As a travel enthusiast, I have always been drawn to the idea of cruising and exploring new destinations from the comfort of a ship. However, the thought of being confined to a large, impersonal vessel with thousands of other passengers never quite appealed to me.
That’s why I was delighted to discover Celestyal Cruises, a company that offers a unique and intimate cruising experience on their small-to-mid-sized ships. With a capacity of around 1,200 to 1,600 passengers at maximum capacity, Celestyal Cruises promises a big experience on their small ships.
I was intrigued to learn more about their fleet, accommodation options, dining and drinking offerings, and on-board activities. As a frequent social media user, I also wanted to explore their online presence and see what others were saying about their experiences with Celestyal Cruises.
Join me as we delve into the world of Celestyal Cruises and discover why these small ships offer a big experience.
- Celestyal Cruises has a fleet of two active ships, with a third ship entering service in September 2023, and all ships are small-to-mid-sized, around 700 feet long or less.
- Despite their age, Celestyal Cruise ships are fantastically maintained and offer a wonderful cruise experience with no huge crowds.
- Celestyal Crystal and Celestyal Olympia offer different but fantastic on-board experiences, with various accommodation options, restaurants, bars, and lounges.
- Celestyal Journey, the newest ship in the fleet, offers longer itineraries sailing around the Aegean Sea with more dining options, bars, lounges, and daytime activities, including an outdoor pool with a retractable roof.
Fleet Overview
I love that Celestyal Cruises’ fleet consists of small-to-mid-sized ships, with two active ships and a third one entering service in a couple of years. The ships might not be the largest out there, but they make up for it in the more intimate and personalized experience they offer.
The ships have a maximum passenger capacity of around 1,200 to 1,600, which means there won’t be any huge crowds to contend with. Despite their age, the ships are fantastically maintained, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers.
The largest internal volume of Celestyal ships is just 55,819 gross tonnes, and this smaller size means that the ships can access ports that larger vessels cannot. Overall, I appreciate the attention to detail Celestyal Cruises puts into maintaining their smaller fleet, ensuring that each passenger has a unique and memorable experience.
Accommodation Options
The accommodation options on board Celestyal’s ships are designed to cater to a range of budgets and preferences. From comfortable cabins to luxurious suites, there is something for everyone.
Celestyal Crystal offers six main options for accommodation, four of which are suites. As for dining, passengers can choose from five restaurants on board, offering a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes.
Celestyal Olympia, on the other hand, has similar accommodation options to Celestyal Crystal, but with one suite option missing. There is only one Main Dining Restaurant, but more bars on the ship than Celestyal Crystal.
In terms of activities, both ships offer the same experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Celestyal’s ships have got you covered with their suite options and restaurant choices.
Dining and Drinking
With a variety of dining options and bars on board, exploring the culinary delights and sipping on cocktails will be a highlight of my Celestyal cruise.
The ships offer a range of dining options to suit every taste bud, from the Thalassa Restaurant serving Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, to the Marco Polo Restaurant offering international dishes.
I can also indulge in some healthy options at the Ice Cream Healthy Juice Corner or enjoy a casual lunch at The Grill.
The Chef’s Table is a must-try, offering a unique culinary experience with a special tasting menu and wine pairing.
When it comes to drinks, Celestyal Cruises offers a variety of beverage packages to suit my preferences.
I can purchase packages for alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and coffee, or choose to order from the extensive bar menu.
The ship’s bars and lounges offer a range of settings to enjoy my drink, from the ΘEATRO Show Lounge for some entertainment with my cocktail, to the Martini Piano Bar for a more relaxed evening.
With the menu variety and beverage packages available, dining and drinking on my Celestyal cruise will be an unforgettable experience.
On-board Activities
Exploring the range of activities on board will be an exciting way to spend my days during the cruise. I can indulge in luxurious spa treatments, take part in outdoor sports, or even try my luck at the casino. For those who enjoy shopping, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up souvenirs or gifts for loved ones back home. The kid’s area is also a great place for families to spend time together, with activities designed for children of all ages.
When it comes to pool activities, I can relax in the sun or take a dip in the water. The outdoor pool even has a retractable roof, allowing for swimming in all weather conditions.
In the evening, there is a range of entertainment options to choose from, including ΘEATRO Show Lounge, live music, and dancing. Whether I’m looking for a quiet night in or a lively party, there is something for everyone on board Celestyal Cruises.
Newest Ship: Celestyal Journey
I’m excited to learn more about the newest addition to the fleet, the Celestyal Journey.
This ship promises to offer a range of dining options, including the Thalassa Restaurant, Marco Polo Restaurant, Mediterraneo Restaurant, Leda Buffet, The Grill, Chef’s Table, Ice Cream Healthy Juice Corner, and Greek Deli.
With three categories of Suite options, guests can choose from a range of accommodations that suit their needs.
In addition to the dining options, the Celestyal Journey will offer longer itineraries sailing around the Aegean Sea. Guests can choose from a range of itinerary choices, primarily from 7 nights and up.
This new ship will also have an expanded kid’s area, outdoor sports, shopping, photography, and a casino, making it the perfect choice for families and groups.
With its retractable roof, the outdoor pool is perfect for taking a dip no matter the weather.
Overall, the Celestyal Journey promises to be a great addition to the fleet, with its range of dining options and longer itineraries.
Founder of Cruise Tips
Learning about the founder of Cruise Tips, Mike Schimdt, is interesting because she has extensive experience in the cruise industry and has personally taken over 20 cruises. With her knowledge and expertise, she helps over 1 million people per month plan their perfect cruise holidays. Schimdt’s passion for cruising began when she joined the industry in 2006, and her love for it has only grown with each voyage.
As a seasoned traveler, Schimdt has a wealth of cruise industry insights to share with her followers. Her website, Cruise Tips, offers tips and advice on everything from choosing the right ship to packing for a cruise. Schimdt’s experience at sea has given her a unique perspective on what makes a great cruise, and she is dedicated to helping others have the same wonderful experiences that she has had. Here is a table summarizing the key aspects of Mike Schimdt’s experience in the cruise industry:
Experience | Cruise Tips Founder |
---|---|
Number of cruises taken | Over 20 |
Years working in the industry | Since 2006 |
Number of people helped per month | Over 1 million |
With her vast knowledge and experience, Mike Schimdt is an invaluable resource for anyone planning a cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, her insights can help you make the most of your time at sea. So, if you’re looking for advice on how to choose the perfect ship or what to pack for your next adventure, be sure to check out Cruise Tips for all the latest tips and tricks.
Social Media Presence
It’s funny how I thought I knew everything there was to know about Mike Schimdt and her expertise in the cruise industry, but then I stumbled upon her social media presence and realized there was so much more to discover.
Celestyal Cruises has an impressive social media strategy that includes a strong presence on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn. By following their channels, you can get a glimpse into their beautiful ships, exciting itineraries, and the fantastic experiences that await you onboard.
What’s more, Celestyal Cruises has partnered with several influencers to showcase their small ships and big experiences to a wider audience. From travel bloggers to foodies and lifestyle influencers, Celestyal has collaborated with a diverse range of individuals to highlight the unique features of their ships.
By leveraging social media and influencer partnerships, Celestyal Cruises has successfully attracted new customers and reinforced their brand image as a top choice for small ship cruising.
Why Choose Celestyal Cruises
When selecting a cruise line, one of the top reasons to consider is the overall experience, and Celestyal delivers just that with their well-maintained ships, fantastic onboard amenities, and unforgettable itineraries.
As a traveler who values personalized experiences, I appreciate the small-to-mid-sized ships that Celestyal offers. With a smaller capacity, each ship feels intimate and exclusive, allowing for a more personalized experience. The ships are fantastically maintained despite their age, and the onboard amenities are top-notch, ensuring that guests have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Additionally, Celestyal’s destination-focused itineraries are a major selling point. As someone who loves to explore new places, I appreciate that each itinerary is carefully crafted to showcase the best of each destination. With longer port stays and unique shore excursions, guests have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the culture and history of each location.
Overall, the benefits of small ships, personalized experiences, and destination-focused itineraries make Celestyal Cruises a top choice for travelers who want to experience the world in a unique and unforgettable way.
What is the average age range of passengers on Celestyal Cruises?
Passenger demographics on Celestyal Cruises vary, but the average age range is around 50-70 years old. Onboard entertainment includes live music, cultural performances, and themed nights, catering to a mature crowd.
Are there any restrictions on the dress code on board Celestyal ships?
Formal attire is required in the main dining room, but casual wear is acceptable in other areas of Celestyal ships. Packing tips include comfortable clothing for excursions and themed nights for fun dress-up options.
What is the smoking policy on Celestyal ships?
Smoking Policy on Celestyal Ships is important to know. Celestyal has strict onboard policies regarding smoking restrictions. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas, and not in staterooms or public spaces.
Does Celestyal offer shore excursions for their itineraries?
Yes, Celestyal offers a variety of shore excursion options for their itineraries. Pre booking requirements may vary depending on the excursion. Accessibility for passengers with disabilities is taken into consideration for all excursions.
How does Celestyal Cruises compare to larger cruise lines in terms of price and value for money?
Comparing Celestyal Cruises to larger lines is like comparing a boutique hotel to a massive resort. The comparison analysis shows that Celestyal delivers amazing value for money, with high customer satisfaction and a more intimate, personalized experience.