Celestyal has unveiled the long-awaited details of its new ship, Celestyal Journey, following its extensive multimillion refurbishment and technical overhaul.
The ship’s name embodies the sense of wanderlust adventure and exploration of its customers, which the designers have mirrored throughout the onboard experience of the Celestyal Journey – with more balcony suites, seven decadent dining venues, eight magnificent bars and lounges, expansive sun decks, two shimmering pools and an entire deck dedicated to wellness.
Celestyal Journey’s 630 Dream Suites and Cosmos Cabins offer far more than just a place to sleep; they are designed as a sanctuary to unwind and relax as guests embark on their adventures on the Aegean Sea. The new ship sees the cruise line debut its first ever penthouse with private terrace, the Stargazer Suite, offering a premium luxury cruise experience. There are 120 Junior Dream Suites and 28 Grand Dream Suites, all with balconies, playing their part in the ship’s ethos to get closer to the destinations she visits, enabling her guests to enjoy these from both land and sea. In addition, the vessel boasts 80% outside cabins, bringing the islands and vistas streaming into the larger staterooms.
Taking after its name, the ship guides guests on a curated culinary journey, indulging their taste buds through the Mediterranean and beyond. Enjoy moonlight dining in Thalassa, daytime Greek grazing in Fig & Honey and sample fresh Mediterranean bites at the Smoked Olive restaurant. Head further afield with everything grilled at Grill Seekers and savour an Asian inspired menu, designed to give tastebuds the full zen treatment at Pink Moon. Guests can even learn from Celestyal Journey’s kitchen gods at the cooking demonstration area or go full star treatment with a private dining experience at the new Chef’s Table. After a gastronomic adventure, sip and stargaze with champagne and cosmic cocktails at the new Fizz Club, savour the old and new world at The Grapevine Wine Cellar and relax to mellow piano tunes at the Blue Bar & Lounge.
The Celestyal Journey is elevating the cruise line’s Mediterranean style rest and relaxation offering with The Sozo Experience, an entire deck dedicated to the wellness of mind, body and spirit and a world of wellbeing – with stunning panoramic ocean views. Work out in the ship’s fitness area with a wide range of equipment from cardio to weights and a dedicated fitness instructor or enjoy open air exercise on the tennis and basketball courts and outdoor jogging track. Unwind in the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, and chill out in the Dream Den relaxation area. Be pampered at the new Sozo Spa and indulge in a glow up at the new Glow Bar.
The Celestyal Journey also features many open deck areas, creating an overall greater sense of light and space. There are several expansive sundecks with two idyllic pools and Jacuzzis offering spectacular views and connectivity with the sea – with one open deck reserved for suite guests – and a pool with a retractable roof meaning that guests can swim and relax anytime.
Guests looking for a wide range of entertainment will be spoilt for choice with The Amphitheatro, a live show lounge that spans two decks, live music throughout the ship, cooking workshops and inspiring lectures. And to give parents and kids a bit more ‘me time’ Celestyal Journey has a range of activities and facilities to keep younger guests entertained from a vibrant Kids Club to arcade games.
All Dream Suite guests also have access to The Beach Club, a secluded and tranquil outdoor space, with ice cream stations and juice corners. Guests booked in Grand Dream Suites also have access to Celestyal’s Concierge Service which features a dedicated priority check-in counter, expedited embarkation and express luggage delivery service including assistance with unpacking. A dedicated Celestyal Concierge will be available in the exclusive-use Compass Lounge to assist Grand Suite guests with tailored service requests.
Additionally, Celestyal Journey also features two fully equipped conference rooms which along with its multi-purpose Amphitheatro make the ship a perfect choice for meetings and incentives.
Celestyal is the first choice for an immersive destination cruise and Celestyal Journey will expand upon this spirit with a range of tailor-made cultural experiences offered both on board the ship and in each destination visited. As an intimate mid-size ship, she will explore the best that Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean has to offer by visiting many incredible places and continuing to share the company’s in-depth regional destination knowledge and genuine, warm Greek hospitality with her guests.
Celestyal’s CEO, Chris Theophilides comments: “We are very excited to be able to share more details about our new enhanced sailing experience onboard the Celestyal Journey. We have used invaluable feedback from our guests as well as industry research to elevate our existing quality product and deliver a new premium stay-in-style experience for guests of our new ship. By introducing special curated elements such as our penthouse, a mouthwatering range of Mediterranean cuisine offerings, Chef’s Table, wellness deck and expanded cultural adventures, we are hoping to meet our guests’ desire for a sense of adventure, providing them with authentic memorable moments that fulfil their search for personal growth and improved quality of life.”
Celestyal’s newest ship will set sail on 2 September 2023, taking over the Celestyal Crystal’s program, initially on its popular seven-night “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary visiting Athens, Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion, Santorini, Mykonos and Milos.
Following the inaugural Idyllic Aegean sailings commencing 2 September, the Celestyal Journey will continue in October with the unique “Steps of Paul” itinerary calling on Athens, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Istanbul, Dikili, Kusadasi and Patmos followed by the award winning seven-night “Three Continents” itinerary, visiting Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, and Turkey. There will also be two exclusive holiday sailings. The 11-night, special Christmas voyage calling on Thessaloniki, Izmir, Crete, Antalya, Limassol, with two days in Alexandria and an overnight visit in Haifa (Israel) to spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Holy Land. This can be combined with the New Year’s eight-night departure visiting Heraklion, Rhodes, Kusadasi, overnighting in Istanbul before calling Volos.
About Celestyal
Celestyal has fast built an award-winning reputation and recognition as the number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and East Mediterranean thanks to its regional expertise and exceptional hospitality. The company operates two vessels, each one intimate enough to provide guests with a genuine and highly personalised experience.
The foundation of the company’s philosophy is built on a unique Greek heritage which combines outstanding hospitality with genuine cultural destination immersion and provides authentic, lifetime experiences both onboard and onshore.
Awards
Since 2014, Celestyal has received top honors in the Tourism Awards, one of the largest and most prestigious awards programs within the Greek tourism industry. These include one Platinum, 15 Gold, 10 Silver and nine Bronze awards covering Guest Experience Excellence, Solo Travel, CSR Initiatives, Contribution to National Economy, FAM and Press Trips, Communication Campaign and Multichannel Marketing Campaign.
In December 2022, Celestyal won a Bronze Award at the British Travel Awards in the ‘‘Best Operator for Mini Cruises’’ category and was named one of the top ocean cruise lines for ‘’Best Service’’ at the annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards 2022, an award also received in 2018 and 2019. Ιn 2019 and 2020, Celestyal was recognized for its overall contribution and commitment to the development of the cruise industry in the Eastern Mediterranean region at the MedCruise Awards.
Corporate Responsibility
Celestyal is deeply committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. The company actively supports the local communities in the destinations it visits, particularly in the field of education. Additionally, Celestyal supports cultural NGOs to promote youth entrepreneurship, marine student development and child welfare.
ISO Certification
The entire spectrum of Celestyal’s ship management, including technical, hotel and crew management, and offices, are certified in accordance with ISO 9001/14001 standards. The certifying authority is DNV, which is widely recognized as the biggest and most respected rating agency in the marine industry.
