During TBEX Europe 2023 a few of our lucky attendees were able to experience Celestyal Cruises for themselves! We can’t wait to share their impressions in future posts. But, for now, a few words from another valued guest of Celestyal.

“I’m a real travel enthusiast. I’m always looking for new adventures, exciting experiences, and unique ways to uncover the authentic lifestyles and treasures of the world. To this day, one of the best trips I’ve ever been on was a Celestyal cruise around the Greek islands.

From the award-winning service of the onboard staff who helped make the cruise extra special, to the immersive onshore excursions and destination itinerary, I was able to explore this captivating part of the world in the way that suited me best.

In this blog, I’m going to share all the details about my journey and will give my advice to anyone thinking about booking their next adventure with Celestyal.

Celestyal Cruises: Discovering the REAL Greece and Eastern Mediterranean — *Image courtesy of Celestyal Cruises, service onboard*

There’s so much to see in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean

Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean are some of the most visited destinations in the world. Millions of people explore this region every year, and there’s no secret as to why that is.

From the diverse and inspiring metropolises like Athens, where ancient history blends perfectly with modern cafes and independent shops, to idyllic retreats like Oia, steeped in local history and identity. I knew that I wanted to see some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring cities in the world – but I also knew that I wanted to uncover the authentic way of life. I wanted to discover where the hidden gems only the locals know about.

That’s why I decided to cruise with Celestyal. They know that the best way to truly experience the Greek way of life is to mix trips to the big cities and popular beaches with the smaller, lesser-known locations – and they’re right! The lifestyle here is all about diversity and as I sailed from Athens to Rhodes to Milos and to Patmos, I quickly realized exactly why Celestyal was so proud to take so many guests to more exclusive locations.

Destinations covered by Celestyal

Celestyal’s commitment to showing guests the real Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean shone through in the destinations we were able to explore. They offer a range of different itineraries across this region, from three-night trips to full two-week journeys. Each itinerary visits unique destinations, so you can choose your experience based on what you love doing most.

As well as covering all the must-sees, some of the lesser-known destinations really made the trip. From exploring the streets of Chios as the bougainvillea were bursting into bloom, to indulging in souvlaki next to the golden shores of Little Venice in Mykonos, Celestyal’s itinerary made the trip even more special than I could have expected.

Experiences offered by Celestyal

After a day spent sampling unparalleled beauty and remarkable ancient sites, coming back to my cabin was almost as enjoyable as the excursions themselves. Celestyal’s onboard staff were friendly and happy to help, no matter what I needed.

And, while we cruised from one end of the glistening Aegean to the other, there was no shortage of fascinating experiences to make the most of. We were offered a range of activities that helped us learn about Greek history, cuisine, and culture. We tried our hand at Greek dance lessons and sat in wonder during lectures on Greek mythology.

If I was in the mood for something else, our ship’s amenities always held the answer. There were gyms, spas, and plenty of restaurants and bars to help the day roll by. The chefs are incredibly proud of the mouth-watering dishes they put together, and from the authentic restaurants found onboard to the specialty menu put together by award-winning chef Diane Kochilas, you’re never left wanting more.

Tips for making the most of your Celestyal experience

There are so many reasons to book a vacation with Celestyal. To really ensure you make the most of your trip, here are some of my tips to help you enjoy your time even more:

Take advantage of the onboard cultural experiences to learn more about Greek culture, history, and cuisine. You never know what you’ll come across from one island to the next, and knowing just that little bit more about what you’re seeing can enrich your trip and take your journey even further.
Try the cuisine at each destination to get a taste of the local flavors. Each island has its own twist on some of the regional classics and you might be really surprised at how much a dish can vary from Santorini to Milos.
Explore the lesser-known destinations that are often overlooked by other cruise lines and discover the Greek way of life.
Pack comfortable shoes for walking and exploring each destination. After all, sandals won’t be much help on a trip up to Meteora!
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the Mediterranean sun.

Conclusion – Discover the hidden gems of the Mediterranean with Celestyal!

A vacation with Celestyal is an unforgettable experience that takes you far beyond the postcards, and straight to the true heart of this captivated part of the world. Its focus on authentic culture, history, and cuisine perfectly combines with its unique itineraries and award-winning service. Celestyal is the perfect choice for anyone looking to explore the Mediterranean. So why not book your adventure with Celestyal today?”