Celestyal Cruises, the leading Greek cruise operator specializing in cruises to the Greek islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, presents its new flagship, the Celestyal Experience. The ship's first departure for the 2021 season will be on March 6, with the seven-night "Three Continents" itinerary calling at Greece (Athens and Rhodes), Turkey (Kusadasi), Israel (Ashdod), Egypt (Port Said), and Cyprus (Limassol). From April 3, 2021, the new ship will embark on the seven-night "Aegean IDilyss" itinerary visiting Athens, Rhodes, Crete (Agios Nikolaos), Santorini, Milos, Mykonos, and Kusadasi (Ephesus).
Later in the season, the Celestyal Experience will operate the “Eclectic Aegean” itinerary, a seven-night cruise that introduces the historic city of Thessaloniki, the gateway to the land of Alexander the Great, as a new embarkation port. In addition to the highlights of an overnight stay in Istanbul and the breathtaking “hanging monasteries” of Meteora, this exclusive itinerary also includes a visit to Ancient Troy.
The Celestyal Experience can accommodate up to 1,800 passengers in 789 cabins, 166 of which feature balconies, terraces, and verandas with views. Recently refurbished, the Celestyal Experience will offer passengers an intimate onboard experience with all the warmth of traditional Greek hospitality. The ship is also ideally suited for visiting smaller ports, a key differentiator for Celestyal, with destinations that remain inaccessible to larger vessels.
“This has been a challenging year for everyone. However, we are very optimistic about the future of travel and, especially, cruising. We are delighted with the addition of the Celestyal Experience to our fleet. This ship represents a significant step forward for us, and we look forward to introducing her to our guests. The Celestyal Experience embodies Celestyal Cruises’ commitment to an intimate and authentically Greek experience aboard a contemporary, well-appointed, mid-sized cruise ship. This vessel will undoubtedly be instrumental in driving our continued growth,” said Celestyal Cruises CEO Chris Theophilides.
The Celestyal Experience offers a variety of services for guests of all ages, including four restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two swimming pools, two jacuzzis, a beach club, a solarium, and a jogging track. In addition, the Celestyal Experience provides its passengers with nightly entertainment, a casino, a library, meeting rooms, and onboard boutiques, all topped off with a unique and special wine and cheese bar that pays tribute to Mediterranean wines and cheeses.
Panoramic Thalassotherapy Spa
One of the most striking features of the Celestyal Experience is its expansive 4,300 m² panoramic spa spread over two decks, complete with a fully equipped gym offering ocean views, thalassotherapy baths, massage rooms, saunas, and thermal suites. The impressive spa also includes a Japanese-style tea lounge, offering a wide selection of exotic teas, including local herbal and mountain teas.
Suites
With more suites on board than any other ship in the line, the Celestyal Experience offers discerning guests a range of premium accommodation options. The ship features 166 suite-class cabins, 132 of which are junior suites, all with balconies, and 34 suites, 22 of which have balconies; six with verandas overlooking the bridge and six Grand Suites with large verandas. Guests booking suites above junior suites on the Celestyal Experience will have access to the dedicated suite concierge service, which includes priority check-in, expedited boarding, an exclusive area in the onboard dining room, and express luggage delivery with unpacking assistance. A dedicated concierge is also available to assist guests with specific and personalized service requests.
New “Wellness” cabin class
Celestyal has added four new "Wellness Spa" cabin categories, featuring a variety of spacious balconies and veranda suites, with exclusive use of Deck 14, a more serene and tranquil area of the ship. Complimentary and unlimited access to the wellness and spa area is included, offering a wide range of relaxation options, particularly in the thalassotherapy baths and thermal suites. The Wellness cabins also guarantee priority access to special dining experiences and a new, exclusive "Beach Club" concept.
“Beach Club”
This adults-only outdoor area, dedicated to Suite and Wellness class passengers, offers a tranquil atmosphere typically found only in the finest chill-out beach clubs of the Greek islands. The Beach Club features attentive customer service, all while enjoying the comfort of premium sun loungers and cabanas. It also boasts a jacuzzi located at the stern with sea views.
Mediterranean Diet
Celestyal is known for its locally inspired cuisine based on the Mediterranean Diet, acclaimed by world-renowned chefs, leading nutritionists, and scientists. This will be a highlight aboard the Celestyal Experience. New restaurants include a Greek grill and a delicatessen featuring local delicacies. Casual dining with traditional recipes and locally inspired pizzas prepared in an authentic wood-fired oven will also be part of the ship's menu. Premium tasting experiences showcasing acclaimed Mediterranean wines, olive oils, cheeses, and other specialty products will be among the new offerings.
New onboard experiences and special launch offers will be announced soon, along with more news, as well as how the “Celestyal Experience” comes to life for Celestyal Cruises guests both onboard and ashore.
