Greece is a bucket list destination for many cruise enthusiasts; a treasure trove of azure waters, sun-kissed shores, and rich history. Celestyal Cruises are the experts in cruising around Greece, operating a distinct range of voyages year-round to this enchanting part of the world.
As one of the leading cruise lines in the region, Celestyal Cruises combines Greek hospitality with top-notch service to create unforgettable experiences at sea.
In this blog, we’ll fill you in on six compelling reasons why cruising to Greece with Celestyal Cruises is an experience like no other!
Excellent Itineraries
Celestyal Cruises offers a diverse array of itineraries, catering to various tastes and interests. Whether you’re a keen port explorer who wants to understand the heart and soul of destinations, or a sun-seeker searching for the perfect sandy beach, Celestyal Cruises has an itinerary for you!
Departing from a variety of ports, including Athens (Lavrion or Pireaus), Kusadasi, Crete (Heraklion) and Cyprus (Limassol), Celeystal Cruises sells a range of mini cruises, between 3 and 4 nights in length, and longer voyages, between 7 and 14 nights.
Each Celestyal Cruises itinerary is carefully curated to showcase the very best of Greece, with stops at key ports, such as:
Santorini
Renowned for its stunning sunsets and breathtaking caldera views, here you can explore the picturesque villages of Oia and Fira, or simply relax on the island’s volcanic beaches.
Mykonos
Home to vibrant nightlife, charming windmills, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, this idyllic island destination has it all, from winding narrow streets to legendary beach clubs.
Athens
The cradle of Western civilisation, Greece’s capital is a kaleidoscope of ancient wonders and modern delights. Visit the iconic Acropolis and marvel at the Parthenon, or wander through the bustling streets of Plaka.
Amazing Ships
Celestyal cruise ships stand out as floating sanctuaries of comfort and relaxation. The cruise line’s two ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, are extremely well-equipped with sophisticated cruising amenities and facilities, so you can truly unwind during a spectacular holiday in Greece.
Both ships boast an impressive selection of restaurants, including casual eatery The Taverna, which serves up a great variety of Greek specialities, and more formal dining venue Grill Seekers, dishing up fresh seafood and meaty eats day and night. If you fancy a tipple or two, head over to an onboard bar, such as Fig & Honey for fresh juices and gelato, or the Fizz Club for perfectly poured glasses of bubbles.
Wellbeing is a big concept onboard Celestyal cruise ships too, so much so that you can find a whole deck dedicated to health and wellbeing onboard Celestyal Journey! The ship has its own relaxing space nicknamed the Drift Den, thermal suites, a state-of-the-art gym and sauna, plus a glistening on-deck pool.
Similarly, Celestyal Discovery has its own collection of rejuvenating spaces named The Sozo Experience, aptly inspired by the Greek custom of Sozo (meaning ‘wholeness’). These spaces include a gym, spa treatment and beauty rooms.
Authentic Excursions
One of the highlights of any cruise is, undoubtedly, getting on land and exploring new places. Shore excursions are a fantastic way to get right into the heart of the action, and Celestyal Cruises goes above and beyond to ensure that every moment ashore is incredible.
Celestyal Cruises are renowned for offering, what they call, Authentic Excursions, whereby guests get to know the real Greece through a range of immersive experiences. These excursions are split into four categories: Foodie Heaven, Culture Vulture, Seeking Adventure and Wonders of Archaeology.
Foodie Heaven excursions focus on food glorious food, and can include visits to local Greek producers and tasting events. Culture Vulture trips highlight the arts and music, with activities ranging from pottery classes to dance performances.
Seeking Adventure excursions are slightly more active pursuits, such as kayaking through pirate coves and hiking through Oia. And finally, Wonders of Archaeology outings are designed for history buffs and led by expert archaeologists, taking guests to awe-inspiring ancient wonders.
Friendly Onboard Service
Regular cruisers will know that the crew can elevate your cruise holiday experience to the next level. From the moment that guests step onboard a Celestyal ship, they are greeted with genuine smiles and impeccable service, setting the stage for an exceptional adventure at sea.
Celestyal Cruises prides itself on having friendly, highly trained staff onboard its fleet who are always on hand to cater to guests’ every need- making your cruise holiday one to remember, for all of the right reasons.
Behind the scenes, a symphony of talent and teamwork orchestrates every aspect of the cruise experience. From skilled chefs crafting delectable culinary delights, to the attentive cabin stewards ensuring every detail of comfort is met, each member of the crew plays a vital role in creating moments of magic.
Whether it’s the infectious energy of the entertainment team, the meticulous attention of housekeeping staff, or the expert seamanship of the navigational crew, every individual brings their unique flair and commitment to excellence, ensuring that every voyage with Celestyal is nothing short of extraordinary.
Great Value
Celestyal provides guests with the freedom to create their perfect cruise experience, priding itself on making passengers a top priority. To keep things simple, it offers two different fare options to choose from: The Celestyal Experience, and The Celestyal Plus+ Experience.
What’s Included In The Celestyal Experience?
– Complimentary dining
– All port charges and gratuities
– Onboard entertainment
– Daily activities
– Specially selected meal drinks
– Complimentary £65 shore excursion discount
What’s Included In The Celestyal Plus+ Experience?
– Complimentary dining
– All port charges and gratuities
– Onboard entertainment
– Daily activities
– Premium drinks package
– Complimentary £130 shore excursion discount
– One hour of WiFi access
– 25% speciality dining discount
– Upgrade to premium plus drinks package from 17 euros per day
Why Sail With Celestyal Cruises?
As the number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and the Mediterranean, Celestyal Cruises provides a genuine Greek cruising experience with passionate hospitality, local knowledge, and a spirit of adventure.
With over 60 awards won in only seven years, including ‘Platinum Guest Experience’, ‘Best Itinerary’, ‘Cruise Line with the Greatest Commitment to the East Med Region’, and ‘Best Company for Short Sea/Mini Cruises’, Celestyal Cruises is an obvious choice for those looking to sail to the stunning Greek Isles and beyond.
And let’s not forget the cruise line’s dedication to sustainability and responsible travel. As pioneers in the field, Celestyal strives to minimise its environmental footprint while maximising the positive impact on the communities visited.
Through the ‘Journey to Knowledge’ programme, since 2015, the Celestyal team has worked with around 2000 students from Greece to bring interactive exhibits from Athens’ Heraklion Museum to remote areas across the Greek Isles- now that’s commitment!
When you cruise with Celestyal, you can rest assured that you’re not just experiencing the world – you’re helping to protect it for future generations. Sailing to both iconic and intimate destinations across Greece and the Mediterranean, why wait to experience the cruise adventure of a lifetime?
