Madrid, September 10, 2019. NP – Celestyal Cruises has built a strong reputation and recognition thanks in part to awards recognizing it as the number one choice for authenticity, regional expertise, and exceptional hospitality, all enhanced by a unique immersion in the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean. The Greek company has just launched its new and updated 2020/2021 brochure, featuring itineraries—some brand new and others extended—aimed at reducing seasonality and increasing year-round sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In 2020, Celestyal Cruises inaugurated its Adriatic sailing for the first time with its new seven-night “Romantic Adriatic” (December 5, 12, 19, and 26), sailing four times in December and visiting Venice, Corfu, Patras, Kotor, Dubrovnik, and Split. This is an ideal time to enjoy these popular destinations less crowded than during the summer months. Highlights of this voyage include visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, stops to experience the Christmas markets in Venice and Dubrovnik, and an excursion to medieval Kotor.
Also new for 2020/2021 are unique cruises including a short three-night cruise from Cyprus to Athens (January 3, April 1 and December 3, 2020) with a stop in Turkey; a five-night itinerary from Athens to Venice (November 30, 2020) with stops in Montenegro and Croatia; and a seven-night cruise taking guests from Venice to Athens (January 2, 2021) with two overnight stays in Venice and Athens.
The most exciting new offering for 2021 is a special seven-night "Following in the Footsteps of Paul" itinerary , retracing the steps of St. Paul the Apostle across the Mediterranean on an exclusive sailing voyage departing October 16. Guests will be joined by expert guides specializing in history and religion. This historical journey includes visits to St. Paul's birthplace in what was once the Roman city of Tarsus, now part of Turkey. Guests will also visit the Tribune of St. Paul at the Monastery of Vlatadon, Philippi, the prison where St. Paul and St. Sylas were held captive, and will have the opportunity to travel by cable car to the Acropolis of Pergamon, as well as visit the ancient city of Ephesus .
In 2020 and 2021, Celestyal will offer 14-night cultural cruises (March 28, 2020, and March 6, 2021) visiting Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, and Turkey, including six excursions. Due to its popularity, Celestyal will also extend its "Idyllic Aegean" itinerary season through October. A new feature on its "Eclectic" itinerary will allow guests to embark from Heraklion, Crete, in addition to Piraeus/Athens and Istanbul.
In 2020-2021, Celestyal Cruises will continue its classic, comfortable, and highly regarded three- and four-night “Iconic Aegean” cruises and further strengthen its seven-night itineraries. The seven-night “Eclectic” cruise will sail from April 4 to May 9 and from October 10 to 24 in 2020, and from March 13 to 27 and from October 23 to November 6 in 2021.
The seven-night cruise “Idyllic Aegean” will sail from May 16 to October 3 in 2020, and from April 3 to October 9 in 2021.
The already acclaimed and spectacular seven-night cruise “Three Continents” will set sail from February 29 to March 28, from October 31 to December 26, 2020, from February 6 to March 6 and from November 13 to December 25, 2021.
All2020 and 2021 cruises feature Celestyal's award-winning all-inclusive experience, with unlimited drinks, all meals on board, entertainment, select shore excursions, port taxes and gratuities included in the fare.
“Our expanded itineraries for 2020 and 2021 offer a powerful combination of our renowned warmth and Greek hospitality, along with new destinations. This blend brings us closer to our strategic goal of year-round sailing aboard our newly refurbished ships,” said Leslie Peden, Chief Commercial Officer of Celestyal. “In response to the growing demand for winter cruises, we are delighted to launch our Adriatic presence for the first time, departing from Venice in 2020. Our guests will be able to experience popular ports and less-traveled destinations, escaping the crowds and heat of summer.”.
Due to the growing popularity and commercial success of our seven-night spring and autumn itineraries, both the “Three Continents” and “Eclectic Aegean” itineraries will be offered again this year. A new range of “must-see destinations” are available on our 14-night departures and exclusive seven-day itineraries such as “Following in the Footsteps of Paul,” which offers guests an experience focused on history and religion. All of this perfectly complements our core Greek island product and provides our regular guests with even more vacation options.
