Celestyal Cruises announced it has completed the installation of 43 new balconies on the Celestyal Crystal as part of a significant refurbishment programme across its fleet.

Eight of the ship’s existing balconies were refurbished and extended.

The fitting of the balconies was completed in the Athens’ port Piraeus ahead of the start of  Celestyal Crystal’s season sailing around Cuba, which commences on December 18 this year.

Following the refurbishment, the ship now has 43 balcony junior suites, eight balcony suites and two imperial balcony suites: in total 53 of her suites now have balconies.

“These balconies are part of an extensive refurbishment programme to continually elevate the quality of our brand and to ensure we are delivering a positive passenger experience on all of our vessels,” said Kyriakos Anastassiadis, CEO of Celestyal Cruises. “We hired expert Greek shipbuilders here in Piraeus to complete the necessary work on the Crystal, and the level of craftsmanship is further proof of the quality of maritime construction available in our country. We are tremendously pleased with the results.”

The cruise line has invested €20 million on overall upgrade programmes across its fleet in 2015. Other work includes the refurbishment of 21 junior suites, nine suites and the remaining 227 outside cabins on the Celestyal Olympia, as well as a number of upgrades to the public areas. All the cabins and the public spaces on the new Celestyal Nefeli will be decorated ahead of her maiden voyage with Celestyal Cruises in May 2016.

The company has seen a 20% increase in passenger numbers, as compared to 2014: in 2015 the company transported a total of 129.731 passengers for a total of 516.000 overnight stays by foreign passengers.

The Cuba cruise this Christmas still has availability on board Celestyal Crystal, where guests can experience authentic Cuban food and entertainment as well as view from the new balconies as they sail around the island in seven days.

Celestyal’s midsized ship is able to access smaller ports in Cuba, including the palm-fringed beach Maria La Gorda – a new port for the 2015/16 season, as well as the historic Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed El Morro Castle. The itinerary also includes two full days in Havana.

Departing from Havana on December 21, the seven-night cruise costs from £712.

Visit yourcubacruise.com