Celestyal has confirmed the successful and safe transit of both its vessels, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, through the Strait of Hormuz as it prepares to commence Mediterranean sailings

MSC Cruises has also confirmed that MSC Euribia has also departed Dubai and safely transited the Strait of Hormuz. It is now en route to Northern Europe, with its itineraries departing on 16 May from Kiel (and 17 May from Copenhagen) operating as originally scheduled.

Celestyal, which cancelled all April 2026 departures due to the conflict in the Middle East delaying the repositioning of its ships, praised the leadership and calm command of both Captain Vasileiou and Captain Vasilakos, alongside onboard and shoreside teams.

Celestyal Discovery made safe passage on Friday 17 April under the command of Captain Nikolaos Cassileiou, becoming the first cruise vessel to establish a safe route through the Strait of Hormuz.

Celestyal Journey then followed on Saturday 18 April, led by Captain Angelos Vasilakos, heading a wider convoy of cruise vessels departing the region using the newly established corridor.

In a press release, Celestyal recognised their captain’s efforts in navigating complex and sensitive conditions, saying they were “instrumental in ensuring the safety of all crew and the successful passage of both ships,” with voyage plans developed through extensive coordination with key authorities and security stakeholders.

Following their successful transit, both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey are now repositioning to the Mediterranean, where they will commence the upcoming summer season as planned.

Celestyal can confirm that all future sailings currently on sale will operate as scheduled, providing guests and travel partners with confidence and continuity as the company transitions into its Mediterranean deployment.

Last week it was reported that Celestyal had begun a consultation process affecting a “limited number of roles” in the UK and global offices, as well as a review of the Celestyal Travel business, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East