Celestyal Cruises has confirmed that its new ship, Celestyal Journey, will start passenger operations this September.
Following an extensive refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul, the ship will set sail on 2 September, taking over Celestyal Crystal’s programme, initially on its seven-night Idyllic Aegean itinerary.
The 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey will feature 630 staterooms, 149 of which will have balconies – three times that of the previously available balcony staterooms on Celestyal’s seven-night offering.
A larger range of dining options will also be available, with “seven one-of-a-kind venues including specialty and themed restaurants appealing to a wide array of tastes and cuisines”, according to a statement.
Celestyal Cruises ‘rejuvenating’ the fleet
Celestyal Cruises CEO Chris Theophilides said: “It has always been our mission to renew and rejuvenate our fleet, and we’re thrilled to see this come to fruition with the arrival of the Celestyal Journey.
“She is already undergoing her extensive refurbishment programme and will be deployed in a matter of just a few months.
“The Celestyal Journey will offer our guests more in the way of premium accommodations with balconies, a greater choice of dining and bar venues, public areas and open decks creating a greater sense of space.
“At the same time, the newest member of the Celestyal family continues our tradition of operating intimate, mid-sized vessels, allowing us to take our guests to destinations that larger ships cannot, reinforcing our in-depth regional destination knowledge and genuine, warm Greek hospitality.”
Following the inaugural Idyllic Aegean sailings, Celestyal Journey will operate the Steps of Paul voyage, followed by the seven-night Three Continents cruise.