Celestyal Cruises, the leading Greek cruise operator, has released details of its 2021 and 2022 cruises, featuring new ports of call such as Syros, Agios Nikolaos (Crete) and Thessaloniki, more departures on its "Following in the Footsteps of St. Paul" itinerary due to demand, and revised itineraries to allow passengers more time ashore.
The itineraries for 2021 and 2022 are as follows:
New “Iconic Discovery” itinerary, three and four nights, aboard the Celestyal Olympia.
Due to the extended cruise season, the company is launching a modified version of its popular "Iconic Aegean" itinerary. This new itinerary, departing from and returning to Athens, will operate during the winter months, taking advantage of the shorter days and destinations that are most appealing at this time of year. Both the three-night and four-night cruises include a full day in Santorini, as well as the new destination of Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades, with its charming pastel-hued villas cascading down Mount Ermoupoli. This island, rich in history and culture, offers visitors the charm of Greek perfection, without the crowds. Celestyal Cruises will offer its passengers an included walking tour of the island, where they can discover Ermoupoli, known as the City of Hermes; the Town Hall, designed by the German architect Ernst Ziller; and the Apollo Theatre, a miniature version of La Scala in Milan, designed by the Italian architect Pietro Campo. and the first shipyard in Greece, which remains operational to this day. This itinerary also includes a second excursion: a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus during a full-day stop in Kusadasi, Turkey.
Winter departures for the “Iconic Discovery” will take place between October 25 and November 26, 2021, and from March 4 to 11, 2022, and from October 31 to November 25, 2022.
Departures for the popular three- and four-night “Iconic Aegean” remain unchanged, taking place between March 15 and October 22 in 2021 and from March 14 to October 28 in 2022.
Seven-night "Idyllic Aegean" itinerary aboard the Celestyal Crystal
On the 2021 and 2022 "Idyllic Aegean" itinerary, departing from and returning to Athens and lasting seven nights, Heraklion (Crete) is replaced by Agios Nikolaos (Crete). This beautiful port city is located on the northeast coast of Crete, overlooking the tranquil Mirabello Bay and the stunning Lake Voulismeni. This charming and upscale city has much to offer in terms of shopping and dining, making it undoubtedly one of Crete's most enchanting destinations. Celestyal Cruises offers five different excursions, available by pre-booking, from Agios Nikolaos: the Palace of Knossos and cosmopolitan Heraklion, a delightful day in Crete, a river hiking tour through the breathtaking Richtis Gorge, a Jeep safari in Crete, and the crystal-clear waters of Elounda and Spinalonga.
The seven-night “Idyllic Aegean” cruise has departures between April 3 and October 9, 2021 and April 30 and October 8, 2022.
7-night “Eclectic Aegean” itinerary aboard the Celestyal Crystal
Celestyal Cruises has modified its "Eclectic Aegean" itinerary to maximize time ashore and incorporate a new embarkation/disembarkation port, making it easier for passengers arriving by car from the Balkans and those flying from Western and Northern Europe. Thessaloniki has replaced Heraklion as the destination, and the itinerary now includes a full day in Santorini, guaranteeing sunset views on all departures, even in spring, autumn, and winter. Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city, boasting a rich cultural and culinary heritage and a vibrant nightlife. With midnight departures from Thessaloniki, passengers will have a full day to enjoy all the city has to offer. Known as Greece's "most modern city," Thessaloniki offers 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 29 museums, as well as a spectacular waterfront promenade with themed gardens, statues, and sculptures. Excursions in Thessaloniki, which can be booked in advance, include: a Panoramic Tour of Thessaloniki, the Royal Tombs of Vergina, or the Land of Alexander the Great.
The seven-night “Eclectic Aegean” cruise has departures between October 23 and November 6, 2021, April 9 to 23, 2022, and October 29 to November 12, 2022.
The award-winning 7-night “Three Continents” itinerary aboard the Celestyal Crystal
Celestyal Cruises is removing the technical stop in Alexandria (Egypt) from its "Three Continents" itinerary, so the Celestyal Crystal will sail directly from Athens to Port Said (Egypt), optimizing the full-day excursion to Cairo, included in the itinerary, with the visit to the Pyramids of Giza.
The seven-night “Three Continents” features departures between March 6 and 27, 2021, and from November 20 to December 25, 2021, with a special New Year's cruise that includes a complimentary extra night on board in Athens upon your return. In 2022, departures will be from March 5 to April 2 and from November 19 to December 31, including Christmas and New Year's departures.
"Following in the Footsteps of Saint Paul" seven-night itinerary aboard the Celestyal Crystal
Celestyal Cruises is increasing the number of departures on this special itinerary due to high demand. This itinerary follows in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul across the Mediterranean, offering passengers a religious and historical journey with expert guides. They will visit the birthplace of St. Paul in what was once the Roman city of Tarsus, now part of Turkey; 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 in Pergamon, as well as visit the ancient city of Ephesus.
The seven-night “Following in the Footsteps of St. Paul” cruises will take place on October 16 and November 13, 2021, and on October 15 and 22, 2022.
All cruises for 2021 and 2022 offer their passengers Celestyal's award-winning "all inclusive", which includes unlimited classic drinks, locally inspired onboard dining, entertainment, two shore excursions, plus included services and gratuities.
“In 2021 and 2022, we will continue to operate our well-known, award-winning, and less crowded itineraries, showcasing the best of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. The new destinations of Syros, Agios Nikolaos, and Thessaloniki will not only provide our passengers with outstanding new experiences but will also complement existing itineraries and guarantee more time ashore,” said Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Leslie Peden.
