Elixir Boutique Cruises has launched a 48-person yacht offering trips around the Greek islands this summer. The now-restored Elysium yacht was formerly Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Xperience, which operated in the Galapagos.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 57 – June 2021
Now Elixir has acquired this vessel which debuts this summer with two 8-day itineraries, Ancient Paths and Divine Cyclades.
Passengers sailing the Ancient Paths itinerary will visit Pavlopetri, Zakynthos and Ithaca and the Corinth Canal, while the Divine Cyclades itinerary will stop at 14 destinations over eight days, including Santorini, Naxos and Mykonos.
The yacht features a spa, gym, a lounge area on the terrace with sunbeds, hot tubs, yoga facilities, a telescope, and equipment for water sports such as snorkeling gear, glass-bottom kayaks, water skiing, and jetpacks or flyboards. The range of experiences and excursions is extensive and even adventurous; no detail has been overlooked.
The company aims to offer a different approach to small ships, combining luxury, wellness, and experiences in an intimate and personal setting, with longer stays at each port of call, including overnight stays. Finding the right ship to implement this philosophy was essential, and Elysium was chosen.
The itineraries have been specially designed to allow you to reach places like Santorini when most other cruise ships are leaving, stay anchored there, and decide whether to disembark for a local dinner or simply admire the stunning panorama from the ship before opting for a visit the following morning.
Elixir Cruises acquired the Celebrity Xpedition yacht and after remodeling it, its new name is Elysium.
In Mykonos, the ship anchors off one of the southern beaches in the mid-afternoon, allowing guests to go ashore and explore or swim. Nightlife in Mykonos is rich in local flavor and stays vibrant until the early hours. After an exciting night in Mykonos, Elysium continues its relaxing journey, visiting the lesser-known islands of Serifos and Kythnos, dotted with windmills, chapels, pristine beaches, and numerous cultural sites. As the sun sets and the stars begin to fill the night sky, it's time for a special farewell barbecue on the beach.
On the Peloponnese itinerary, Elysium will sail in a sunset transit through the Corinth Canal.
Culture and history lovers can visit Byzantine churches, monasteries and medieval villages, while nature lovers can visit protected habitats and spectacular beaches and coastlines.
