- Relaxed COVID-19 Protocols Maintained for Remainder of 2022 Sailings
- Moves to Reposition Itself as Flexible, Destination Immersive Company with More Freedom of Choice
Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, is introducing a new pricing model as well as 2023-24 itineraries that go deeper and stay longer in the destinations it visits.
Following feedback from guests, Celestyal will provide them with more choice and a new, two-tiered pricing model. The entry-level, “inclusive” fare offers complimentary dining and select drinks, entertainment, daily activities, port charges and gratuities. This entry level fare also comes with a pre-bookable shore excursion discount of €75 per person. For those wishing to upgrade their experience, Celestyal offers an “enhanced” tier with an unlimited premium drinks package, daily hour of complimentary Wi-Fi, 25% discount on Specialty Dining and a pre-bookable shore excursion discount of €150 per person. “Inclusive” experiences will cost from as little as €299, while “Enhanced” cruises cost from €429.
Celestyal Expands Shore Time in Santorini and Mykonos;
Introduces New “Legendary” Voyages to Montenegro, Turkey and Corfu, Kos, Chios and Samos in Greece
In response to guests desire to spend more time in the marquee islands of Santorini and Mykonos, Celestyal is pleased to announce that on its popular seven-night Idyllic Aegean itinerary it will now arrive early into Santorini for an extended whole-day opportunity to explore this unique destination, along with late departures in both Mykonos and Santorini. In addition, this itinerary will visit Thessaloniki, Crete (Heraklion), Milos and Ephesus.
To further position itself as an immersive, multi-destination-focused company, Celestyal will continue its tradition of introducing travellers to undiscovered destinations not visited by other cruise lines. In 2024, Celestyal will launch its new, five-night “Legendary Aegean” itinerary visiting Santorini, Rhodes and reintroducing Samos and Istanbul. Samos is an island steeped in legend and natural beauty, the home of the father of mathematics, Pythagoras; the astronomer, Aristarchus; and the philosopher, Epicurus; and is also known for its sweet Muscat wine. Prices start from €479 for this cruise.
The four-night “Legendary Aegean” calls upon Chios, Kos and Mykonos as well as Istanbul. New destinations on this itinerary include Chios and Kos. Chios is a hidden treasure in the Aegean, known best for its Masticha Trees which produce the famed mastic spice, used in the production of liqueurs and desserts. The spice has been grown in Chios since the Seventh Century A.D., and the island has received a special “designation of the origin” as a result. Kos is known for is pristine sandy beaches and rich Greek and Roman history and landmarks. This new itinerary costs from €399.
The five-night “Legendary Ionian” visits Kotor in Montenegro along with Corfu and Crete (Chania Souda). Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. It is characterised by winding streets and a medieval old town with Romanesque churches and charming squares. Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations, with a multi-cultural heritage, historic monuments, stunning natural landscape and crystal-clear waters. Chania is the second largest city of Crete and boasts an historic Venetian walled city. Prices for the new five-night Ionian itinerary start from €479.
For guests who wish to stay longer and explore more, Celestyal will offer various combinations ranging from nine to 14-nights such as the “Legendary Aegean & Ionian” itinerary visiting Santorini, Rhodes, Samos, Chios, Kos, Corfu, Crete (Chania Souda), Mykonos, Istanbul and Kotor in Montenegro. Prices start from €1,609 for 14-nights.
“We are in constant communication with our guests and our valued travel advisor partners, and they have shared with us a desire for more flexibility and customization. We also know that our core guest is more of an explorer and true traveller,” said Celestyal Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, Leslie Peden. “In response to this feedback we are charting a new course for Celestyal next year with a flexible pricing model that gives guests more choice and freedom in creating a truly customised holiday experience. We are also reimagining our positioning, itineraries and shore excursion experiences to be aligned with the expectations of our guests, which is to immerse themselves in the destinations we serve. Being a local expert underscores our depth of destination knowledge. These itineraries will take travellers to the hidden gems of the Eastern Mediterranean, staying longer in these wonderful locations so guests touring our part of the world can truly enjoy them to their fullest.”
Celestyal Also Returns to Egypt and Israel with “Three Continents” Itinerary; Features “Steps of Paul” Itinerary and Special Holiday Voyages
Celestyal’s seven-night “Three Continents” itinerary returns in 2023 calling in Greece, Israel, Egypt and Cyprus. Prices start from €599.
The seven-night “Steps of Paul” itinerary also returns in the autumn of 2023, visiting Thessaloniki, Kavala and Patmos along with Istanbul, Dikili and Kusadasi. Prices start from €1,149.
This cruise will be followed by an exclusive festive sailing, a 19-night Christmas special calling on Thessaloniki, Volos, Rhodes and Crete, Izmir, Kusadasi, Antalya, Istanbul, Limassol, Alexandria and an overnight visit to Haifa to spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the “Holy Land”. Prices start from €1,989. This sailing can also be split into eight- or 11-night itineraries.
In autumn 2024 we will also see the return of the seven-night “Eclectic Aegean” itinerary calling in Istanbul, Kavala, Thessaloniki, Volos and Santorini, and costing from €599. It will also be featured a 14-night special festive voyage including calls in Egypt, Haifa , Limassol, Rhodes, Volos, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, Kavala and Syros. Prices start from €1,609. This voyage can be split into two seven-night itineraries.
Booking window is October 3rd to November 30th 2022.
About Celestyal
Celestyal Cruises 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.
Health & Safety
At Celestyal Cruises, our main priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the communities we visit. As a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), we have pledged our commitment to adopt mandatory core elements of enhanced health protocols as part of a phased-in resumption of cruise operations.
Informed by leading scientists, medical experts, European and Hellenic health authorities, these protocols apply to the entire cruise experience. Our Health and safety measures will be continuously evaluated and adjusted based on the current evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe as well as the availability of new prevention, therapeutics, and mitigation measures.
Awards
Between 2014 and 2021 Celestyal Cruises has received top honours in the Tourism Awards, one of the largest and most prestigious awards within the Greek tourism industry. These include 1 Platinum, 14 Gold, 9 Silver and 5 Bronze awards covering Guest Experience Excellence, Solo Travel, CSR Initiatives and Contribution to National Economy.
In December 2018 and 2019 Celestyal Cruises received the Cruise Critic U.K. Editors’ Picks Award for Best Service. In February 2018 Celestyal Cruises received four Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards -two first place awards for Shore Excursions and Value, and two second place awards for Service and Entertainment.
In 2019 and 2020, Celestyal Cruises 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 Cruises 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 Cruises supports cultural NGOs to promote youth entrepreneurship, marine student development and child welfare.
ISO Certification
The entire spectrum of Celestyal Cruises’ 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 by widely recognized as the biggest and most respected rating agency in the marine industry.
