By incorporating Jeddah into its offerings, Celestyal is tapping into a rapidly expanding market for Middle Eastern cruise tourism, which is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

The partnership with Cruise Saudi is a significant step in the development of Saudi Arabia’s cruise tourism industry, which is set to play an important role in the country’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and increase its share of global tourism. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in its tourism sector, including in port development, luxury hotels, and attractions designed to appeal to international visitors.

Celestyal’s expansion into Jeddah and the Arabian Gulf is also part of a broader trend in the cruise industry, which is increasingly recognizing the potential of the Middle East as a cruise tourism hub. The growing number of cruise operators offering itineraries that include Saudi Arabia reflects the country’s rising status as an essential destination on the global cruising map.

As the cruise industry continues to recover and grow following the challenges posed by the pandemic, new markets such as Saudi Arabia are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cruising. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and expanding tourism infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to become a key destination for cruise lines like Celestyal, offering passengers an exciting and unique experience in the heart of the Arabian Gulf.