- Tobias Klitsch Named VP of Global Market Development, Beth Hulett Named Global Market Development Manager -

  Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, is continuing to invest substantially in growing key markets with the appointment of two senior members to its commercial team. Tobias Klitsch joins as VP of Global Market Development while Beth Hulett has been named Global Market Development Manager.   Tobias Klitsch has a wealth of experience and has held senior positions within the travel industry for 15 years. He joins Celestyal from PA Consulting, where he worked with organisations across the Aviation and Travel verticals to deliver structural change, with a view to driving long-term growth and commercial success, in his role as Director. Prior to that, Tobias worked at Virgin Atlantic as Director of Sales Strategy & Development, designing and executing the airline’s Global Sales and Account Management strategy. Before joining Virgin Atlantic, Tobias has held senior leadership roles at British Airways across Revenue Management and Sales, as well as delivering the airline’s Ancillaries strategy. As Celestyal’s VP of Global Market Development, Tobias will work cross-functionally to design and execute the commercial strategy that will deliver our vision of being brilliant to do business with. He will also provide analytical insight and partner with Sales leaders to devise the market-appropriate strategies to drive Celestyal’s growth plans. Tobias joined on 17th April and report directly to Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lee Haslett.   Beth Hulett comes with over eight years’ experience in the cruise industry. She joins Celestyal from Virgin Voyages where she worked with key UK partners to help drive sales in her role as Sales Manager. Previously, Beth worked at Iglu.com as Senior Global Supply Manager where she helped strengthen relationships with Trade Partners and had an impressive track record of delivering commercial value, implementing change and improving performance.  As Global Market Development Manager, Beth will support Tobias in delivering the commercial strategy to deliver value for both Celestyal and its Trade Partners globally. She will also support the field-based account team across all channels in identifying opportunities. Beth joined Celestyal on 21st April and will report directly into Tobias.   Lee Haslett, Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, comments: “I am delighted to welcome Tobias and Beth to Celestyal. They join at an exciting time, with the recent launch of Celestyal Holidays, our dedicated trade packaging solution in partnership with Aviate, and the highly-anticipated debut of our new ship, Celestyal Journey, in September.  Both Tobias and Bethanie have a strong track record of delivering commercial value and strategic growth which will prove invaluable as we intensify our efforts and invest in substantially broadening Celestyal’s presence in key markets, and strengthening our position as the leading provider of the award-winning, multi-destination holiday experiences in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Celestyal, announced the launch of a dedicated trade packaging solution, Celestyal Holidays. The new division is in partnership with Aviate, offering flight-inclusive packages with generous commissions. Exclusively for the UK trade, Celestyal Holidays allows travel agents to create tailor-made packages with regional flights, pre- and post-cruise stays paired with any Celestyal itinerary. Agents are encouraged to sign up at Celestyal Holidays. Sample packages include a seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruise with flights from Heathrow, a one-night pre-cruise stay and private transfers. This package costs from £1,400 per person, based on 7^th July 2023 departure. Lee Haslett, Celestyal's CCO, said: "Agents want to the ability to book Celestyal packages complete with flights and pre- and post-hotel stays.” “It offers our agent partners exactly what they have been asking for - tailor-made packages that are simple to book.” To celebrate the launch, agents will earn a £20 The Real Greek restaurant voucher for every Celestyal Holidays package booked before the end of April 2023. Every booking will be entered into a draw to win two tickets to Mamma Mia! The Party at the O2 with an overnight hotel stay in London or a fam trip. Agents just need to send their qualifying booking reference along with their details to [email protected]

 

- Features Include 24% Balcony Staterooms, Seven Dining Venues, Eight Bars & Lounges, Expansive Sun Decks and Wellness Area -

  Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, announces the arrival of the Celestyal Journey. Following an extensive, $22 million (approximately £17.6 million) refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul, Celestyal’s newest ship will set sail on 2^nd September 2023, taking over the Celestyal Crystal’s programme, initially on its popular seven-night “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary. The ship’s name symbolizes exploration, discovery and progress. The Journey embodies a spirit of ambition and adventure and a desire to take her guests further and get closer to the destinations she visits.   The Celestyal Journey is characterised by her abundant number of premium staterooms as well as their spaciousness. The 1,260-guest mid-sized vessel offers 630 staterooms, 149 of which feature balconies – three times that of the previously available balcony staterooms on Celestyal’s seven-night offering.  Of the 149 balcony staterooms, 120 are Junior Suites, 28 are Grand Suites and one is the spacious Penthouse Concept Suite.  In addition, the vessel boasts 80% outside staterooms as well as a high guest to space ratio.   The Celestyal Journey offers guests a larger range of dining options as well, with seven one-of-a-kind venues including specialty and themed restaurants appealing to a wide array of tastes and cuisines from Mediterranean to European and Asian dishes. In addition, the Celestyal Journey will have a cooking demonstration area and an exclusive Chef’s Table venue, ideal for celebrating special occasions with friends or for private group functions. Eight bars and lounges round out the food and beverage offerings, each with its own distinctive character, providing the ideal setting to indulge in Celestyal’s signature cocktails.   The Celestyal Journey features many open deck areas, creating an overall greater sense of light and space. Expansive sundecks with two pools and two Jacuzzis offer spectacular views and connectivity with the sea, while a secluded and tranquil outdoor space, the Beach Club, will be created for exclusive use by all Grand Suite and Junior Suite guests. Guests booked in Grand Suites will also have access to Celestyal’s Concierge Service, which features a dedicated priority check-in counter, expedited embarkation and express luggage delivery service including assistance with unpacking. A dedicated Celestyal Concierge will be available in the exclusive-use Poseidon Lounge to assist Grand Suite guests with tailored service requests.   There is also a large, comprehensive spa and fitness and wellness area offering ocean views and two, fully-equipped conference rooms as well as a multi-purpose amphitheatre complete with a cinema, making The Celestyal Journey perfect for meetings and incentives.   “It has always been our mission to renew and rejuvenate our fleet, and we’re thrilled to see this come to fruition with the arrival of the Celestyal Journey. She is already undergoing her extensive refurbishment programme and will be deployed in a matter of just a few months,” said Celestyal Cruises’ CEO, Chris Theophilides.  “The Celestyal Journey will offer our guests more in the way of premium accommodations with balconies, a greater choice of dining and bar venues, public areas and open decks creating a greater sense of space.  At the same time, the newest member of the Celestyal family continues our tradition of operating intimate, mid-sized vessels, allowing us to take our guests to destinations that larger ships cannot, reinforcing our in-depth regional destination knowledge and genuine, warm Greek hospitality, both of which have consistently been recognised as second to none.”   Following the inaugural Idyllic Aegean sailings commencing 2^nd September, the Celestyal Journey will continue in October with the unique “Steps of Paul” itinerary followed by the award-winning seven-night “Three Continents” itinerary visiting Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus and. Turkey. This will be followed by two exclusive holiday sailings, the 11-night special Christmas voyage calling on Thessaloniki, Izmir, Crete, Antalya, Limassol, with two days in Alexandria and an overnight visit in Haifa (Israel) to spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Holy Land. This can be combined with the New Year’s eight-night departure visiting Heraklion, Rhodes, Kusadasi and overnighting in Istanbul before calling Volos.   Detailed information regarding the Celestyal Journey’s itineraries can be found on Celestyal.com   Special launch offers will be announced shortly, along with more insight behind the branding evolution and how the Celestyal Journey comes alive for guests both onboard and onshore. Guests currently holding reservations on the Celestyal Crystal from 2^nd September 2023, onwards will be contacted by Celestyal and re-accommodated on sailings on the Celestyal Journey.

Greece and Eastern Mediterranean specialist line Celestyal has made a cruise ship acquisition. The newly renamed 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey was most recently sailing for P&O Australia. It was originally the Ryndam for Holland America Line. The cruise ship will now undergo an extensive €20 million refurbishment and maintenance overhaul before entering service. "The positive industry outlook provides Celestyal with the opportunity to recommence fleet renewal," said Chris Theophilides, CEO. It currently operates Celestyal Crystal and Celestyal Olympia. Details regarding the onboard experience and itineraries for Celestyal Journey will be announced in due course.

Greek Island cruise line Celestyal Cruises has joined TIPTO It takes the supplier member numbers to 20. Celestyal visits iconic destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini as part of its Greek Island-hopping cruises. Celestyal Cruises offers short breaks, seven nights and up to 14 nights or more. Jo Reid, Celestyal Country Manager said: “We are delighted to join TIPTO and look forward to attending the first Face2Face events of 2023.” “TIPTO is one of the most trusted industry resources in the UK.”

  Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, has been named one of the top cruise lines at the annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, the industry’s most comprehensive awards that recognise the best cruise lines of the year for UK cruisers, as chosen by the site’s international team of cruise experts.   Celestyal was recognised as one of this year’s best cruise lines, winning Best Service (Ocean Category) with judges stating:  “Celestyal’s approach to service is the same as its approach to cruising – authentic, personalised and warm. From wait staff to cabin stewards, bar staff to officers, nothing is too much trouble and the line goes out of its way to ensure each passenger feels special and happy to be onboard. It’s a well-deserved win for this small-ship line.”   Commenting on the award, Celestyal Cruises’ CEO, Chris Theophilides, said: “We are delighted to have won this award which recognises what is undoubtedly a successful team effort from all our crew, officers and team ashore. The heart of our philosophy and approach is the legendary Greek hospitality that our guests enjoy onboard our vessels, each of which is intimate enough to provide genuine and highly personalised service along with the multi-destination, immersive experience that truly distinguishes Celestyal.”   Guided by the Cruise Critic editorial team’s impartial cruise expertise, based on first-hand experiences and industry knowledge, the awards name the best-in-industry while also helping travellers select the best cruise for their specific interests and needs.   “These awards showcase the most standout cruise lines – and ports – of the year, based on our editorial team’s personal experience and extensive industry expertise,” shares Adam Coulter, Executive Editor of Cruise Critic UK. “The list of winners is evidence of the incredible strides of the industry over the past year, not just in returning to full service but in providing travellers with truly remarkable experiences.”   For more information about Celestyal visit https://celestyal.com/gb/, contact your local travel agent or call 0800 411 8038.

Celestyal has announced the immediate removal of requirements for proof of vaccination or recovery certificates. It follows the Greek National Committee of Public Health's recent relaxations for cruise passengers. Celestyal will still require guests to test ahead of their cruise for the remainder of the 2022 season. Pre-embarkation testing is accepted either with a Rapid Antigen test carried out up to 48 hours before embarkation or with a PCR test carried out up to 72 hours before departure As previously announced, guests on all Celestyal sailings commencing on or after 2 March 2023 will no longer require a pre-embarkation test or proof of valid vaccination unless required by local regulations. All Celestyal crew members will continue to be fully vaccinated, and the company still encourages guests aged 12 and over to be fully vaccinated.

Celestyal is introducing a new pricing model. Following feedback from guests and trade partners, Celestyal will provide guests with more choice and a new, two-tiered pricing model. An entry-level, ‘inclusive’ fare will provide complimentary dining and select drinks with meals, entertainment, daily activities, port charges and gratuities. This fare also comes with a pre-bookable shore excursion discount of £65 per person. For those wishing to upgrade, Celestyal is offering an ‘enhanced’ tier with an unlimited premium drinks package, one hour of complimentary Wi-Fi, 25% discount on specialty dining and a pre-bookable shore excursion discount of £130 per person. There are also several additional commission earning opportunities for travel advisors and discounts for guests pre-booking various drink and shore excursions packages. Inclusive itineraries start at £259, while Enhanced cruises cost from £369. "We are in constant communication with our guests and travel advisor partners, and they have shared with us a desire for more flexibility and customissation," said Celestyal's Chief Commercial Officer, Leslie Peden. Celestyal is also extending its seven-night Idyllic Aegean itinerary It will now arrive early into Santorini for an extended whole-day to explore thee destination, along with late departures in both Mykonos and Santorini. In addition, it visits Thessaloniki, Crete (Heraklion), Milos in Greece and Kusadasi in Turkey. In 2024, Celestyal will launch its new, five-night ‘Legendary Aegean’ itinerary visiting Santorini, Rhodes and reintroducing Samos in Greece and Istanbul in Turkey. The four-night Legendary Aegean also calls at Chios and Kos.  

Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean specialist Celestyal announced an easing of Covid-19 policy.  Effective now, all guests aged 12 years and above must continue to be fully vaccinated including proof of a booster if required. All guests are required to have a certified negative Covid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to embarkation, or a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before This is a relaxation of the earlier requirement of 24 hours prior to embarkation. Masks, which were previously mandated in all indoor areas, are no longer required but are still highly recommended for indoor areas and outdoors in large crowds. “These more flexible requirements provide our guests with the option of testing prior to departing for Greece as well as more flexibility when it comes to masking onboard,” said Celestyal Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, Leslie Peden.

Celestyal Cruises has extended its current travel agent booking incentive until the end of August It gives agents extra time to enjoy dining at The Real Greek chain of authentic Greek restaurants. The incentive has proved popular since launching in June, and offers agents a £20 voucher for a meal at The Real Greek for every 2022 and 2023 booking made. The incentive is valid on all 2022 and 2023 sailings including the three- and four-night Iconic Aegean; up to the 18-night combined Christmas and New Year itinerary. There is no limit to the number of bookings All bookings must be made before 31 August 2022 and be claimed by 10 September 2022 in order to qualify. To claim their vouchers, agents should email [email protected]

Celestyal Cruisesis trialling a brand new ‘Freedom Fare’ in the UK market, offering Greek island touring cruises from £199 per person.  Exclusively in the UK and is valid on all 2022 sailings booked between now and 31 August 2022. The Freedom Fare includes onboard accommodation, dining, entertainment, taxes and gratuities, with the option for guests to create their own cruise experience from an A la Carte menu of add-ons. Guests wishing to upgrade to the all-inclusive fare which includes drinks, and two excursions can do so from £50 or the equivalent of just £12.50 per person per night. Leslie Peden, chief commercial officer for Celestyal Cruises, said: “Our new Freedom Fare not only offers an even more affordable Greek Island getaway, but it provides guests with greater freedom of choice when it comes to what they want from their holiday.” The Freedom Fare is available on 2022 sailings including the three-night Iconic Aegean from £199 per person, and the18-night Christmas and New Year cruise from £1,357 per person.