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.”

 

- Prices start from just £259 per person -

  Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, has revealed details of its “Go Further, Get Closer’ wave season campaign with savings of up to £1,031 per person on select 2023 itineraries when booked between now and 28^th February 2023.  

• Three-night Iconic Aegean round trip from Athens calling in Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion and Santorini. Select departures in March, April, October and November 2023 with prices from £259 per person – a saving of £401 per person.

 

• Four-night Iconic Aegean round trip from Athens calling in Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini. Select departures in March and November 2023 with prices from £349 per person – a saving of £601 per person.

 

• Seven-night Idyllic Aegean round trip from Athens calling in Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion, Santorini, Mykonos and Milos. Select departures in July and August 2023 with prices from £699 per person – a saving of £601 per person.

 

• 11-night Christmas sailing round trip from Athens calling in Thessaloniki, Izmir, Agios Nikolaos, Antalya, Limassol and Alexandria as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Haifa. Departs 16^th December 2023 with prices from £1,019 per person – a saving of £831 per person.

 

• 19-night Christmas & New Year sailing round trip from Athens calling in Thessaloniki, Izmir, Agios Nikolaos, Antalya, Limassol, Alexandria, Haifa for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Heraklion, Rhodes, Kusadasi, Istanbul for New Year’s Eve and Volos. Departs 16^th December with prices from £1,729 per person – a saving of £1,031 per person.

  These are just some of Celestyal’s most popular itineraries with the lowest prices only available on select sailings so guests are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. The price, which is valid for new, individual bookings made between now and 28^th February 2023, includes onboard dining, select drinks with meals, entertainment, daily activities, port charges and gratuities as well as a £65 discount on pre-booked shore excursions.   Celestyal is offering more incredible value for families with free kids places on a number of 2023 sailings of the three- and four-night Iconic Aegean and the seven-night Idyllic Aegean, Eclectic Aegean and Three Continents. The offer includes a 100% saving on the cruise fare portion for up to two children aged 11 and under sharing the same cabin as two adults. Port charges and taxes are additional. In addition, anyone booking one of these cruises will pay a reduced low deposit of just £125 per stateroom.   For more information about Celestyal visit https://celestyal.com/gb/, contact your local travel agent or call 0800 411 8038.

  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.

  Celestyal Cruises, the award-winning, number one choice for cruise travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, is pleased to announce the introduction of a new, signature Greek menu and dining experience onboard sailings starting this month. Celestyal, already known and recognised for its focus on authentic Greek cuisine and signature warm hospitality, has developed the culinary experience in collaboration with Diane Kochilas, one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, the highly acclaimed cooking and travel show that airs nationally on Public Television in both the US and Australia.  Celestyal is a sponsor of the series, set to launch season four this autumn.  Kochilas is also the author of more than 18 cookbooks on Greek-Mediterranean Cuisine, consulting chef and cooking school owner.  A Greek-American, Kochilas grew up spending summers on her father’s native island of Ikaria, a Blue Zone renowned for the longevity of its inhabitants, where today she runs the Glorious Greek Kitchen Cooking School.  The New York Times described the island as the place “where people forget to die”.   The premium “My Greek Table Six-Course Tasting Menu”, which features local and regional ingredients from many of the islands Celestyal visits, will be offered for a supplemental charge to guests opting to dine in Celestyal’s specialty restaurant.   A daily signature dish created by Kochilas will also be featured as part of the main dining room included offering.  The dishes are all centred around the healthy Mediterranean Diet, with many being plant-forward or vegetarian, gluten-free and/or vegan option available.   The Tasting Menu starts with homemade dips including Syros Maintanosalata (made with pesto, capers and herbs), Roasted Tomato Kopanisti and Smoked Eggplant Caviar, accompanied by freshly baked Pita and sesame-encrusted Simit bread). This is followed by a first course featuring Cretan Octopus Carpaccio and a second course of Aegean Fisherman’s Saffron Avgolemono Soup. The third course is an Aegean Lobster Escallop boiled or grilled and served with ouzo-scented golden rice and a side of Kalamata olive mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.  This is followed by an intermezzo course of Pappardelle of Zucchini with marinated tomatoes, mint and toasted pine nuts.  The fourth main course features a Kalogeros Terrine with sliced beef loin, sheep’s milk cheese and tomatoes served with Naxos oven-fried potatoes.  A fifth course follows with an arugula, red onion, grilled Manouri and Pasteli crumble salad.  The special Tasting Menu concludes with a choice of a Greek Village Cheese Platter or a Floating Greek Island in a Wine-Dark Sea along with a Greek digestive and spoon sweet. All courses in the Tasting Menu are paired with local Greek wines sourced from the destinations that Celestyal visits.   In the Main Dining Room, guests can enjoy an Ikarian Longevity Greens Phyllo Pie filled with seasonal greens, summer squash, carrots and herbs.   “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Diane that started in 2019 with our sponsorship of season three of My Greek Table and has developed into this dynamic culinary collaboration which places additional emphasis on Celestyal’s Greek roots through our cuisine experiences,” said Leslie Peden, chief commercial officer. “As more and more travellers seek healthier food options, we are delighted to have joined forces with such a well-loved and admired Greek culinary icon as Diane to provide our guests with authentic onboard experiences that no other line sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean can offer.” “As the Mediterranean diet continues to gain popularity and more travellers discover the variety of Greek cuisine beyond the classic Greek street food, I am so excited to bring my love of Greek cuisine, its products, regional flavours and health-giving qualities on board Celestyal. Greece is an amazing gastronomy destination, with delicious adventures in every port of call. The interest we both have in sharing the love for the culture and food of Greece made my partnership with Celestyal a no-brainer," said Diane Kochilas.

Celestyal Cruises rolled out its Wave season campaign  with savings up to 30% off select 2022 sailings. The 'Escape Back to the Blue' campaign offers savings on cruises booked through 31 March 2022. Prices start from £329 for the three-night Iconic Aegean itinerary which is normally priced from £460. The popular seven-night Idyllic Aegean itinerary has been reduced by more than 30% to £759 per person. All cruises include the Celestyal All-Inclusive Experience with unlimited classic drinks, locally-inspired cuisine onboard, entertainment, select shore excursions, port, service charges and gratuities. During the Escape Back to the Blue campaign, children aged 12 years and younger sharing the same stateroom with their parents sail for free on selected sailings. Solo travellers also enjoy a reduced solo supplement on select sailings. Next year, Celestyal Cruises adds Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, to the 'Idyllic Aegean' itinerary. Celestyal will be the only cruise line calling on a regular basis to Thessaloniki. Limited time Escape Back to the Blue offers are also featured on Celestyal's seven-night Three Continents cruise which visits Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Turkey and Greece, and its special ten-night Christmas sailing.

  Celestyal Cruises, the award-winning, number one choice for cruise travellers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, and its parent company, Louis plc, a leading Cyprus-based tourism organisation, are pleased to announce a definitive strategic investment agreement with funds managed by Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P. (“Searchlight”), a leading global private investment firm.   As part of the partnership, Searchlight will make an investment into a new holding company, Celestyal Holdings. This will enable Celestyal Cruises to amplify its brand globally, build upon its success to-date and expand its operational footprint whilst growing and renewing its fleet. Celestyal Cruises will continue to operate its fleet of two ships from its offices in Piraeus, Greece with its current global management team leading the business. The Louis Group will continue as a shareholder in the new holding company.   “Prior to the pandemic, Celestyal was on a fast growth trajectory, and Searchlight’s infusion of capital will propel our growth strategy and accelerate our fleet renewal plan,” said Celestyal Cruises’ CEO, Chris Theophilides. “We are extremely pleased to have Searchlight as a strategic partner and are eager to join forces with them to build on our positive momentum, amplify our global brand awareness and elevate our award-winning guest experience, taking it to new heights. Our 2022 season is already looking solid and with this significant development, we are extremely excited about Celestyal’s journey ahead.”   “The cruise industry has shown a tremendous amount of resilience coming out of the pandemic, and as Greece’s major, home-porting cruise line, Celestyal has played a pivotal role in the country’s strong tourism recovery,” said Searchlight Partner, Ralf Ackermann. “We are excited to support Chris and his management team and to work with the Louis Group to be involved in the next chapter of Celestyal’s growth.  We believe this partnership will help to reinforce the company’s position as the leading cruise operator in the Eastern Mediterranean region and enhance its uniquely authentic experiences and operating footprint.”   “Celestyal Cruises has always been a strong and robust regional expert, and a key component of our tourism portfolio,” said Costakis Loizou, Executive Chairman of the Louis Group. “With the added financial resources of Searchlight, Celestyal is destined for an even brighter future, and we look forward to being part of realising Celestyal’s full potential.”   Louis plc was advised by financial advisors, Houlihan Lokey, London; legal advisors, Hill Dickinson, London and Chryses Demetriades, Cyprus; and tax advisors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cyprus.   Searchlight was advised by legal advisors, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP; financial advisors, Alvares & Marsal; tax advisors, KPMG, insurance advisors, Lockton; and technical advisors Renaissance Shipbroking.

Celestyal Cruises announced its return on 14 March 2022 with three- and four-night cruises followed by seven-night sailings from 30 April.  Celestyal will also return to Kusadas, Turkey when it sets sail in March and is adding Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, to its popular seven night 'Idyllic Aegean Itinerary.' Celestyal is the only cruise line calling on a regular basis to Thessaloniki, which is the gateway to Northern Greece and nearby Balkan drive markets. Celestyal will also return to the less-discovered island of Milos, which is not traditionally visited by many other cruise lines with larger ships. In the coming year, Celestyal will also extend its time in port in Milos from a half day to a full day. Additionally, this itinerary calls on Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes and Kusadasi. All-inclusive pricing on the seven-night 'Idyllic Itinerary' starts from £759 per person. "There is strong levels of interest, inquiry and bookings already for these itineraries next year and into 2023, which has been the catalyst to returning to year-round cruising," said Celestyal's Chief Commercial Officer, Leslie Peden. The seven-night 'Eclectic Itinerary' includes Kavala, the northern Greek port city on the Thracian Sea. This itinerary also calls in Thessaloniki, Santorini, Volos and Istanbul. The 'Eclectic Itinerary' also gives the option to embark and disembark in Istanbul, offering additional air connection options. Celestyal is also bringing back the 'Three Continents' itinerary, last operated in late 2019. It makes calls in Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Cyprus. This is followed by two exclusive holiday sailings: the 10-night Christmas special sailing calling in Thessaloniki, Izmir, Rhodes, Limassol and Alexandria with an overnight visit to Haifa on Christmas Christmas Eve in the Holy Land. Then, an eight-night New Year's sailing features Heraklion, Santorini and Kusadasi calls, along with an overnight stay in Istanbul to take in the New Year's Eve fireworks. Both sailings can be combined for an 18-night holiday taking in the entire Eastern Mediterranean with prices from £1,739 per person.