Celestyal has unveiled its new ship, Celestyal Journey, following its extensive multimillion refurbishment and technical overhaul.

Celestyal Journey features over 280 per cent more balcony suites, seven dining venues, eight bars and lounges, expansive sun decks, two shimmering pools and an entire deck dedicated to wellness.

The new ship sees the cruise line debut its first ever penthouse with private terrace, the Stargazer Suite, offering a premium luxury cruise experience. There are 120 Junior Dream Suites and 28 Grand Dream Suites, all with balconies. In addition, the vessel boasts 80 per cent outside cabins, with 55 per cent exterior Cosmos Cabins, bringing the islands and vistas streaming into the larger staterooms.

For their culinary journey, travellers can enjoy moonlight dining in Thalassa, daytime Greek grazing in Fig & Honey and sample Mediterranean bites at the Smoked Olive restaurant. Head further afield with everything grilled at Grill Seekers and savour an Asian inspired menu at Pink Moon. Guests can even learn from Celestyal Journey’s chefs at the cooking demonstration area or go full star treatment with a private dining experience at the new Chef’s Table. After a gastronomic adventure, sip and stargaze with champagne and cosmic cocktails at the new Fizz Club, savour the old and new world at The Grapevine Wine Cellar and relax to mellow piano tunes at the Blue Bar & Lounge.

Celestyal Journey offers The Sozo Experience, an entire deck inspired by the Greek custom of Sozo – an ancient Greek tradition of wellness of mind, body and spirit and a world of wellbeing – with panoramic ocean views. Work out in the ship’s fitness area with a wide range of equipment from cardio to weights and a dedicated fitness instructor or enjoy open air exercise on the tennis and basketball courts and outdoor jogging track. Unwind in the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, and chill out in the Dream Den relaxation area. Be pampered at the new Sozo Spa and indulge in a glow up at the new Glow Bar.

Celestyal Journey also features many open deck areas. There are several expansive sundecks with two idyllic pools and Jacuzzis offering views and connectivity with the sea – with one open deck reserved for suite guests – and a pool with a retractable roof meaning that guests can swim and relax anytime.

Guests looking for a wide range of entertainment will be spoilt for choice with The Amphitheatro, a live show lounge that spans two decks, live music throughout the ship, cooking workshops and inspiring lectures. And to give parents and kids a bit more ‘me time’ Celestyal Journey has a range of activities and facilities to keep younger guests entertained from a vibrant Kids Club to arcade games.

All Dream Suite guests also have access to The Beach Club, a secluded outdoor space, with ice cream stations and juice corners. Guests booked in Grand Dream Suites 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 Compass Lounge to assist Grand Suite guests with tailored service requests.

Additionally, Celestyal Journey also features two fully equipped conference rooms which along with its multi-purpose Amphitheatro make the ship a perfect choice for meetings and incentives.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Celestyal, and we are looking forward to working closely with our trade partners to highlight our much-elevated onboard product alongside our renowned brand proposition of destination-rich, immersive travel experiences,” Lee Haslett, Celestyal CCO said.

“Our goal is to immerse our agent and operator partners in the Celestyal Journey via in-person ship visits, fam trips and training to expand their product knowledge and truly benefit their customers. We are excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to grow together.”

Celestyal’s newest ship will set sail on 2 September 2023, taking over the Celestyal Crystal’s program, initially on its popular seven-night “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary visiting Athens, Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini. Mykonos and Milos.

Following the inaugural Idyllic Aegean sailings commencing 2 September, the Celestyal Journey will continue in October with the unique “Steps of Paul” itinerary calling on Athens, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Istanbul, Dikili, Kusadasi and Patmos followed by the award winning seven-night “Three Continents” itinerary, visiting Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, and Turkey.

There will also be 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, overnighting in Istanbul before calling Volos.