ATHENS — Celestyal Cruises’ new flagship, the Celestyal Experience, is set to sail for the first time in March, kicking off a  season in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The ship’s first sailing of the 2021 season will be on March 6 with the seven-night ‘Three Continents’ itinerary, which calls in Greece (Athens and Rhodes), Turkey (Kusadasi), Israel (Ashdod), Egypt (Port Said) and Cyprus (Limassol). Beginning April 3, the ship will then sail the seven-night ‘Idyllic Aegean’ itinerary, visiting Athens, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Milos, Mykonos and Kusadasi. All-inclusive pricing starts at US$699 per person for a limited time.

Credit: Celestyal Cruises

Later in the season, the Celestyal Experience will operate the ‘Eclectic Aegean’ itinerary, a seven-night voyage that introduces the historical city of Thessaloniki as a new embarkation port. Other highlights include an overnight stay in Istanbul, the ‘hanging monasteries’ of Meteora and a visit to the site of Ancient Troy.

On the ship’s upcoming debut, Celestyal Cruises’ CEO, Chris Theophilides, said: “This has been a challenging year for everyone. However, we are extremely optimistic about the future of travel and especially of cruising. We are delighted with the addition of the Celestyal Experience to our fleet. This ship will be a game-changer for us and we can’t wait to introduce her to our guests.”

Adding that the ship will be instrumental in driving the line’s continued growth, Theophilides  went on to highlight its contemporary, well-appointed facilities and amenities onboard:

ACCOMMODATIONS

With more suites onboard than the line’s other ships, the Celestyal Experience features 166 suite category staterooms, 132 of which are junior suites all with balconies,  and 34 suites including 22 with balconies. There are also six suites with bridge-view verandas as well as six Grand Suites boasting large sea terraces.

Guests booking suites higher than junior suite categories will have access to the Celestyal Cruises Suite Concierge service, which features a dedicated priority check-in counter, expedited embarkation, an exclusive dining area onboard, and express luggage delivery service including assistance with unpacking. A dedicated Celestyal Cruises Suite Concierge is also available to assist guests with specific tailored service requests.

WELLNESS STATEROOMS

A Celestyal first, the four new ‘Wellness Spa’ stateroom category features a variety of spacious balcony, sea terrace and veranda suite accommodations. Guests are given exclusive use of Deck 14, the most serene area of the ship. Other perks include complimentary and unlimited access to the wellness spa area featuring relaxation options, most notably the thalassotherapy baths and thermal suites, as well as priority access to specialty dining experiences and a new, exclusive Beach Club concept.

SPA

The expansive 47,300 square-foot panoramic spa is spread across two decks and features a fully-equipped gym offering ocean views, thalassotherapy baths, massage rooms, saunas and a range of thermal suites. The spa also includes a Japanese-style tea parlour where guests can enjoy a wide variety of rare teas, including local remedial herb and mountain teas.

BEACH CLUB

This new island-inspired, adults-only outdoor area is dedicated to ‘Suite’ and ‘Wellness’ class guests and offers attentive guest service all in the comfort of premium sunbeds and cabanas. It also features a Jacuzzi perched on the stern with endless views of the ocean.

CUISINE

Celestyal Experience features four restaurants and seven bars and lounges. Among the new dining venues is a Greek grill & deli featuring local favourites, as well as premium tasting experiences featuring acclaimed Mediterranean wines, olive oils, cheese and other featured specialties. Guests will also be able to enjoy casual food options, including locally-inspired pizzas prepared in an authentic wood-burning oven.

Rounding out the ship’s offerings are a casino, library, meeting rooms, onboard boutiques, a sundeck, nightly entertainment and a jogging track. Additional ‘experiential concepts’, including special Launch Offers, will be announced shortly.