ATHENS — Celestyal Cruises has announced that its 2021 season will start on April 24 with seven-night Aegean itineraries.

Previously the company was aiming for early March.

Passengers currently booked on the cancelled March and early April voyages have the option to receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the amount paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 20% of the actual cruise fare paid.

As an added element of flexibility and recognizing the prolonged effects of the pandemic, Celestyal has announced that it will allow passengers currently holding FCCs as well as passengers about to receive FCCs, as a result of the new recommencement date, the opportunity to apply the FCC towards Celestyal’s soon-to-be-announced 2023 itineraries in addition to 2021 and 2022 itineraries.

Celestyal also wants agents to know that it is moving its operations for the three- and four-night Iconic Aegean itinerary from the Piraeus Port (Athens) to the Lavrion Port & Marina (Athens), located 26 kilometres from Athens Airport and with a similar drive time from the city centre as the Piraeus Port.

The first four-night Iconic Aegean will sail on April 26, while the three-night Iconic Aegean sailings will now start on April 30.

Celestyal says it will operate from a new, dedicated terminal facility at Lavrion, which will provide an enhanced and expedited embarkation and disembarkation experience.  The dedicated terminal will allow for the thorough implementation of the comprehensive and enhanced health protocols, while ensuring that Celestyal’s intensive three-and-four night itineraries operate flawlessly within their time sensitive schedule.

“We are thrilled to be able to announce the exciting news of our new and convenient departure port of  Lavrion Port & Marina with its dedicated terminal facility opening to welcome our guests for the first sailing of our well established three and four-night Iconic Aegean itineraries for the 2021 season,” says Leslie Peden, Celestyal’s chief commercial officer.

“In keeping with Celestyal’s aspiration of providing more immersive experiences, Lavrion is an historic small Greek town on the outskirts of the greater Athens area and just a ten-minute drive from the world renowned site of the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. The port and city of Lavrion is definitely one more interesting destination worth discovering. We hope that having to move the start of our scheduled season doesn’t inconvenience our guests too much. Our top priority is always the well-being of our guests, and we want to ensure that they receive our award-winning Celestyal experience, visiting all the unique destinations we call upon in the region.”