Celestyal Cruises: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
In This Guide
- Introduction
- A Brief History
- The Celestyal Cruises Fleet
- Accommodation and Service Levels
- What’s Included in Your Fare
- Loyalty Programme: Celestyal Experience
- Pre-Paid Packages Available
- Dining Options
- Onboard Entertainment & Activities
- Celestyal Cruises for Solo Travellers
- Dress Code
- Gratuities / Tipping Policy
- Embarkation Day Beverage Policy
- What Guests Are Saying: A Balanced View
- Environmental & Sustainability Efforts
- Official Websites
- Required Travel Documents
- Travelling with Minors (as a Non-Guardian)
- Onboard Safety & Permitted Items
- Medications & Prohibited Substances Policy
- Food Policy
- Current Starting Ports (2025)
- Sample Itineraries: A Taste of Celestyal Cruises
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- A Word of Caution: Cruise Scams
- Additional Resources
- Disclaimer
- Affiliate Disclosure
Introduction
Celestyal Cruises offers an authentic and immersive Greek island and Eastern Mediterranean cruising experience. Known for its smaller, boutique-style ships and port-intensive itineraries, Celestyal focuses on providing genuine cultural immersion and exceptional hospitality. This allows them to access destinations that larger ships often cannot reach, creating a more intimate holiday.
A Brief History
Celestyal Cruises was founded in 2014 as a subsidiary of Louis plc, a long-standing player in the cruise industry since 1986. The brand was created to deliver unique and authentic Greek and Eastern Mediterranean experiences. From its inception, Celestyal quickly built a reputation for its regional expertise and warm, personal service.
A new chapter began in late 2021 when Searchlight Capital Partners took a majority share, leading to significant investment in the fleet. The introduction of Celestyal Journey in 2023 and Celestyal Discovery in 2024 represents a major upgrade. These modernised ships have replaced older vessels, affirming Celestyal’s commitment to offering comfortable and contemporary voyages.
The Celestyal Cruises Fleet
Celestyal operates a modernised fleet of mid-size ships, designed to offer a comfortable and personal experience. Their size allows them to access less-visited ports and more intimate anchorages in the Greek Isles and beyond. This focus ensures a destination-rich holiday for all guests.
Celestyal Journey
- Launch Date: 1994 (Joined Celestyal and fully refurbished in 2023)
- Tonnage: 55,877 GT
- Capacity: 1,260 passengers
- Notable Features: Seven unique restaurants, eight bars and lounges, an entire deck dedicated to wellness
This ship represents a major enhancement for the Celestyal brand. It features beautifully refurbished cabins, a wide array of new dining venues, and expanded public spaces. Her design and amenities bring a new level of comfort and choice to the fleet.
Celestyal Discovery
- Launch Date: 2003 (Joined Celestyal and fully refurbished in 2024)
- Tonnage: 42,289 GT
- Capacity: 1,266 passengers
- Notable Features: Expansive pool deck, specialty dining options, large theatre, kids’ club
Completing the revitalised fleet, Celestyal Discovery aligns with the brand’s contemporary vision. The ship underwent a significant refurbishment to enhance the guest experience with modern amenities. It continues the focus on authentic, destination-intensive cruising with a comfortable and stylish base.
Accommodation and Service Levels
Celestyal offers a range of comfortable and well-appointed cabins to suit different budgets and preferences. All staterooms are designed to be a relaxing haven after a day of exploration. Service is known for its warm, friendly, and distinctly Greek hospitality.
Standard Cabins
Standard accommodation provides comfortable and practical spaces, including Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms. They are designed to be a cosy retreat after a full day of exploring ashore.
Key features of these accommodations include:
- Interior Cabins: The most affordable option, providing all essential amenities for a comfortable stay without a window.
- Ocean View Cabins: These feature a picture window, allowing guests to enjoy natural light and scenic sea views.
- Balcony Cabins: Available on Celestyal Journey, these staterooms offer a private outdoor space to enjoy the sea air and stunning vistas.
Amenities and layouts can vary by ship. Always check the specific deck plans when booking.
Suite Categories
For guests seeking more space and upgraded amenities, Celestyal offers a variety of suites. These accommodations provide additional living space and premium furnishings for an enhanced onboard experience.
Key features of these accommodations include:
- Junior Suites: These suites typically feature a separate seating area, offering more room to relax than standard cabins.
- Grand Suites: The top-tier accommodations offer expansive living areas, larger balconies, and premium furnishings for ultimate comfort.
- Stargazer Suites: A premium category on Celestyal Journey, offering some of the best views and most luxurious appointments in the fleet.
Amenities and layouts can vary by ship. Always check the specific deck plans when booking.
Exclusive Suite-Level Services
Suite guests benefit from a range of enhanced services designed to provide a more seamless and luxurious cruise experience. These perks begin from the moment of arrival and continue throughout the voyage.
Key features of these accommodations include:
- Priority Embarkation: A dedicated check-in counter ensures a swift and hassle-free start to your holiday.
- Concierge Service: A personal concierge is available to handle special requests, book shore excursions, and make specialty dining reservations.
- Priority Tender Service: Guests receive priority access to tenders in ports where the ship is at anchor, maximising time ashore.
- Exclusive Dining Area: An exclusive, quieter section of the main dining room is often reserved for suite guests.
Amenities and layouts can vary by ship. Always check the specific deck plans when booking.
Accessible Cabins
Both ships in the fleet are equipped with a limited number of specially designed accessible cabins to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. These staterooms are thoughtfully laid out to ensure a comfortable and safe environment.
Key features of these accommodations include:
- Wider Doorways: Entrances to both the cabin and the bathroom are widened to comfortably accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
- Roll-In Showers: Bathrooms are fitted with roll-in showers, fold-down shower seats, and grab bars for added safety.
- Accessible Features: Staterooms include lowered railings and accessible desk facilities to ensure convenience and ease of use.
Amenities and layouts can vary by ship. Always check the specific deck plans when booking.
What’s Included in Your Fare
Celestyal is known for its generous “Celestyal Inclusive Experience” fare structure, which provides excellent value. This approach simplifies budgeting and allows guests to relax and enjoy their holiday without worrying about numerous extra charges. Many items that are add-ons with other cruise lines are included as standard.
Key inclusions in your fare typically cover:
- Accommodation: Your chosen stateroom or suite for the duration of the cruise.
- All Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining rooms and buffet restaurants.
- Select Drinks: A wide selection of complimentary house wine, beer, soft drinks, juices, and select spirits are included with meals and at the bars.
- Shore Excursion Credit: A generous credit (e.g., €75 per person) to be used towards pre-booked shore excursions.
- All Gratuities: All tips for the cabin steward, dining staff, and bar staff are included in the cruise fare.
- Port Charges & Taxes: All standard government fees and port expenses are covered.
- Onboard Entertainment: Access to all production shows, live music, and daily activities.
Please note that inclusions may vary depending on the specific fare type, ship, and itinerary. Always confirm details at the time of booking.
Loyalty Programme: Celestyal Experience
Celestyal rewards its repeat guests through the “Celestyal Experience” loyalty programme. Membership is automatic after your first completed cruise. The programme is points-based, with guests earning 1 point for every night they sail, allowing them to climb tiers and unlock greater benefits on future voyages.
Junior Tier
- Requirement: 1 – 19 points (nights)
- Perks & Benefits:
- Welcome-back gift
- Members-only pin
Senior Tier
- Requirement: 20 – 49 points (nights)
- Perks & Benefits:
- All Junior perks
- Complimentary specialty coffee
- Free pizza or ice cream
- 10% discount on Celestyal-branded merchandise
Ambassador Tier
- Requirement: 50+ points (nights)
- Perks & Benefits:
- All Senior perks
- Invitation to a special officers’ cocktail party
- Complimentary meal at a specialty restaurant
- Priority check-in and luggage handling
Warning: This information can change without notice. Loyalty programmes are provided at the discretion of the cruise line and can be changed or terminated without notice.
Pre-Paid Packages Available
While the standard fare is highly inclusive, Celestyal offers upgrade packages for guests seeking a more premium experience. These can be purchased before your cruise or once onboard. Visit the official Celestyal website for the most current pricing and details.
“Enhance” All-Inclusive Drinks Package
- This paid upgrade, formerly called “Premium Plus”, expands on the standard inclusive drinks. It includes a wider range of premium spirits, specialty coffees and teas, fresh juices, and signature cocktails. It also provides a 25% discount on premium Thera bio-wines.
Internet Packages
- Celestyal offers various Wi-Fi packages available for purchase onboard, priced by duration and the number of connected devices. Options typically range from one-hour access to a full-cruise unlimited plan. Internet speeds at sea can be variable.
Specialty Dining Packages
- While all main dining is included, guests can choose to dine at specialty restaurants for an additional fee. On Celestyal Journey, this includes venues like Pink Moon for Asian-inspired cuisine or Smoked Olive for Mediterranean dishes. Reservations are highly recommended for these popular venues.
Disclaimer: Package details, inclusions, and availability are subject to change without notice. Please verify all information on the cruise line’s official website.
Dining Options
Celestyal celebrates its Greek heritage through its culinary offerings, with a strong focus on fresh Mediterranean flavours. The newer ships have significantly expanded the dining choices available to guests. From casual buffets to elegant specialty restaurants, there is something for every taste.
Key dining venues across the fleet include:
- Main Dining Rooms: Serving multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with open seating, featuring a mix of international and Greek specialties.
- Buffet Restaurants: For more casual fare, these venues offer a vast spread of international and Greek dishes throughout the day.
- Specialty Dining Venues: On ships like Celestyal Journey, these intimate venues offer elevated culinary experiences for a supplemental charge, perfect for a special occasion. Examples include Pink Moon (Asian) and Smoked Olive (Mediterranean).
- Grill & Casual Eateries: Outdoor grills by the pool often serve casual bites like burgers, souvlaki, and pizzas throughout the afternoon.
Please note that dining options may vary depending on the specific ship and itinerary.
Onboard Entertainment & Activities
Life onboard a Celestyal cruise is relaxed and engaging, with a strong focus on Greek culture. Entertainment is designed to be fun and accessible rather than overwhelming. You can expect a variety of activities to fill your time between ports.
Onboard, you can expect:
- Live Music: Evenings come alive with music in the various lounges, featuring everything from traditional Greek bouzouki to international pop hits.
- Theatre Shows: The main theatre hosts nightly production shows with a talented cast of singers and dancers performing themed revues.
- Cultural Immersion: During the day, guests can participate in Greek language lessons, Sirtaki dance classes, and cooking demonstrations.
- Daily Activities: A full programme of activities includes trivia quizzes, arts and crafts, fitness classes, and poolside games.
Please note that entertainment and activities may vary depending on the specific ship and itinerary.
Celestyal Cruises for Solo Travellers
Celestyal is an excellent choice for solo travellers due to its friendly atmosphere and smaller ship size. The destination-focused itineraries and inclusive nature make it easy to budget and plan. The warm, hospitable crew and social environment make it easy to feel at home.
Accommodation for Solo Cruisers
Celestyal provides specific options for those cruising alone, making it a financially viable choice. The approach focuses on making standard cabins accessible rather than offering dedicated single rooms.
Key options and features include:
- Single Supplement: The cruise line does not have dedicated single-occupancy cabins. Solo travellers book a standard double-occupancy cabin and pay a single supplement fee.
- Reduced Supplement Fees: Celestyal is known for having some of the lowest single supplements in the industry, often ranging from just 30% to 50% of the cruise fare, making it a very affordable option.
Opportunities and availability may vary by ship and sailing.
Meeting People and Onboard Life
The social and friendly atmosphere on Celestyal ships makes it easy for solo travellers to meet fellow cruisers. The smaller ship size fosters a sense of community among guests and crew.
Key options and features include:
- Social Activities: Many of the onboard activities, such as dance classes, trivia, or cooking demonstrations, are great opportunities to socialise in a relaxed setting.
- Group Shore Excursions: The shore excursions, which are often included or partially credited, group travellers together, providing a natural way to make new friends with shared interests.
- Open-Seating Dining: Dining rooms use an open-seating policy, allowing solo guests the flexibility to dine alone or ask to be seated with other travellers.
Opportunities and availability may vary by ship and sailing.
Dress Code
The dress code on Celestyal Cruises is relaxed and resort-casual, reflecting the laid-back nature of a Greek island holiday. The emphasis is on comfort, allowing you to enjoy your destination-focused trip without the need for extensive formal wear. Evenings are slightly more dressed up but remain comfortable.
Key dress code guidelines include:
- Daytime Casual: During the day, casual wear such as shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, and swimwear (with a cover-up for interior areas) is perfectly acceptable.
- Evening Smart Casual: In the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants at night, guests are asked to wear smart casual attire. This includes trousers or smart jeans and collared shirts for men, and smart trousers, skirts, or dresses for women.
- Gala Night: Each 7-night cruise typically features one “Gala Night.” Guests are invited to dress up more formally, such as in a suit, cocktail dress, or evening gown, although this is not mandatory.
- Prohibited Evening Wear: Shorts, flip-flops, and swimwear are not permitted in the main dining venues or specialty restaurants in the evenings.
Please note that dress code enforcement can vary. It is always best to check the latest guidelines for your specific sailing.
Gratuities / Tipping Policy
Celestyal Cruises simplifies the tipping process by including all standard gratuities in the cruise fare. This is a key part of their “Celestyal Inclusive Experience” promise. This convenient policy means you don’t have to budget for daily tips at the end of your voyage.
Key aspects of the gratuity policy include:
- Automatic Inclusion: All gratuities for your cabin steward and your dining and bar staff throughout the ship are automatically included in the cruise fare you pay.
- No Expectation of Extra Tips: There is no requirement or expectation to provide additional cash tips to the crew for their standard service.
- Discretionary Tipping: If you receive truly exceptional service from a particular crew member, you are of course welcome to offer an additional cash tip directly to them as a personal thank you.
- Spa Services: Gratuities are generally not automatically added for spa services, so you may wish to tip for these treatments separately at your discretion.
Please note that gratuity policies and amounts are subject to change. Always confirm the latest details with the cruise line.
Embarkation Day Beverage Policy
Celestyal Cruises generally prohibits guests from bringing their own alcoholic beverages onboard. This policy is standard across the industry and is in place for safety and revenue management reasons. The line’s generous inclusive drinks package ensures a wide variety of beverages are readily available.
Key rules for bringing beverages onboard include:
- Alcohol: Guests are not permitted to bring any alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or spirits) onboard. Any alcohol purchased in ports of call will be collected by security at the gangway.
- Storage of Port Purchases: Alcohol purchased ashore will be safely stored by the ship’s crew and returned to you on the last evening of your cruise for you to take home.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Guests are also not permitted to bring non-alcoholic beverages like water, soda, or juice onboard. The ship’s inclusive package covers a wide variety of these options.
This policy is strictly enforced and subject to change. Items outside the allowance will be confiscated.
What Guests Are Saying: A Balanced View
Celestyal Cruises generally receives positive feedback, particularly from guests who value destination immersion over onboard attractions. The cruise line has carved out a successful niche focusing on authentic Greek hospitality. The overall sentiment is that it offers a fantastic and friendly way to explore the Greek Isles.
Common Praises
- Incredible Itineraries: Guests consistently praise Celestyal for its port-intensive schedules that visit a variety of unique and iconic Greek islands, often with longer stays.
- Friendly Crew: The warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly crew is frequently cited as a major highlight, embodying true Greek hospitality.
- Inclusive Value: Many cruisers appreciate the excellent value offered by the inclusive fare, which covers drinks, gratuities, and a shore excursion credit.
- Atmosphere: The relaxed, unpretentious, and social atmosphere on the smaller ships is a big draw for many travellers.
Common Criticisms
- Older Ships: While the fleet has been significantly modernised, the ships are fundamentally older and smaller than many mainstream vessels.
- Limited Onboard Features: Guests accustomed to mega-ships might find the onboard amenities and entertainment options more limited, with no rock-climbing walls or water slides.
- Basic Cabins: Standard cabin decor and size can be more basic compared to newer ships in the industry.
- Buffet Congestion: The buffet areas can become crowded during peak times due to the ship’s smaller size.
Environmental & Sustainability Efforts
Celestyal is committed to protecting the pristine marine environments in which it operates. The company actively works to minimise its environmental footprint through various initiatives. This commitment is central to their “Celestyal Cares” sustainability programme.
Key environmental initiatives include:
- Waste Management: Comprehensive recycling programmes are in place across the fleet to segregate and process glass, plastic, paper, and other recyclable materials.
- Emissions Reduction: The cruise line invests in technologies and operational practices to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, thereby lowering air emissions.
- Wastewater Treatment: Ships are equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems that purify water to a high standard before it is discharged.
- Community Support: Through their “Celestyal Cares” foundation, they support local communities in the destinations they visit, reinforcing their commitment to responsible tourism.
For the most detailed and current information, please refer to the cruise line’s official sustainability reports.
Official Websites
To find the most accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information, it is always best to consult the official Celestyal Cruises website for your region. Booking directly or through a trusted travel agent is the safest way to plan your trip. Be cautious of unofficial sites that may present outdated or incorrect information.
The primary official websites are:
- United Kingdom Site: https://celestyal.com/gb/
- United States Site: https://celestyal.com/us/
- Travel Agent Portal: https://www.celestyalcompass.com/gb
Always ensure the website URL is correct to avoid phishing scams.
Required Travel Documents
Ensuring you have the correct travel documents is one of the most critical steps in preparing for your cruise. All guests are required to travel with a valid passport. It is solely the passenger’s responsibility to identify and obtain all necessary travel documents for their entire journey.
Key documentation requirements include:
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your cruise. This is a strict requirement for most cruise lines.
- Visas: Depending on your nationality and the cruise itinerary, visas may be required for some ports of call. You must check requirements for every country on your itinerary.
- Blank Pages: Some countries require at least one or two blank pages in your passport for entry stamps.
A crucial warning for all travellers: you must follow the cruise line’s rules, which can be stricter than the entry requirements of the countries you visit. For example, a country on your itinerary might only require 3 months of passport validity, but if Celestyal’s policy is 6 months, you will be denied boarding if you do not meet their higher standard.
Travelling with Minors (as a Non-Guardian)
If you are travelling with a minor (under 18) for whom you are not the parent or legal guardian, strict documentation is required. Cruise lines enforce these policies to prevent international child abduction. Failure to provide the correct paperwork can result in denial of boarding with no refund.
Key requirements for non-guardian travel include:
- Letter of Consent: You must carry a signed letter of consent from the child’s legal guardian(s). This letter must grant you permission to travel with the child on the specific cruise.
- Medical Authorisation: The consent letter should also explicitly authorise you to make emergency medical decisions on the child’s behalf during the trip.
- Guardian Identification: It is highly recommended to also carry a photocopy of the passport or driver’s license of the signing guardian(s) to verify the signature on the letter.
Failure to provide required documentation can result in denial of boarding. Always verify requirements well in advance.
Onboard Safety & Permitted Items
Your safety is the highest priority onboard. All guests must attend a mandatory safety drill before the ship departs on embarkation day. Additionally, for the safety of all guests and crew, certain items are strictly prohibited from being brought onboard.
Key safety rules and permitted items policies include:
- Mandatory Safety Drill: All guests must attend this drill, which familiarises you with emergency procedures and the location of your assigned muster station.
- Prohibited Electronics: Items with a heating element, such as clothes irons, travel steamers, electric kettles, and hot plates, are forbidden.
- Weapons and Sharp Objects: Firearms, ammunition, knives (other than small, personal grooming tools), and any other items that could be used as a weapon are strictly prohibited.
- Drones: For the safety and privacy of all guests, personal drones are not permitted to be brought onboard or operated from the ship.
For a complete list of prohibited items, please consult the cruise line’s official website before you pack.
Medications & Prohibited Substances Policy
It is crucial to follow the cruise line’s policies regarding medications to ensure a smooth journey. Furthermore, Celestyal Cruises enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for all illegal substances. Violation of this policy will have serious consequences.
Key policies include:
- Prescription Medications: You must bring all prescription medications in their original pharmacy packaging, with a clear label identifying your name, the medication, and the prescribing physician.
- Carry-On Luggage: All medications should be packed in your carry-on luggage, never in your checked bags, to ensure you have access to them at all times.
- Sufficient Supply: Always pack enough medication for your entire trip, plus a few extra days’ worth in case of unforeseen travel delays.
- Illegal Substances: Any guest found in possession of illegal substances will be disembarked at the next port of call at their own expense and may be subject to prosecution by local authorities.
The cruise line has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal substances. Consult the cruise line for any questions regarding specific medications.
Food Policy
Celestyal enforces specific policies regarding bringing food on or taking food off the ship. These rules are in place for health and sanitation reasons and to comply with local customs and agricultural regulations. Understanding them ensures a hassle-free experience.
Bringing Food Onboard
Guests are generally not permitted to bring perishable or uncooked food items onboard the ship. This policy helps maintain the ship’s sanitation standards and prevent foodborne illnesses.
Key rules regarding this policy include:
- Permitted Items: Commercially sealed, pre-packaged, and non-perishable snacks (like biscuits, crisps, or granola bars) are usually allowed.
- Prohibited Items: Homemade foods, fresh produce, and uncooked meats or seafood are not permitted to be brought onboard.
These policies are in place for health and safety reasons and are subject to local customs regulations.
Taking Food Off the Ship
For health and safety reasons, guests are not allowed to take fresh food from the ship’s restaurants or buffets to consume ashore. This helps prevent the potential for spoilage and foodborne illness.
Key rules regarding this policy include:
- Prohibited Items: Open food items from the buffet, such as sandwiches, cooked meats, or salads, cannot be taken off the ship.
- Permitted Items: You can, however, take sealed, pre-packaged items like a box of cereal or a piece of whole fruit off the ship for a snack.
These policies are in place for health and safety reasons and are subject to local customs regulations.
Bringing Food Back from Port
Bringing certain food items back onto the ship from ports of call is strictly prohibited by most local and maritime agricultural regulations. This is a critical measure to prevent the international spread of pests and diseases.
Key rules regarding this policy include:
- Strictly Prohibited Items: Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat products, and local produce are not allowed to be brought back onto the ship.
- Permitted Items: Commercially sealed and packaged food items, such as a box of local sweets or packaged spices, are typically permitted.
These policies are in place for health and safety reasons and are subject to local customs regulations.
Current Starting Ports (2025)
Celestyal Cruises primarily departs from ports that offer direct access to their core destinations. For 2025, these homeports are strategically located in the Greek Islands, the Adriatic, and the Arabian Gulf. This focus ensures that itineraries can be port-intensive from day one.
Key embarkation ports for the 2025 season include:
- Piraeus (Athens), Greece
- Lavrion (near Athens), Greece
- Thessaloniki, Greece
- Heraklion (Crete), Greece
- Kusadasi, Turkey
- Doha, Qatar
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Dubai, UAE
Sample Itineraries: A Taste of Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal specialises in port-intensive voyages that maximise your time exploring fascinating destinations. Their itineraries are carefully crafted to showcase the best of each region. The smaller size of their ships allows them to visit ports that are inaccessible to larger vessels.
Idyllic Aegean Escape
This classic itinerary is the quintessential Greek island hopping experience, packed with iconic sights and hidden gems. It often includes overnight stays in the most popular islands, allowing you to experience their vibrant nightlife. The focus is on deep cultural immersion and breathtaking scenery.
- Best For: First-time visitors to Greece, history buffs, and romantics.
- Duration: 7 Nights
- Departure Port: Piraeus (Athens), Greece
- Example Ship: Celestyal Journey
- Typical Ports of Call: Thessaloniki, Kusadasi (Turkey), Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos.
Heavenly Adriatic Discovery
This newer itinerary expands Celestyal’s reach beyond Greece into the stunning coastlines of the Adriatic Sea. It combines ancient Greek history with the medieval charm of Montenegro and Croatia. It is ideal for those who have already experienced the classic Greek isles and want to discover something new.
- Best For: Scenery lovers, history enthusiasts, and repeat Celestyal guests.
- Duration: 7 Nights
- Departure Port: Piraeus (Athens), Greece
- Example Ship: Celestyal Discovery
- Typical Ports of Call: Kefalonia, Kotor (Montenegro), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Bari (Italy), Corfu.
Desert Days in the Arabian Gulf
Marking a significant expansion for the line, this itinerary explores the modern marvels and ancient traditions of the Arabian Gulf. It offers a unique blend of futuristic cities, rich culture, and beautiful beaches. These sailings provide a fantastic warm-weather winter escape.
- Best For: Winter sun seekers, cultural explorers, and fans of modern architecture.
- Duration: 7 Nights
- Departure Port: Doha, Qatar
- Example Ship: Celestyal Journey
- Typical Ports of Call: Dubai (UAE), Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Bahrain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about cruising with Celestyal Cruises.
- Is Celestyal Cruises all-inclusive? Celestyal offers a highly inclusive fare that covers meals, select drinks with and without alcohol, all gratuities, and a shore excursion credit. While not fully all-inclusive (premium drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining are extra), it provides exceptional value.
- What is the main currency used onboard? The onboard currency is the Euro (€). All onboard purchases will be charged to your shipboard account in Euros, which you settle at the end of the cruise.
- Are shore excursions included? Your cruise fare includes a generous shore excursion credit (typically €75 per person) to be used towards the cost of the line’s official tours. This means at least one or two excursions can be enjoyed at no extra cost, depending on their price.
- What kind of power outlets are in the cabins? Cabins are typically equipped with standard European two-pin, round-pronged outlets (Type F) providing 220V AC. It is highly recommended to bring a universal travel adapter to charge your devices.
- Is there a kids’ club on Celestyal ships? Yes, Celestyal ships have dedicated facilities and supervised activities for children, especially during peak holiday seasons. The kids’ club offers a range of age-appropriate games, crafts, and entertainment.
- Can I smoke on the ship? Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is only permitted in designated outdoor areas on the open decks. Smoking is strictly forbidden in cabins, on balconies, and in all interior public spaces.
- Is Wi-Fi available onboard? Yes, satellite Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for a fee. You can purchase packages based on duration or data usage. Be aware that internet speeds at sea can be slower and less reliable than on land.
- Does Celestyal cater for dietary restrictions? Yes, Celestyal can cater to most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and diabetic. It is essential to notify the cruise line of your specific needs at the time of booking and confirm with the Maître d’ once you are onboard.
- What is the atmosphere like onboard? The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and distinctly international, with a strong focus on Greek hospitality and culture. It is more about destination immersion and socialising than the high-energy, fast-paced environment of a mega-ship.
- Is Celestyal a good cruise line for first-time cruisers? Absolutely. The smaller ship size, inclusive pricing model, and destination-focused itineraries make it an excellent and unintimidating choice for those new to cruising, particularly if they are interested in Greek culture and history.
A Word of Caution: Cruise Scams
When planning your voyage, it is essential to remain highly vigilant against potential scam attempts that target travellers. Be aware of these common red flags:
- “Free Cruise” or “Exclusive Offer” Traps: Be highly suspicious of any unsolicited calls, emails, or messages claiming you’ve won a free cruise or are eligible for an impossibly low-priced “exclusive” deal. These invariably come with hidden fees, demands for immediate payment for “port taxes,” or are simply phishing attempts to collect your personal data. Many major cruise lines have had their names used in such fraudulent schemes.
- Fake Websites and Phishing Attempts: Scammers create convincing fake websites that mimic the cruise line’s official site. Always manually type the official website address into your browser and double-check the URL very carefully before entering any payment or personal data.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of any offer that demands an immediate decision due to a “limited-time offer” that is about to expire. This tactic is used by fraudsters to prevent you from doing proper research or verifying the offer’s legitimacy.
- Unusual Payment Requests: Never agree to pay for a cruise via untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate cruise lines and their authorised travel partners use secure, traceable payment methods like credit cards.
To ensure your journey with Celestyal Cruises begins safely, always book directly through their official website for your region or through a well-established, reputable travel adviser. If an offer feels suspicious, contact Celestyal Cruises directly using the official contact information found on their verified website, not from the suspicious communication itself. Booking through official channels ensures your voyage begins with complete peace of mind.
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The Essential Cruise Shop provides this guide for informational purposes and is not a travel agency. The information contained in this guide is for general guidance only. While we do our best to ensure the information is up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind about its completeness or accuracy.
Cruise line policies, itineraries, and loyalty programs are subject to change without notice. We strongly recommend that you verify all details directly with your cruise line or a certified travel agent before making any bookings or financial commitments.
We cannot be held liable for any financial loss due to the reader’s failure to follow the above advice.
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Many of the links are affiliate links, The Essential Cruise Shop may receive a commission from qualifying clicks, orders or bookings. This income helps support our efforts to provide and improve our site and turn it into a one stop resource for travellers with a bias towards cruising.
