Celestyal Cruises, the leading Greek-owned cruise operator specializing in Greek island and Eastern Mediterranean cruises, announces that its new flagship, the Celestyal Experience, will begin sailing on March 5, 2022, on the seven-night “Three Continents”. The flagship joined the fleet in 2020, and its launch was originally planned for this year. The planned 2021 deployment had to be postponed until next year due to the pandemic. The seven-night “Three Continents” itinerary visits Greece (Athens and Rhodes), Turkey (Kusadasi), Israel (Ashdod), Egypt (Port Said), and Cyprus (Limassol). In 2023, the Celestyal Experience will operate seven- and 14-night voyages year-round, beginning January 7, on the “Three Continents” itinerary. All 2022 and 2023 sailings will be available for booking starting May 20.
Starting April 9, 2022, the Celestyal Experience will offer the "Eclectic Aegean" itinerary , a seven-night voyage that includes a visit to the historic city of Thessaloniki. Greece's second-largest city offers visitors stunning early Christian and Byzantine monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, monuments to the famous Alexander the Great, and the opportunity to explore the city's rich Roman and Sephardic Jewish heritage. Thessaloniki is also known as a "foodie paradise," as it is a crossroads for trade and sources ingredients from across the Mediterranean and Asia, which are served in the city's renowned tavernas. Thessaloniki will also serve as an additional embarkation port, thanks to its easy access from markets in the Balkans and northern Greece, as well as the ample air connections from northern and western Europe. Some of the highlights of this itinerary include an overnight stay in Istanbul and a visit to the breathtaking "hanging monasteries" of Meteora. This itinerary also includes a visit to Kavala, the centuries-old northern Greek port city on the Thracian Sea. Often called the "Blue City" because of its crystal-clear waters and legendary panoramic sea views from Kavala Bay, it boasts a picturesque historic town perched atop the triangular Panagia Peninsula. This charming old town is a mosaic of winding alleyways lined with red-roofed houses and a Byzantine fortress known as the Kastro. Less than 15 kilometers from the heart of the old town lies the ancient city of Philippi, home to the first Christian church in Europe. Philippi became a major center of Christianity after the Apostle Paul visited the city in 49 AD.
Due to increased demand, the Celestyal Experience will begin 2023 with six departures of the "Eclectic Aegean" itinerary on March 4th, and from October 28th there will be ten more departures, this time on board the Celestyal Olympia, offering for the first time departures at Christmas and New Year.
On April 30, 2022, the Celestyal Experience will begin its "Idyllic Aegean" itinerary , departing from Athens and visiting Rhodes, Crete (Agios Nikolaos), Santorini, Milos, Mykonos, and Kusadasi (Ephesus). On October 15, 2022 , the Celestyal Experience will set sail on a unique and special itinerary , "In the Footsteps of St. Paul ," retracing the steps of the Apostle St. Paul across the Mediterranean. Passengers will join expert guides on a religious and historical journey, visiting St. Paul's birthplace in the Roman city of Tarsus. They will also visit St. Paul's Tribune at the Vlatadon Monastery in Philippi, the prison where St. Paul and St. Sylas were held captive, and will have the opportunity to take a cable car to the Acropolis of Pergamon, as well as visit the ancient city of Ephesus. In 2023, the Celestyal Experience will offer additional “Idyllic Aegean” cruises, from April 15 to October 14, when it will operate two seven-night “Following in the Footsteps of St. Paul” voyages.
The Celestyal Experience will end 2022 with two exclusive cruises: a special ten-night Christmas departing December 17, 2022, from Piraeus, with stops in Thessaloniki, Izmir, Rhodes, Limassol, Alexandria, and an overnight visit to Haifa, Israel, to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Holy Land; and an eight-night New Year'sdeparting December 27, welcoming 2023 with visits to Heraklion, Santorini, and Kusadasi (Turkey), along with an overnight stay in Istanbul to see the New Year's Eve fireworks and Volos. Both itineraries can be combined into an incredible 18-night journey, fully exploring the Eastern Mediterranean. In 2023, these special Christmas and New Year's cruises will depart on December 16 with an 11-night voyage, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day, on December 27.
The Celestyal Experience can accommodate up to 1,800 passengers in 789 cabins, 166 of which feature balconies, sea terraces, and verandas overlooking the bridge. Recently refurbished, the Celestyal Experiencewill offer passengers an intimate onboard experience, imbued with the warmth of traditional Greek hospitality. Furthermore, the ship is well-suited for visiting smaller ports, a key differentiator for Celestyal, with destinations that remain inaccessible to larger vessels.
“We are delighted to resume our cruise operations this summer season and to announce our plans for the next two years, which include the exciting addition of the Celestyal Experience to our fleet. The Celestyal Experience embodies Celestyal Cruises’ commitment to an intimate and authentically Greek experience aboard a contemporary, well-appointed, midsize cruise ship. It will undoubtedly be a key component in driving our continued growth,” said Celestyal Cruises Chief Commercial Officer Leslie Peden.
Expanded program of popular three- and four-night cruises aboard the Celestyal Olympia for 2022 and 2023
For those seeking shorter getaways and island-hopping cruises combined with shore leave, the Celestyal Olympiawill depart on March 4, 2022, with the Iconic Discovery and continue with the Iconic Aegean itinerary from March 14 to October 28, before returning to the Iconic Discovery between October 31 and November 25. The Iconic Aegean begin at Lavrion Port & Marina (Athens) and call at Mykonos, Patmos, Crete, and Santorini in Greece, and Kusadasi in Turkey. The four-nightIconic Aegeanalso begin at Lavrion Port & Marina (Athens) and call at Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini in Greece, and Kusadasi in Turkey. “Iconic Discovery” take into account the reduced daylight hours and areas of interest at this time of year. Both the three-night and four-night itineraries include Syros, a destination added last year, and all departures also include a full day in Santorini. Syros is the administrative capital of the Cyclades and one of the smallest islands in the archipelago. With its shimmering pastel villas cascading down the hillside of Ermoupoli, this island is rich in history and culture and offers visitors a taste of the Greek lifestyle without the crowds. Celestyal Cruises will offer its guests an included excursion consisting of a walking tour of Syros, showcasing the island's highlights, including Ermoupoli, known as the city of Hermes; the Town Hall, designed by German architect Ernst Ziller; and the Apollo Theatre, a miniature version of La Scala in Milan, designed by Italian architect Pietro Campo. and the first shipyard in Greece, which remains operational to this day. A second included excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus will be offered during the ship's full-day stay in Kusadasi, Turkey. In 2023, the "Iconic Discovery" itinerary begins on March 3 with a three-night voyage.
All 2022 and 2023 cruises include Celestyal's All Inclusive package, featuring unlimited classic drinks, locally inspired cuisine and onboard entertainment, two pre-selected shore excursions, port charges and gratuities.
