Celebrity Cruises captains are sharing their favorite Greek experiences through a new shore excursion program. Offered aboard any Celebrity ship sailing the Greek islands during summer 2022, the new collection of unique and exclusive excursions is designed to ensure guests “travel to the fullest” and experience the destination “like a local.”.
Whether visiting a family-owned olive mill, discovering hidden culinary gems, including the best place for kebabs, or enjoying the finest panoramic views, guests will enjoy these unforgettable experiences in an intimate, limited-capacity setting.
“It’s a dream come true for our guests to experience one of the world’s most breathtaking regions through the eyes of those who know it best: our captains, who either grew up in Greece or have spent their careers sailing and visiting its ports,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “Celebrity Cruises has a proud Greek heritage, and Greece holds a special place in our hearts that we now uniquely share with our guests.”.
Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 by the Chandris family of Greece and later became part of the Royal Caribbean Group. Today, Celebrity Cruises remains deeply rooted in its Greek heritage, with 70% of its fleet's officers hailing from Greece, including over 40 captains and chief engineers.
In addition to exploring the history of Rhodes and Thessaloniki, the distilleries and wineries of Nafplio and Corfu, or the picturesque coastal town of Chania (Crete), the new shore excursions combine an iconic destination experience with a hidden gem and include:
– Katakolon (Olympia) – Guests will learn about the ancient history of Olympia before enjoying local delicacies at a family-run olive oil mill. Guests will learn firsthand about olive groves, different oils, and make their own Greek salad with freshly cut ingredients, tzatziki, and try wrapping their own pita souvlaki.
– Athens – Guests will travel back in time to ancient Greece at the iconic Acropolis before visiting another Athens must-see, Taverna Bairaktaris, for a special kebab lunch.
– Mykonos – Savoring the flavors of this jet-set paradise, guests will explore the charming, narrow streets and alleyways, stopping at five different locations to sample hidden culinary secrets.
– Santorini – Guests will enjoy the iconic whitewashed Cycladic cave houses, blue domes, and magnificent sea views of Oia, as well as a panoramic Greek lunch at the captain's favorite spot in the beautiful capital town of Fira.
