Celestyal Cruises has confirmed that two of its ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, have completed transit through the Strait of Hormuz, in what the company describes as a milestone for the cruise industry during a period of heightened sensitivity in the region.
On Friday, April 17, Celestyal Discovery, under the command of Captain Nikolaos Vasileiou, became the first cruise vessel to depart the Arabian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.
The voyage plan was developed in coordination with regional authorities and maritime security teams, and the company says the transit established a route that other operators could follow.
Celestyal Discovery becomes first cruise ship to exit Arabian Gulf through Strait of Hormuz
The following day, on Saturday April 18, Celestyal Journey, under the command of Captain Angelos Vasilakos, completed the same passage. The ship led a convoy of cruise vessels departing the region using the corridor that had been established the previous day.
Both voyage plans were the result of what Celestyal describes as “extensive coordination” with authorities and security stakeholders. The company said the process was designed to ensure all movements were carried out with “the highest levels of safety, precision and situational awareness.”
Celestyal highlighted the conduct of both captains during the operation. The company said the transits involved “outstanding leadership, expertise and calm command” from Captain Vasileiou and Captain Vasilakos, as well as from teams onboard and on shore. Both captains were credited with navigating conditions that were described as complex and sensitive.
Following the transit, both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey are now repositioning to the Mediterranean, where they are scheduled to begin the summer season as planned.
Celestyal has confirmed that all future sailings currently on sale will go ahead as scheduled. The company said this was intended to give guests and travel partners “confidence and continuity” as it moves into its Mediterranean deployment.
The company also acknowledged the role played by regional authorities and partners, whose collaboration it said enabled a coordinated approach across the wider cruise industry.
