Celestyal Cruises was founded in 2014 as a joint venture between Louis Group, a Cyprus- based tourism and hospitality organization, and All Leisure Group, a UK-based cruise operator. The company has since grown to become a leading cruise line in the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Cruises is a Greek cruise line that provides guests with an authentic Greek cruising experience. With over 30 years of experience, the company has become the number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean. The company's passion for hospitality, intricate local knowledge, and spirit of adventure make them stand out from other cruise lines.
By: Alissa Ashley, Travel Consultant I was lucky enough to be invited to join Rusty Fletcher on the Celestyal Journey. There was actually a FAM on the cruise and I was able to attend the FAM presentation to learn more about Celestyal vision focusing on more North America clients and new exciting itineraries of the…
Celestyal Cruises Promotions
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Celestyal Cruises Sailing Calendar
Celestyal Cruises Ships


Learn More About Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Cruises is a Greek cruise line that provides guests with an authentic Greek cruising experience. With over 30 years of experience, the company has become the number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean. The company's passion for hospitality, intricate local knowledge, and spirit of adventure make them stand out from other cruise lines.
Celestyal Cruises has received numerous awards and recognitions for its exceptional service and commitment to the Eastern Mediterranean region. They have won over 60 awards in seven years, including the 'Platinum Guest Experience' and 'Best Itinerary' awards. They have also received recognition for their commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.
The Celestyal Olympia is a fabulous and elegant ship that reflects and celebrates Greek heritage, tradition, and culture. The Celestyal Crystal is known as the 'Gem of the High Seas' and delivers the very best in traditional Mediterranean hospitality.
The company offers an inclusive experience that includes complimentary dining, select drinks with meals, an $80 shore excursion discount, vibrant entertainment, and port charges and gratuities. Guests can also upgrade to the Enhance Cruise Fare, which includes extra discounts on specialty dining menus, fine wines from the Sommelier's personal selection, and an additional complimentary discount on shore excursions.
- Celestyal Cruises is a Greek-owned cruise line headquartered in Piraeus, Greece.
- The company was founded in 1986, and it started out as a ferry operator before transitioning to a cruise line.
- Celestyal Cruises operates three mid-sized ships: Celestyal Crystal, Celestyal Olympia, and Celestyal Experience.
- The company specializes in cruises to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Celestyal Cruises has won over 60 awards in the past seven years, including "Best Itinerary" and "Platinum Guest Experience."
- The company is committed to sustainable tourism practices and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
- Celestyal Cruises offers all-inclusive fares, which include meals, drinks, gratuities, and select shore excursions.
- The company's ships have a maximum capacity of 1,800 passengers, which allows them to access smaller ports and offer a more personalized experience.
- Celestyal Cruises offers a variety of onboard activities, including Greek dancing lessons, cooking classes, and spa treatments.
- The company's flagship vessel, the Celestyal Experience, was originally built for Costa Cruises in 2012 but was extensively refurbished before joining the Celestyal fleet in 2020.
- Celestyal Cruises offers a range of themed cruises, such as "Jewish Heritage" and "Gastronomy & Wine."
- The company has a strong commitment to giving back to the local communities it visits and has launched several initiatives to support education, youth entrepreneurship, and sustainable development in Greece.
Minimum Age Policy on Celestyal Cruises
To sail with Celestyal, you must be at least 18 years old to travel without an adult. If you are under the limited required age, an adult will need to complete a release form and will be considered responsible for you during the cruise.
Dining on Celestyal Cruises
Selection of international/Mediterranean dishes with Greek Gastronomy Twist. There’s nothing quite like it. And you won’t need to wait for your feet to touch land before dining on some of the best that Greece has to offer. Aboard your Celestyal cruise, our freshly prepared complimentary meals take the best bits of local cuisine and bring them right to your table. Our people know Greece as their home - let them give you an authentic taste of it, for every meal of the day. World-renowned American-Greek chef Diane Kochilas has designed an exclusive Speciality menu drawing on all the unique tastes of the Greek islands - be sure not to miss her daily signature dish on the dinner menu.
Fuel Surcharge Policy on Celestyal Cruises
The cruise price does not include additional charges, such as increases in prices due to fuel costs. The Company reserves the right to impose any of these surcharges, provided that the Customer is notified at least 20 days before the start of the package. If the Surcharge exceeds 8% of the total invoice amount, the Customer is entitled to cancel the cruise and receive a full refund of all payments made. Alternatively, the Customer may choose to transfer the cruise to a different date within the next 12 months without any amendment charge. To exercise this option, the Customer must submit a written request within 14 days of being informed about the Surcharge. If the Customer fails to respond within this timeframe, the Company will assume that the Customer accepts the price change. The Company will process any refunds within 14 days of the contract being terminated. If the Customer does not wish to cancel the booking, they may accept the proposed price change.
Health and Safety Protocols on Celestyal Cruises
On all Celestyal itineraries, COVID-19 protocols require pre-embarkation health questionnaire to be completed by all guests. Vaccination against covid-19 and pre-embarkation testing for COVID-19 are highly recommended. The use of mask is not required in our cruises, however as the situation is dynamic, local authorities may impose additional requirements until your cruise date. Kindly check Celestyal's web site for updated information.
Your health is important to us and it will reassure you to know that we have a well-equipped medical center manned by a doctor and a nurse for all our cruises. If you are feeling unwell or need advice you can make an appointment through reception unless of course it is an emergency. It should be noted that the ship’s medical centre is not required to be and is not equipped to the same standards as a land based hospital. The ship carries medical supplies and equipment in accordance with its flag state requirement. Please note that if you require medical care onboard or any medication, your personal account will be charged. You may wish to check the level of cover you have with your travel insurance company before your cruise to see which costs are likely to be included.<br><br>
Depending on the circumstances you may need to let us have a written statement from your doctor that you are fit to participate in the cruise you have booked with us. We will always do our very best to help with any special arrangements in your stateroom but please advise us well in advance. Important travel advisory for guests over the age of 60 and guests with pre existing medical condition is required.
Medical Treatment
If you are using a specific medicine or other drug treatment please remember to bring along a sufficient supply for your cruise. It may not be available from our medical centre. If your medication needs refrigeration please notify us at the time of the booking. If applicable, please make sure you have a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses. Medical treatment is at extra cost. For medical fees (consultation and medicines) please refer to the medical centre.
Pregnancy and Infants
For their own health and safety, women who are or will be 24 weeks pregnant at any stage of the cruise are not allowed to travel aboard our vessels. Celestyal recommend that pregnant women who have not yet completed the 12th week of their pregnancy by the date of the cruise to consult their gynaecologist. Celestyal reserves the right to request a medical certificate at any stage of pregnancy and to refuse travel aboard the vessel if not satisfied that the passenger will be safe during the cruise. For their own health and safety, infants under 3 months old are not permitted on board. If you require a baby cot, please advise our Reservations department at the time of reservation, as a number of stateroom categories cannot hold baby cots. Celestyal must advise you that we do not carry baby food on board, nor provide a babysitting service.
Payments / Refunds on Celestyal Cruises
Payments
To make a booking, the Customer must complete the electronic booking form on the Website and pay a deposit (the "Deposit") based on the total fare by submitting credit card details and authorizing the payment. By doing this, the Customer confirms that they have read and understood the information, as well as the terms and conditions provided on the Website. The Customer also agrees that their contract, which includes all individuals listed on the booking, is governed by these booking Terms and Conditions and the Carrier’s Conditions of Carriage. The Customer is deemed to accept the booking on behalf of themselves and all other persons named on the electronic booking form. The contract is considered concluded once the Deposit is received and accepted by the Company. The contract will be confirmed with an invoice detailing the booked cruise, and the Company will provide the Customer with a booking reference number. The remaining balance of the total holiday price is due to the Company not less than 30 days before the sailing date. For late bookings, full payment is required immediately after the booking is confirmed.
Refunds
Cancellation fees for individual bookings (cancellation policy applies on the Fare only):
- 90 days prior to sailing: no penalty for cancellation or changes
- 89-60 days: loss of Deposit
- 59-30 days: 50% of total Cruise Price or Deposit, whichever is greater (port and/or service charges excluded)
- 29 - 0 days: No refund except for port and/or service charges
The Customer has the right to cancel the holiday contract before the holiday begins without incurring any cancellation fees if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances arise at the destination or in its immediate vicinity that significantly affect the holiday experience. In these situations, the Customer is entitled to a full refund of all payments made for the holiday, and no additional compensation will be provided.
Smoking Policy on Celestyal Cruises
Smoking is prohibited in all of the ship’s interior spaces, including your stateroom; designated smoking areas are available on the open decks – please follow and adhere to the relevant signage; do not throw cigarettes or cigars over the side of the ship.
Travel Protection Options on Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal recommends that you purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseen matters such as illness, hospital fees, repatriation costs, damaged luggage or loss of personal items etc.
Tipping Policy on Celestyal Cruises
Gratuities are automatically charged to the customer's account and are distributed equally among the crew members. This includes the services provided by the cabin stewards, dining room staff, and maitre d'hotel. Therefore, we recommend that customers do not give individual gratuities to staff members.
Top Reasons To Choose Celestyal Cruises
- Authentic Greek Experience: Celestyal Cruises offers the only genuine Greek cruising experience, including passionate hospitality, intricate local knowledge, and the spirit of adventure.
- Award-Winning: With over 60 wins in 7 years, Celestyal Cruises has received recognition and awards for excellence in the industry, including "Best Company for Short Sea/Mini Cruises" at the 2022 British Travel Awards.
- Giving Back to the Community: Celestyal Cruises takes pride in launching programs in education, welfare, and youth entrepreneurship, making sustainability commitments, and pioneering ethical business practices.
- Certified for Consistent Quality: All office and ship management operations, from crew to hotel to technical, are certified by DNV, the biggest and most respected rating agency in the marine industry, ensuring consistent quality and service.
- Signature at Sea: Celestyal's medium-sized ships can visit ports that larger vessels cannot access, allowing the company to offer unique smaller and almost undiscovered destinations in their itineraries.
- Unique Ships: Celestyal Olympia is an elegant ship that reflects and celebrates Greek heritage, tradition, and culture, while Celestyal Crystal is known as the "Gem of the High Seas" for delivering the very best in traditional Mediterranean hospitality.
- Inclusive Experience: Celestyal offers an inclusive experience with complimentary dining, select drinks with meals, an $80 shore excursion discount, vibrant entertainment, and port charges and gratuities included in the fare.
- Expertly Crafted Dining: Local chefs prepare three meals a day, offering freshly made traditional recipes and local cuisine. Guests with dietary restrictions can enjoy customized meals.
- Vibrant Entertainment: Celestyal offers an immersive experience that highlights Mediterranean culture with activities like Greek dancing lessons, panoramic horizon bar views, and the color and magic of Cirque Fantastic.
- Daily Onboard Activities: In addition to onshore excursions, Celestyal's ships are packed with activities and onboard entertainment to suit all types of travelers, including retail therapy, onboard casino, and nightly entertainment.
- Port Expenses and Gratuities Included: With all charges, port expenses, and gratuities included in the fare, guests can relax and enjoy their cruise without additional fees.
- Flexible Fares: Celestyal's new fares - Inclusive and Enhance - offer guests flexibility and value by listening to what they want most from their experience to give them a sense of the occasion.
- Deep-Rooted Connection to Greece: Celestyal's expert knowledge of every destination, authentic recipe, and warm hospitality is unmatched, providing a deep- rooted connection to Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean that guests will remember for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Celestyal Cruises offers the only genuine Greek cruising experience, providing passionate hospitality, intricate local knowledge, and a life-affirming spirit of adventure. The company has won over 60 awards in seven years, including recognition for its itinerary and commitment to the East Mediterranean region.
Celestyal Cruises specializes in cruising the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, offering a range of itineraries that include lesser-known ports of call. The company's ships are medium-sized, allowing them to access smaller and more unique destinations that larger vessels cannot.
Celestyal Cruises offers complimentary dining, drinks with meals, and vibrant entertainment. The company also provides daily onboard activities, such as dance lessons, retail therapy at onboard shops, and even an onboard casino. Additionally, all charges, port expenses, and gratuities are included in the fares.
The Inclusive Cruise Fare includes complimentary dining, drinks with meals, gratuities, and pre- bookable shore excursion discounts. This fare is designed to give guests the perfect start to their voyage and represents the best way to enjoy a wide range of what the company has to offer while still providing freedom of choice. Guests can also choose to upgrade their experience as they go.
What is included in the Enhanced Cruise Fare offered by Celestyal Cruises?
The 'Journey to Knowledge' program is one of the initiatives launched by Celestyal Cruises to give back to the community. The program brings interactive exhibits from the Heraklion Museum in Athens to remote areas on the Greek Islands, providing an opportunity for students to learn and engage with local culture and history. Since 2015, Celestyal Cruises has worked with around 2000 students from Milos, Patmos, Samos, and Ios.
All of Celestyal Cruises' office and ship management operations, from crew to hotel to technical, are certified by DNV, the biggest and most respected rating agency in the marine industry. The company is rated in accordance with ISO 9001/14001 standards, which relates to quality and the environment.
Celestyal Cruises is committed to making sustainability a priority, from implementing green technologies on its ships to reducing waste and carbon emissions. The company has also launched programs in education, welfare, and youth entrepreneurship to give back to the community. Celestyal Cruises is dedicated to pioneering ethical business practices and being a responsible corporate citizen.
Celestyal Cruises Customer Reviews
Avoid frustration from the airlines. Plan to arrive in Athens the day before sailing. Even an early morning arrival can be disappointingly too late!! The ship is medium size so some limitation in options but small enough to get to know fellow sailors and staff.
The cruise, food and staff was wonderful. Front desk services were so so. Communication could have been better. Need to change dubrunick return after hours better. Hard to find no direction that entrance site changes from disembarking. It would be nice to have app working to check bill etc. no one knew any of rules with celestyalpay. My daughter was told she could use for massage. When she got bill they told her no. It was the end of the trip and she was mopped out of her celestial pay.

We loved this cruise. The ship was beautiful, the staff outstanding. I read many negative comments. All proved wrong. Plumbing fine, air conditioning great. If you can’t find something to eat then I feel sorry for you. Yes, shows not great, but we’re ok. They didn’t have desserts stacked to the ceiling with scooters backed up trying to get the biggest piece they can. Very low key. If you want to be entertained 24/7 then not for you. Port stops magnificent! So much to see everyday. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Great beds too!!