Celeystal Journey Review. A Cruise For The Culturally Curious
- tomanddomtravel
- May 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 14
We boarded Celestyal’s recently repainted Celestyal Journey just before 10 am, already sensing we were in for something special. Our adventure began in Piraeus (Athens), setting sail on the “Heavenly Greece, Italy, and Croatia” itinerary. The ship immediately impressed us with its calm atmosphere and thoughtful design. Spacious public areas made it ideal for a seven-night, destination-intensive cruise. Embarkation was smooth and stress-free, refreshingly different from the hustle and bustle we’ve experienced on larger US and UK-based cruise lines.
Inside, the ship’s recent refurbishment was clear. Originally built in 1994 for Holland America Line, she showed no signs of her age. The interiors felt fresh and modern, with tasteful updates that complemented her classic charm. As we made our way to our junior balcony suite, we admired the many inviting bars and restaurants along the way.
Our suite had also been refreshed. While touches of wood hinted at the ship’s history, modern amenities like a large flatscreen TV and USB sockets above the bedside tables brought it up to date. The spacious balcony offered uninterrupted sea views, perfect for relaxing while sailing.
Immersive Destinations and Authentic Excursions
Celestyal is known for its “late days and long stays” in iconic ports, allowing guests to explore more deeply and authentically. This itinerary was no exception. Highlights included rowing across the turquoise waters of Melissani Lake and Cave in Kefalonia, and visiting Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.
One small drawback: most excursions departed at 8 a.m. Great for early risers, but a bit of a challenge for night owls like us. Still, we quickly adapted and found the experiences well worth the early starts.
Dining That Delights
Evenings onboard were a culinary treat. We dined most nights at The Smoked Olive, a venue that serves as both the main dining room for suite guests and a Mediterranean specialty restaurant. The service was impeccable, reflecting the warmth and professionalism of the crew throughout the ship.
A standout dish for us was the pappardelle ragù from the specialty menu. It was rich, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Another highlight was Grill Seekers, where the experience felt on par with dining in a top London restaurant.
Cocktails and Quiet Moments
After dinner, we made it a mission to sample a new cocktail each night from the Alchemy menu. Crafted by expert mixologists, each drink was as delicious as it was visually stunning. The mixology program was a definite highlight of our evenings onboard.
Who Is This Cruise For?
We joined the cruise feeling culturally curious, eager to explore new destinations and Celestyal Journey delivered. This ship is perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in each port of call. While we did occasionally miss having a sea day to unwind, the itinerary was so engaging that we didn’t feel deprived.
That said, the ship also caters well to those seeking relaxation. With most passengers ashore during the day, the ship often felt like a private retreat. We could stroll from bow to stern without encountering another soul. There were no queues for restaurants, no competition for sunbeds, and plenty of space around the two pools.
Looking Ahead
We left Celestyal Journey already dreaming of our next cruise with Celestyal. With two ships sailing from Athens in the summer and relocating to the Middle East for the winter season, there are plenty of exciting itineraries to explore in the future.
Look out for Celestyal Vlogs coming soon
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