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Celestyal Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Celestyal Cruise: Heavenly Greek Islands Trip

Article By: Kyle McCarthy

Greece is one of the world’s best multigenerational destinations, and a Greek island cruise is one of the best ways to appreciate it. Activities at each port of call range from beaches to shopping, historic sites, and museums that entertain mixed ages and interests. Let Celestyal Cruises do the planning, book expert tour guides, get you there — and back on board — and it’s one of the easiest and richest vacations ever.

This year Celestyal Cruises’ two ships will begin their Greek Islands cruises in late May from Piraeus, the port of Athens.

Celestyal will still recommend that all guests departing from any port get tested for COVID-19 at their own convenience before traveling, just to make sure your journey is pleasant and enjoyable. Just a friendly note, the test results won’t be mandatory for boarding the ship.

If you do a Greek Islands cruise with a Greece-based cruise company like Celestyal Cruises, you get more perks: never having to pack and unpack, no rushing for ferries, stunning scenery en route, onboard activities with a Greek cultural flair, bountiful fresh food, learning opportunities and kindness at every turn…

What more would a multigenerational family vacation require?

Kindness of Strangers and Crew

In full disclosure, we are not frequent cruisers and care more about where we dock than the ship we’re on. An eight-day sailing over Greek Easter on a medium-sized Greek ship with ample facilities but no fancy casinos or art auctions sounded ideal.

The easy sailing, relaxed pace, and warm vibes onboard a Celestyal cruise were infectious. Each day, we met more fellow passengers who were repeat customers. We were also surprised by how many passengers and crew remembered each other from past voyages.

At the farewell cocktail party, the remarkable Animation Director and emcee Danny said our Greek Islands cruise comprised 650 passengers from 32 countries. The crew, he added, represented 30 countries as well. Danny, who is from Romania and speaks eight languages, had finished every announcement that week with the phrase “Life is beautiful.” And on a Celestyal cruise, it is. 

Learn from Fellow Passengers on a Greek Islands Cruise

Celestyal life at sea is breezily educational. We sampled different olive oils with Teresa during a Greek cooking demonstration and practiced Yiasou during a Basic Greek language seminar. Chefs on the buffet line explained local ingredients and how spinach pies were baked. Fellow passengers shared archeological factoids and bits of mythology on shore excursions.

Seeing the Best of Greece from a Greek Islands Cruise

The Celestyal “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary showed off some of the best scenery in Greece if you like hills brushed with wildflowers and whitewashed homes accented by turquoise shutters and hanging geraniums. With a full day on Mykonos and two days on Santorini, there were plenty of beautiful sunsets in addition to beaches, historic sites, and chic boutiques.

Three shore excursions come with a Celestyal cruise package – a big savings. The complimentary half-day excursions on our cruise included the Minoan Palace of Knossos on Crete, the magnificent remains of Ephesus near the port of Kusadasi in Turkey, and a walk through the village of Oia on Santorini.

Wonderful Days at Sea and on Land

We booked other shore excursions so that each day had a structure: breakfast, shore excursion, lunch on shore, afternoon yoga with Waka on the ship, dinner, and then another fun musical show. With two days on Santorini, we had time to see the excellent new Museum of Prehistoric Thera and take a boat excursion to hike the geopark on Nea Kameni, a smoldering volcano on an island in the caldera.

On Mykonos, we visited the fascinating archeological site of Delos, once the center of the ancient world. Milos’ excursion includes a hike in the woods where the Venus de Milo, now starring at the Louvre, was in the dirt, bought by Napoleon’s troops, and shipped to France.

Most shore excursions departed early to avoid the crowds on the very busy Greek Islands. Throughout, excellent guides kept everyone inspired with stories from history and mythology; some days with headsets, others without.

Sleeping Quarters on a Greek Islands Cruise

Celestyal Crystal’s 724 cabins are compact yet comfortable, with good firm beds, but only nine have balconies. Suites have two beds and a small sofa and seating area. Families will appreciate that some inside cabins have two upper bunks, a sofabed, and sleep five.

We found the small bathrooms had strong showers with plentiful hot water and herbal Greek toiletries, linens changes twice daily, and cabin stewards were expert towel sculptors.

Evening Entertainment on Land and Sea

We had dinner ashore a few nights but always returned for the evening shows put on by Cirque Fantastic. This troupe of Cuban musicians, singers, and dancers are skillful gymnasts, ballerinas, and break dancers.

They did two shows nightly, switching languages and styles from a Cuban repertoire a la Buene Vista Social Club to a “Mamma Mia” Night to an international cabaret. The shows are perfect for kids, too, with humor, imaginative sets, fun costumes and lots of talent.

Additionally, there are several small outdoor and indoor bars around the ship, a piano lounge, live music each afternoon by the pool and many other comfortable venues for a glass of Greek wine or one of the mixologist cocktails available for a premium.

Celestyal Dining Options: Greek Cuisine and More

“We are not fancy people and it’s not fancy food,” declared Diane from Mobile, Alabama, as we dined with her and three couples. The gregarious group was delighted to be taking a Greek islands cruise after their first cruise together to Cuba. They weren’t worried about their meals.

Neither were we.  Some people we met complained about the need for more variety in the entrees presented. Others thought it was wonderful. For our family, having Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, bread, and pastries each morning. Plus, Greek specialties and salad makings at dinner, was more than enough.

The exception to the “fancy” comment was the two nights we splurged on the excellent premium restaurant Fish Taverna. Think Instagrammable appetizers, an amuse bouche, freshly caught fish delicately prepared. With staff, attentive service, and a romantic ambiance that are all first-rate. It was well worth the 36.95 euro upcharge for a “night on the town”. Better than any meal we ate on land.

Casual Greek Islands Cruise Style will Please All Ages

The Leda Buffet on Deck 9 does serve several hot entrees, from eggs to pancakes, sirloin to grilled fish, plus a variety of vegetables. Greek wines were served free of charge with every meal on this very Greek Islands cruise. There were always kid-friendly options and various entrees to please the many nationalities on board.

Special dining events, such as the fun American Barbecue night when chefs manned a series of grills. Around the pool grill, chicken, steak, sausages, and corn are added to the variety of tastes.

Another plus for multigenerational families: Celestyal ships do not have formal dinner seatings. However, securing a table at the popular Amalthia restaurant, where most guests dined nightly, required some advance planning. While the restaurant’s sit-down table service was excellent, we found the multi-course meal a little too “fancy.” Most nights, we got our meal from the buffet and ate outside on the deck.

A Celestyal Greek islands cruise delivered on our idea of an idyllic vacation.

Tips and Recommendations for the Celestyal Cruise to the Greek Islands

• Book Early: Greek Island cruises with Celestyal are popular. So, booking your cruise well in advance is advisable, especially if you have specific travel dates in mind.
• Pack Smart: Given the sunny Mediterranean climate, pack lightweight clothing. Also, comfortable shoes for shore excursions and swimwear. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Excursion Planning: Research the ports of call and shore excursions offered by Celestyal Cruises. Consider booking excursions in advance to secure your spot and make the most of your time ashore.
• Local Currency: While most places accept credit cards, having local currency (Euros) for small purchases and tipping can be convenient.
• Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers unexpected events, trip cancellations, and medical emergencies during your cruise.
• Dining Reservations: Make dining reservations at the specialty restaurants on the cruise ship, if available. These restaurants often require reservations and can offer a unique dining experience.
• Stay Hydrated: The Mediterranean sun can be intense, so drink plenty of water throughout your journey.
• WiFi and Connectivity: While onboard, check the availability of WiFi packages if you need to stay connected. However, consider embracing the opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the beauty of the Greek Islands.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for the Celestyal Cruise to the Greek Islands

Which greek islands are typically included in the celestyal cruise itinerary.

Celestyal Cruises offer various itineraries, but popular Greek Islands often included are Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, and Patmos, among others.

Is the cruise all-inclusive?

Celestyal Cruises offer different packages, including all-inclusive options. Check your specific cruise package to see what is included, such as meals, drinks, and excursions.

What is the best time to take a Celestyal Cruise to the Greek Islands?

The Mediterranean cruise season typically runs from spring to fall. The best time depends on your preferences – spring and fall offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, while summer is the peak season with warmer temperatures.

Are shore excursions included in the cruise price?

Some shore excursions may be included in the cruise package, but others may come at an additional cost. Review your cruise details to see which excursions are included and plan accordingly.

Do I need a visa for the Greek Islands cruise?

The visa requirements depend on your nationality and the ports of call. Check with the cruise line and the Greek Embassy or Consulate to determine if you need a visa for your specific itinerary.

Is there entertainment and activities on the cruise ship?

Yes, Celestyal Cruises offer a range of onboard entertainment and activities, including live performances, cultural events, and recreational facilities like pools and fitness centers.

Can I bring children on a Celestyal Cruise to the Greek Islands?

Celestyal Cruises is family-friendly, and children are welcome onboard. They offer various activities and facilities suitable for families.

What should I wear for formal nights or dinners on the cruise?

Celestyal Cruises generally have casual dress codes for most evenings. However, for formal nights or specialty restaurants, smart-casual or semi-formal attire is recommended.

Is gratuity included in the cruise price?

Gratuities are often not included in the cruise fare. It’s customary to tip the cruise staff for their service, and the cruise line may provide guidelines for tipping.

If this made you want to try out Celestyal Cruise, consider checking out these other articles below –

• Cruise with Kids Vacations and Family-Friendly Ships
• A Luxury Ambassador Halong Bay Cruise In Vietnam – My Family Travels
• American Cruise Lines Small Ship Experience for Families
• Top Cruise Lines for Grandparents Bringing Grandkids to Sea

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2 Replies to “Celestyal Cruise: Heavenly Greek Islands Trip”

Celestyal Cruises offers an unforgettable journey to the heart of Greece and the Mediterranean. With warm hospitality, authentic experiences, and award-winning service, they make every moment aboard a heavenly escape.

Greek island cruises are a great way to explore the most alluring Greek islands, such as Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete and Paros. You can witness world-famous sights, charming seaside tavernas, and crystal-clear waters while island-hopping.

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Why Choose Celestyal Cruises for Your Greek Island Adventure

Penny Zibula

The writer was hosted

As our cruise ship, Celestyal Crystal left the port of Piraeus, which serves Greece’s magnificent capital of Athens, my husband and I watched the sunset over the Aegean. Our dream of a Greek Island cruise began to unfold before us. We were off on a once-in-a-lifetime weeklong voyage that carried us to places we had never seen and experiences we would never forget.

This ship was a mid-size vessel with a maximum capacity of approximately 1,200 passengers. We were well-treated, lavishly fed, and delightfully entertained. But far more important was the joy we derived from the priceless experiences in which we were privileged to participate onboard Celestyal Cruises .

Celestyal Cruise Ship

Currently, Celestyal’s fleet consists of two recently refurbished and updated mid-size ships, Celestyal Journey (replacing Celestyal Crystal) and Celestyal Discovery (replacing Celestyal Olympia). Crystal, the ship on which we spent seven glorious days, has sailed into the sunset, and in its place, Journey now offers more of everything for the same number of passengers.

Although Celestyal’s status as a luxury cruise line may have previously been subject to debate, these newly refurbished ships remove any ambiguity regarding luxuriousness. Celestyal Journey, the ship on which we would be sailing were we to take the same cruise as our Crystal adventure today, combines elegance with a cozy atmosphere, yet still offers plenty of space to move around. Journey has a wider selection of staterooms from which to choose, seven restaurants, eight bars, a fully equipped gym, two swimming pools, and an entire deck dedicated to health and wellbeing. It is also more family-friendly with special supervised programs and designated spaces for children.

The new ships are also more accessible for travelers in wheelchairs and who have mobility and other physical challenges. Since I’m blind and travel with a guide dog, I am keenly aware of accessibility issues.

Read More: Unforgettable Vacations for Singles and Solo Travelers

Although Crystal presented some challenges in terms of an appropriate relief area for my dog and climbing on and off tenders, the staff was flexible, kind, innovative, and safety-conscious in finding ways to make everything work.

Celestyal’s Destinations

Celestyal offers 3-, 4-, 7-, and 14-night idyllic Aegean and Mediterranean cruises, as well as special sailings for Christmas and New Year. through the Aegean and Mediterranean. Destinations include stops throughout Greece, the Greek Islands, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, and Cyprus. Unfortunately, some Mediterranean cruises may be currently unavailable due to the Mideast conflict.

Read More: Best European Honeymoon Destinations

What’s Included

A Celestyal cruise offers quite a bit of bang for your buck. Prices are reasonable, and the base cruise fare includes port taxes, gratuities, select drinks with meals, and discounts on shore excursions. You’ll pay extra for drinks packages, specialty dining, and wifi, but again, you get good value for the extra outlay.

Another possibility is to opt for an enhanced package, which includes the unlimited premium drinks package, one hour of complimentary wifi daily, a 25-percent Specialty Dining discount, and a discount of $160 per person when pre-booking shore excursions.

Life Onboard

Celestyal Crystal was clean, comfortable, and well-staffed. Since our goal was to experience as much of Greece as we could, my husband and I didn’t spend many daylight hours onboard. But we thoroughly enjoyed our time on the ship during a couple of half-days at sea.

Our stateroom had a large window, which brought in ample daylight. Although the bathroom was tiny, it was designed to make the most of the small space.

The cabin had sufficient storage, an armchair with a small glass table, and what passed for a desk. There were few places to plug in our electronics, so we had to take turns. Since Journey underwent an extensive update and overhaul before joining Celestyal, these minor issues shouldn’t even exist today.

The amenities on Crystal were basic, but for the most part, more than adequate. The spa was heavenly, and I loved my relaxing massage. The calming music almost sent me to sleep, and when I stood up, I thought I would melt into the floor. It was that good.

As for wifi, it didn’t play well with our Apple phones and computers. while at sea. Sometimes, if we were running close enough to shore, we could pick up phone service. But, to be fair, I have yet to sail on a cruise ship – through Europe, the Caribbean, or anywhere else – that didn’t have abysmal wifi.

While onboard Crystal, we found more than enough to do. During the day, There were complementary Greek language lessons, instructions in Greek dancing, arts and crafts workshops, board games, sports activities, and more. We especially enjoyed the cooking demos featuring recipes for some of the dishes we were enjoying.

Entertainment

Most evenings after dinner, we found ourselves at the Cirque Fantastic performance.  This troupe of colorful circus artists and acrobats kept us enthralled for an hour.

Although we had no interest in gambling, Crystal had a casino for those who enjoy Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, and slot machines. For us, cozy bars and lounges, music, and conversation with fellow passengers made for a relaxing end to a full day.

An abundance of food seems to be the standard when it comes to cruising. Of course, the food has to be at least as scrumptious as it is plentiful. On our Celestyal cruise, this was definitely the case.

We were delighted that an open seating policy was applied in the main dining room. during the hours it was open, we could dine at whatever time and at whichever table suited us.

The buffet, which was open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, occasionally hosted themed dinners. My favorite was Seafood Night.

Every morning we began our day with breakfast at the buffet to make sure we were on time for our morning tours. The fresh-squeezed orange juice and custom-made omelets kept us going, even when we didn’t have time for lunch.

The Dining Room

Our evening meals in the main dining room turned out to be enchanting culinary experiences. The succulent dishes arrived at our table with a generous helping of charm and good humor from the well-trained, efficient staff.

During our cruise, we sampled a variety of familiar and new-to-us Mediterranean dishes. Long-time lovers of Greek food and Greek-owned restaurants, we found the food authentic and highly addictive. Every dish was a feast for the senses, eye-pleasingly arranged with aromas that called out, “Eat me.“ Of course, there were other options, but I can’t address them, because we couldn’t tear ourselves away from the Greek dishes.

The Greek Table Experience

Shortly before we took our cruise, Celestyal introduced The Greek Table, a specialty dining option featuring a signature Greek menu. The six-course culinary extravaganza was developed in partnership with Diane Kochilas, one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

Celestyal offers this menu, complete with wine pairings, for a supplemental charge in the specialty restaurant. The dishes feature local and regional ingredients from Celestyal’s ports of call. They reflect the healthful Mediterranean Diet, with many vegetarian, gluten-free, and/or vegan options.

Shore Excursions

Our Celestyal cruise stopped in six ports and we opted for a fascinating shore excursion in each. The guides were knowledgeable and entertaining and gave us insights we would not have found on our own.

We sailed from Athens to Thessaloniki, where we sampled Greek wines.

Then on to Kusadasi – our one stop in Turkey which was our gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus and an eye-opening visit to a Turkish carpet manufacturer.

Docking at Heraklion on Crete, we headed for a winery, where we sipped, snacked, and delighted in a demonstration of traditional music and dance.

The following day found us on the magical island of Santorini with its whitewashed blue-roofed houses clinging to the cliffs, the village of Oia on a clifftop that offered stunning views, and one-of-a-kind photo ops everywhere.

Mykonos may be a party isle for the glitzy and glamorous, but outstanding beaches, colorful architecture along Chora’s streets, iconic windmills, and friendly locals made us feel as if we were in a dream.

Milos, our final stop,  had the advantage of not being able to accommodate large cruise ships. It was uncrowded and teeming with natural wonders.

Keep in mind that although the ships are accessible and easy to navigate, ancient archeological sites generally are not. The people who coordinate the shore excursion for your cruise are knowledgeable, experienced, and caring. They can assist you in selecting the tours that will best meet your needs and interests.

Celestyal cruise ships visit a slue of other Greek islands, including Rhodes, Corfu, and Patmos. Like the food on Crystal, all the Greek islands we visited were highly addictive, leaving us hungry for more.

Authentic Encounters

Celestyal offers Authentic Encounters, a series of immersive and hands-on small-group excursions. These experiences enable participants to delve deeper into aspects that define a destination. Food, wine, art, archaeology, culture, and active adventures are among the possibilities from which to choose.

We participated in an Authentic Encounter on Mykonos, which allowed us to learn the history and skills involved in mosaic making. This ancient art form is one of the earliest still practiced today and is an integral part of Greek civilization and culture. Our Thessaloniki wine-tasting tour was also an Authentic Encounters experience.

Be sure to show your interest in booking one or more of the Authentic Encounters early, because the tours won’t run if there aren’t enough participants.

Tips To Get You Started

A cruise can be a life-altering adventure, whether you are a veteran cruiser or this will be your first time setting foot on a cruise ship. A little advanced planning can go a long way to making your cruise experience as hassle-free as possible:

• Make sure your passport is valid
• Research the best deals you can find on flights, transportation to your port of departure, and hotel rates
• Use your phone to photograph your documents and credit cards, as well as your suitcase
• Make sure at least one friend or relative has a copy of your itinerary
• Check with your doctor and/or pharmacy to ensure you have all the necessary medications to take with you on your cruise

If you have the time to spare, consider spending a few days before embarkation or after you disembark from your cruise ship to do some sightseeing on your own. We spent five glorious days in Athens before flying home and only wished we could have stayed longer.

Read More: 2 Days in Athens: How to See the Highlights

What to pack

When it comes to packing, less is more. Lay out the outfits you plan to bring with you, then put half of them away. Of course, this formula doesn’t work for everyone, but I at least try it every time I pack for a trip.

Along with your everyday clothes and undies, do pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals and/or flip-flops
• One “fancier” dress or outfit (even so-called formal evenings don’t have to be that formal)
• Layers – shawl, windbreaker, cardigan – because the ships are air-conditioned
• Canvas tote for shopping
• Enough medication to last your cruise plus a few extra days
• Small first aid kit
• Headphones or earbuds
• Reusable water bottle

Don’t pack:

• Toiletries, unless you have specific needs or preferences  (the ship provides them)
• Hair dryer (the ship provides that, too)
• Valuable jewelry
• Anything fragile or breakable

Best Time to Travel

Currently, Celestyal Cruises are available between April and the end of the year, but this may change in the future. Meanwhile, it’s best to avoid summer cruising if possible. The Mediterranean region is brutally hot in the summer. The summer of 2023 was so hot, that the Greek government had to stop people climbing the Acropolis in Athens because so many visitors were fainting from the intense heat.

Spring and fall are ideal times to cruise. Kids are in school, and crowds are thinner. Travel is less expensive, and the weather is more moderate.

Why Celestyal Is An Excellent Choice For Your Next Cruise

If you’re seeking comfortable accommodations, fabulous food, unique experiences, and smaller ships, all at a reasonable price, a Celestyal cruise is definitely worth considering. If you love history, art, and architecture, and are at least something of a foodie, you’re a lot like us, and our cruise could be your cruise.

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The towel Splendid is the cutest thing ever!

Splendid couldn’t understand why it fell apart when she tried to play with it.

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Review: Celestyal Journey

Reviewed by Rebecca Hall

What is the line? Celestyal Cruises

Name of ship? Journey

Passenger Occupancy? 1,260

Itinerary? Starting and finishing in Athens, the seven-night “Idyllic Aegean” sailing stops at Thessaloniki, Kusadasi (Turkey), Heraklion (Crete), and the Greek islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Milos.

Start out with the big picture–what is this cruise line known for?

If you’re looking for a company that knows its Greek islands and their accompanying cultural heritage inside and out, Celestyal is the cruise line for you. With immersive shore excursions and engaging onboard entertainment, the Greek cruise operator's mid-size ships are an intimate way to explore the Mediterranean.

Tell us about the ship in general:

The Journey is the third vessel in Celestyal's fleet, replacing the Crystal on the Idyllic Aegean route. The ship, previously named the Ryndam, was originally built for Holland America Line in 1994. Celestyal then purchased the vessel, which underwent a $21 million refurbishment in time for its maiden voyage in early September 2023.

Today, the ship boasts 630 staterooms, including 120 Junior Suites and 28 Grand Suites. There are seven specialty dining experiences including the private chef’s table, live cooking demonstrations, Asian cuisine at Pink Moon, juice and ice cream stations at Fig and Honey, fresh Mediterranean bites from Smoked Olive, and a Greek Deli. Eight bars and lounges, including a decadent champagne bar and indulgent wine cellar, round off the evening relaxation, while two pools (plus an entire deck dedicated to wellness) caters to daytime relaxation. Vintage 1920s decor is featured throughout the ship, with film star prints of Sophia Loren and the like, retro light fittings, and a grand central staircase.

Who is on board?

Celestyal caters to people of all ages traveling from a wide variety of countries, including the US, Eastern and Central Europe, Australia, and Argentina.

I found the cruise to be popular among groups of friends in their sixties and upwards, as well as mothers and daughters looking to spend quality time together. As a Greek company, Celestyal also attracts local families who are keen to explore their own backyard in an environment where they’re well catered.

Describe the cabins.

There are dozens of various suite categories on the Journey, spread across Decks 9 and 10. The Junior Dream Suites A, B, and C categories all have floor to ceiling sliding doors to their balconies and can sleep up to three people across twin beds and a sofa bed. At 226 square feet, my category B Junior Dream suite on Deck 9 was more than comfortable.

A more affordable option is to opt for the ship's exterior or interior staterooms, both at 204 square feet, which sleep up to 4 people in a mixture of upper, lower, and sofa beds. Exterior staterooms have portholes while the interior rooms have backlit curtains to mimic natural light. Both are perfect for solo travelers.

A step above these is the 377-square-foot Grand Dream Suite on Deck 10 with 2 lower beds, a double sofa bed, a panoramic window, balcony, a spacious bathroom, and a dressing room.

The pièce de résistance is the 947-square-foot Stargazer Exterior Penthouse Suite on Deck 10 with space for up to three guests. Both the Stargazer Suite and Grand Dreams’ have exclusive access to Rays, a secluded sunbathing and relaxation area—plus the Compass Lounge for private drinks.

Tell us about the crew.

The ship's 613 crew members took the time to greet every passenger by name and were always on-hand for any query. The Shore Excursion staff was particularly knowledgeable and helpful, making time to enquire about your interests and passions in order to recommend the best tour at each destination.

The Stargazer Suite and Grand Dreams have their own concierge on board, plus dedicated room stewards for a section of all other Dream Suites and Staterooms.

What food and drink options are available onboard?

For a mid-size ship, Journey has an impressive choice of dining and bar options, albeit no 24-hour room service. Its restaurants range from Mediterranean dining in the Thalassa restaurant to restaurants specifically reserved for those occupying suites; the Smoked Olive and Pink Moon. Both these restaurants offer the same menu choice as Thalassa, with additional options of Mediterranean bites at Smoked Olive and Asian cuisine at the Pink Moon.

A casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet is served on the upper deck at the Taverna. Guests can purchase regional ice creams at the Fig and Honey and Greek fast food such as souvlaki from the Greek Deli.

There’s an impressive seven bars on board, each with unique décor, though still keeping with the 1920s vibe. Choose from a quiet coffee bar, the Blue piano Bar and Lounge, or head to the Fizz Club if you’re a lover of cocktails and champagne. The Grapevine has an impressive selection of wine choices for the connoisseurs among you. The Compass is reserved for occupants of the Grand Dream and Stargazer Suites.

I personally loved finding a quiet hide away (which was never difficult) and sipping my signature cocktail as I watched the sea go by.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

The highlight of a cruise on the Journey is a visit to the Sozo Health Spa. Well-trained specialists treat you in one of seven treatment rooms, including a couple's room.

Choose from an impressive range of treatments such as an Ayurveda massage, regular full body massage, reflexology, or Shiatsu. Hot stone massages and Dead Sea exfoliation round up some of the other unique pampering options—just be sure to book in advance.

What about activities and entertainment?

There’s an impressive number of activities to choose from on board the Journey, ranging from Greek dance classes, mini lectures about a variety of regional specialties (for example, the health benefits of Greek herbs), an olive oil presentation, and basic Greek language classes.

Sports enthusiasts will love the morning yoga or Pilates classes (extra charge), and from 8 p.m. the evening entertainment starts to heat up. As well as the aforementioned bars featuring piano or live music, there’s mini-discos for young kids up to 12 years old, seventies-themed parties, and various adult discos.

Yet it’s the twice-nightly performance by resident Canadian artists Cirque Fantastic that takes the cake. Their impressive acrobatic show is typically scheduled for 9 p.m. then repeated at 10:30 p.m. in the ship's awe-inspiring auditorium.

How was the experience for families?

The Journey offers onboard activities for children and teens of all ages. While there's no water slides or go-karting track, Deck 12 is reserved for kids 5 to 12 years old. The Turtle Cave club offers artistic and educational games while the Shark club shows English cartoons and television shows. Kids under the age of three must be accompanied by an adult—currently, no babysitting is offered on board.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did any stand out?

On the Journey's first stop in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, I took an immersive tour that left me yearning to return. An excursion to the Ancient city of Ephesus from the Turkish port of Kusadasi and the Palace of Knossos in Crete are two sites worth reserving a tours of. I opted to explore Santorini and Mykonos on my own, taking in the beautiful views (of the former) and lively shops and nightlife (of the latter).

I'd also recommend booking the group tour of the smaller island of Milos, as it's less suited for solo exploration. Visit Sarakiniko beach, a famed moonscape of pure white stone, the ancient village of Plaka, and the Christian catacombs.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Celestyal as a company works closely with the local Greek community as part of their ethical business practices. For example, the company helps bring interactive exhibits from the Heraklion Museum in Athens to more remote areas of the Greek islands.

Anything we missed?

When eating in the Taverna buffet, you can't help but notice the impressive melon carvings—some of faces, others of various nature or sea scenes. There’s also the occasional ice sculpture in the dessert section. These are created by the onboard sculptor whose creates beautiful sculptures from various materials, a skill passed down through family generations. Check the daily itinerary, left in your room nightly, to watch the art come to life.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

Families and groups of friends will love this culturally immersive cruise with world-class wellness offerings.

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The places where Greeks like to eat. The secret coves that pirates chose as their hideaways. The myths that were born on our land and have never left.

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Our authentic experiences scratch deeper beneath the surface to take you closer to the heart of Greece. Expect the unexpected. Be ready to immerse yourself in a truly unique experience with local people, homegrown flavours, and stories passed down through the generations. You’ll leave with your own story to tell.

Experiences for just you and a few.

Greece’s soul is warm and relaxed, so that’s exactly what our authentic experiences capture. They are small group excursions that invite you to linger longer.

We set aside a limited number of spaces so that you get a more personalised experience. It does mean that you need to book quickly to secure your space. Remember to reserve your spot at least two weeks before you sail.

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• Foodie Heaven

When just a taste won’t do, our authentic excursions let you indulge. We take you off the tourist trail and to the local producers, where you explore the islands through your senses. Thyme infused honey? Give it a try. Silky custard pie? Go on then. The crispiest white wine from Santorini’s oldest winery. It would be rude not to! Savour the flavours and honour the people who keep Greece the wholesome place it is to this day.

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Greek islands are alive with colour, smells, sights and sounds. As we weave through the hidden cobbled streets and alleys, the sensory experiences will only become more intense. Feel history between your fingertips as you mimic ancient craftsmanship. Listen to the music and slower pace of life high up in the hills. See how the experiences move you.

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Venture off the well-trodden path and you’ll soon need equipment to help you explore. Thankfully, us Greeks don’t see that as a problem. Get kitted out with paddles, a snorkel mask, or hiking boots and you can unearth nature’s own stories. It will be just you and the purest blue waters, the wildflowers, and the ocean breeze.

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Incredible Aegean Cruise in the Greek Islands (Plus Honest Celestyal Cruises Review)

Posted on Published: June 7, 2023  - Last updated: September 19, 2023

It’s a bucket-list worthy adventure, cruising the Greek islands and the Aegean Sea! The vivid blue waters are met with unique flair that each destination has to offer. Whether you’re dreaming of visiting the blue domes in Santorini, amazing beaches in Milos or food scene in Crete, this Celestyal Cruises review of the Idyllic Aegean will help guide your next vacation!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Going on an Aegean cruise is a magical experience. Sounds cheesy, I know. But just think about those sparkling blue waters of the Aegean Sea, mixed with picturesque villages on the islands of Greece, plus adventures at every port.

If you’re considering an Aegean Sea cruise, or are wondering about Celestyal Cruises reviews, this is the guide for you!

Aegean Sea cruises can vary greatly. The size of the ships, which islands you visit and even which countries you’ll visit as part of your cruise. So many things to consider!

Aegean Cruise with Celestyal Cruises

First, let’s go over reasons you’d go on an Aegean cruise, then review what you can expect with Celestyal Cruises Greece.

In this guide you can expect:

🛳️Why and when to cruise the Aegean Sea 💲Pricing and how to make it budget-friendly 🏝️Aegean cruise itinerary 🇬🇷Celestyal Cruises review – ship experience ⚓️Greek island cruise (summary of each destination) ‼️Tips for first time cruisers 🧳What to pack for cruising Greek islands

This fabulous vacation is an amazing way to explore Greece and potentially the surrounding area. Let’s  get to some of the most commonly asked questions that will help you decide!

Why cruise the Aegean Sea?

Two words: it’s fabulous! 

In all honesty, taking an Aegean Sea cruise is the perfect way to get into cruising if you’ve never been. It’s also one of the best ways to explore the Greek islands!

You’ll get a taste of many destinations in Greece. If you’ve never been to Greece, this is one of the best ways to experience the islands. Check them each out for a day and see which is your favorite!

Santorini or Mykonos , Rhodes and Crete, Milos or Patmos – the list goes on! 

An Aegean Sea cruise will sometimes drop down south further into the Mediterranean Sea as well, making stops in Egypt, Cyprus and Israel. There’s truly so many options!

And as a bonus – every destination in the Aegean Sea is totally unique! It’s not like taking a Caribbean Cruise where so many islands look the same. Instead, you’ll get tons of personality with each destination you visit.

Aegean Sea map (Celestyal Cruises review itinerary)

If you’re still wondering where the Aegean Sea is exactly, here’s a map for a visual. It’s basically the northern part of the Mediterranean Sea between Greece and Türkiye (Turkey). Here were the stops on my cruise – more about the itinerary in a bit!

Use this Aegean Sea map to reference the destination details below.

When do cruises go to the Aegean Sea?

You can take an Aegean Sea cruise year-round. However, not all the destinations will be fully open and operational. The Greek islands are very seasonal, so even if the cruise company makes a stop, you may not be able to dine or shop at very many places.

The best time to do an Aegean Sea cruise is in the summertime. June through September offer the best months for weather. Plus you’ll see each destination completely open to tourism where the attractions, restaurants and activities are available to enjoy.

If you’re looking to avoid crowds during your Aegean cruise, I’d recommend cruising in May or September during the shoulder season. As a bonus – prices are typically better during these months, too.

Some companies do not operate during the winter. Celestyal Cruises offers slightly different stops in the wintertime. A popular option is the 3-continent cruise: Europe, Asia and Africa.

When to book an Aegean cruise with Celestyal Cruises Greece

Consider the time of year when you want to cruise. But basically you’ll want to book as far in advance as possible for the best pricing and room options. 

If you’re particular about which Greek islands to see or the room type you want during your Aegean Sea cruise, you’ll want to book the season before. If you’re less particular about the room type because you’re all about seeing sunshine in the summer, you could probably book in the springtime and be ok!

What does an Aegean Sea cruise cost?

This question is tricky to answer! There’s so many options from 4 days to 14 days – or longer! The room type and overall package options play a role, too.

I’ve seen some 4-night cruises for less than $500, which just seems like a spectacular deal based on the places you’ll go for that much. Celestyal Cruises offers great value for the money, considering you’re seeing the Greek islands, dining on board and have built-in accommodations.

Cruising Greek islands: standard pricing should include:

• Port charges
• Basic dining package
• On-board entertainment and activities

Sailing Aegean Sea: add-on pricing:

• Premium drinks package
• Wifi options
• Specialty dining options

Also check into the price of excursions and if gratuities are included, as these things can really add up! Later in the Celestyal Cruises review you’ll see their cruises all include gratuities , which is so nice!

If you’re cruising on a budget, consider reducing the number of nights, keeping excursions to a minimum or avoiding the premium food and drink options to keep pricing low.

What kind of excursions are on an Aegean sea cruise?

The possibilities truly seem endless! When sailing the Aegean Sea, it really depends where you go, which will determine which activities are available via excursion.

You’ll find food tours, archeological sites and other historical landmarks, religious sites and so much more to see during excursions! The Greek islands and nearby regions are pretty phenomenal to visit!

I’ll review the excursions I took with Celestyal Cruises in a bit. 🙂

Celestyal Cruises Review

First thing’s first, Celestyal Cruises is the only Greek cruise company. Other companies may come to Greece but it’s not the same authenticity. So in other words, if you’re considering the best cruise Greek islands, it’s a smart choice.

Cruise Greek islands highlights

There are too many individual moments to list in this guide. However, here were some of the best and unexpected highlights….

😳Stunning views from the balcony 🇬🇷Bucket-list destinations 😋Award-winning dining options 🌍Destinations I wouldn’t necessarily have chosen independently

And these are the details for the route I chose:

Idyllic Aegean, Celestyal Cruises

• Departure Port: Athens (Piraeus)

Celestyal Cruises is considered a medium sized cruise company. This means they carry around 1000 people, and are nimble enough to squeeze into smaller ports (like Milos). The Idyllic Aegean cruise was the perfect mix of culture, popular spots and lesser-known gems.

The cruise company felt really authentic and the staff and service was outstanding! More on that in a bit. 🙂 

Aegean Cruise itinerary

To say cruising the Greek islands with Celestyal Cruises was amazing is an extreme understatement!

Here’s the route and itinerary of the Celestyal Cruise Idyllic Aegean Sea:

• Athens (departure city)
• Thessaloniki
• Kusadasi (Türkiye/Turkey)

Each day is a new port and a new adventure! On this Celestyal Cruises review, it’s important to emphasize that one of the best things about choosing this company is the emphasis on the destination. 

Of course there’s plenty of on-board entertainment and amenities. But they really focus on the ports! With 10-12 hours or more at most destinations, you can really see a lot in that amount of time.

Celestyal Cruises reviews: ship experience

Not having ever been on a cruise before, I really didn’t know what to expect. But honestly, it was everything it needed to be and a really great time on board the ship!

Keeping in mind that Celestyal Cruises is a medium cruise company and their emphasis is on the itinerary and destinations, there are some things that really mattered. After all, you’re spending every night on the ship!

Celestyal Cruises staterooms (important while cruise Aegean Sea)

The cabins on board are comfortable and adequate. There’s obviously several stateroom options for your budget, too. I cruised in a junior suite, which included a balcony. And if you can swing it, I’d highly recommend!

Having a room with a balcony allows you to wake up and see the open ocean or port you’ve arrived in or check the weather outside without having to fully leave your room. You can also see sunrises or sunsets from the comfort of your room, or your robe on your balcony!

The junior balcony suites are a bit larger offering more room to spread out as well. 

There’s staterooms with windows and interior staterooms without windows as well. It all depends on your preference and budget which is the right room type for you.

Staterooms on the ship come with turndown service, offering a late night snack and the next day’s activities and itinerary, which is super helpful.

Since this is an honest Celestyal Cruises review, I’ll say the only thing that was lacking in the room was the size of the shower. It was really tight but manageable.

Restaurants on the ship

On a ship this size, you don’t actually need a ton of restaurant options, especially if you consider that you’ll be at port for most days. However, when you do eat on the ship just know there’s enough variety in meal choices.

The buffet is an easy choice for a quick breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can find snacking menus throughout the ship, offering just a handful of items like burgers, pizzas or sandwiches.

Fun fact: there can be as many as 140 nationalities on board a Celestyal Cruises ship at any given time, so they really do a great job of catering to a lot of cuisines, with Greek being in the forefront, of course!

Pro tip: if you want the classic restaurant experience, go early when they open (closer to 6:00pm or 6:30pm) or late after the dinner crowd (8:30pm or 9:00pm) to avoid the dinner rush. 

Of course you could always grab a cocktail at the bar while you wait as well!

The main restaurant and buffet do change their menu daily, which offers variety during the week considering there’s only a few restaurant options. Also consider eating at port the days when the ship leaves late.

My Greek Table – Celestyal Cruise review of the special dinner on board

If it’s available during your cruise and not sold out, I’d highly recommend the “My Greek Table” dining experience. With 6 delightful Greek foods plus an intermezzo, you’ll want to come hungry!

Our menu consisted of:

• Appetizer with 3 homemade dips: Syros maintanosalata, roasted tomato kopanisti and smoked eggplant caviar
• First course: Cretan Octopus carpaccio
• Second course: Aegean fisherman’s saffron avgolemono
• Third course: escallop of Aegean lobster, saffron jeweled pilafi
• Intermezzo: pappardelle of zucchini, marinated tomatoes and mint
• Fourth course: Kalogeros Terrine
• Fifth course: arugula, red onion, baked olives, grilled manure and pastell crumble
• Sixth course: Greek village cheese platter or floating Greek island in a wine-dark sea dessert

Oh my goodness don’t expect to eat it all. But you’ll really get a great taste of Greece during this authentic and spectacular dining experience!

Celestyal Cruises review: ship amenities and entertainment

Maybe by now you’re asking what you’ll do when you’re not at port and not sleeping. Well, there’s a pool and hot tub, which can be used at your leisure . The onboard spa services are a great way to get a little self care in while on the boat as well!

Once you’re on board the ship, sign up for a spa service before it’s booked up. From facials to massages, hot stone treatments to mud wraps, there’s a bit of everything!

Celestyal Cruises does a good job with providing other daily activities , like cooking demonstrations, wine and cheese tastings, ping pong tournament and much more. The ship can be a really peaceful experience to take a break and rest during a long day at port, too. Grab a book and sun on a deck, or people watch from the ship!

The nightly entertainment is also a hit when you’ve had dinner but you’re just not ready for sleep yet. There are typically two shows a night, an earlier performance and a later one. But if you want a great seat get there early because the lounge fills up fast since it’s such a popular spot!

You can also spend time in the casino, business center, fitness center or one of the other bars as well.

Service on board (honest Greek island cruise review)

One of the areas Celestyal Cruises excels is in their service. Every single service member and encounter exceeded my expectations. From the tour desk to the restaurant host, bartenders and tour guides, everything was truly fabulous.

It’s amazing how in just a week time the crew learned our names. We even hugged as we left the ship!

The Celestyal Cruises crew were so kind and authentic. Day in and day out, you really can appreciate the hard work they put in to make the experience so memorable!

Best cruise Greek islands: Celestyal Cruises Idyllic Aegean itinerary

Alright let’s get to the itinerary already! There arso many factors to consider when deciding if an Aegean cruise is right for you, and we’ve reviewed a whole lot of them. 

But one of the most fun parts of planning your trip is finding out more about each destination along the way! Let’s dive into what ports are included on the Idyllic Aegean Sea cruise , and what you can expect at each stop.

While it is possible to board the ship from other ports, most people embark and disembark in Athens. Being the largest city in Greece, there are multiple cruise ports. The Celestyal Cruises uses the Piraeus port.

Boarding the ship is easy! Once you’re on board, you can enjoy lunch or dinner and check out the amenities of the ship. This is a great chance to unpack your things too – one of the benefits of cruising is not having to move your stuff the whole week!

If you happen to embark at another location, Celestyal Cruises offers several 1/2 day tours within Athens. See the Acropolis and Parthenon , the Acropolis Museum, take a food tour, and so much more!

Athens is a great city and you can truly spend a lot of time there, soaking up the sights. It’s easy to fill 2 days in Athens , or even more. But if you’re cruising, the day at port is just enough time to just get a taste of Athens before boarding the ship again!

Thessaloniki (your first stop on your Celestyal Cruises Greece trip)

Pronunciation: theh-suh-low-nee-kee

Thessaloniki is the 2nd largest city in Greece. Located in Northern Greece, and being from the US, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect in this city. It’s not a region I was familiar with prior to planning this trip to Greece.

Thessaloniki is a fun port city built right on the water. Most everything you’ll want to see in a day is within walking distance of the port. 

Celestyal Cruises offers 1/2 day tours within the region. Learn about the impact Alexander the Great had on the city, visit a Greek winery, go on a food tour or see the city’s highlights.

My husband and I chose to walk the city and experience the local flair on our own. Some 20,000 steps later, I can say we saw a lot of the city!

Thessaloniki highlights:

• Climbing White Tower – the city’s iconic landmark near the sea.
• Museum of Byzantine Culture for incredible history and artifacts.
• Walking through the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, nestled in the heart of town.
• Seeing the Alexander the Great Statue and learning about his history in Thessaloniki.

One of the most fun things I witnessed in Thessaloniki was the way they built the city around the ancient ruins. You’d be walking down a street between buildings and all of a sudden it opens up to an ancient ruin thousands of years old. Reminds me of a perfect Rome itinerary where you have the right mix of history, food and culture in a city. So cool.

Kusadasi, Türkiye (an Aegean cruise delight)

Pronunciation: KOOSH-ah-dah-suh

On this Celestyal Cruises review, this was the only spot that my cruise went that was not in Greece. It honestly wasn’t on my travel bucket list , but I’m so glad I experienced it!

Kusadasi is a port city in Türkiye (Turkey), home to amazing culture, food and history. The shining star of the region is Ephesus, part of the Izmir province and just 45 minutes drive from the port. It’s actually the most well-preserved ancient city in the country.

Kusadasi is the shortest stop on the Idyllic Aegean cruise (6 hours), so my husband and I enjoyed a tour through Celestyal Cruises for this port city. Our tour focused on the ancient city of Ephesus . 

We also visited the House of the Virgin Mary, which the Vatican recognizes as a holy place where Mary spent her final years.

Bonus: if you’re taking a cruise with your family, Kusadasi is home to amazing water parks, and you can take an excursion through Celestyal Cruises during the summer months to the water parks.

Visiting Ancient Ephesus (one of the surprise activities while sailing Aegean Sea)

This ancient city is incredible! It’s home to so many structures. Ephesus is not as well kept as Parthenon in Athens, for example, but it’s still a work in progress! When you first walk through there’s quite a bit of columns and piles of ruins. It’s hard to tell what most of it was, except for the signage and tour guide.

As you go in further you can see more structures and detail. The most impressive part of Ephesus is the library . It was the 3rd largest library in the world at the time it was built, with approximately 12,000 books (scrolls).

The city of Ephesus was approximately 240,000 people and an estimated 80% of it is still uncovered. 🤯

It’s truly amazing much of today’s world began in ancient times. The symbol for medicine – carved here. The Goddess Nike herself has a statue here as well.

The theatre is one of the most well preserved landmarks in Ephesus, with reconstruction, of course. It’s actually kept in relatively good shape, and some classic musicians like Elton John and Sting have played concerts there. The theatre holds 24,000 people. They open it up just once a year for concerts to the public.

Buying Turkish rugs

One of the stops on the tour was to see the culturally significant Turkish rugs. A timeless tradition in Turkey, and one they’re really proud of. 

Our tour learned how they use the cocoon to grab silk and create thread. They get up to 1 mile of silk per cocoon! We saw the process of weaving the rugs using the loom, and stunning creations created in this small Turkish town.

During the tour, they serve you Turkish wine (white and red) and Raki, which is the official drink in Turkey . It tastes like ouzo or black licorice, so wasn’t my personal favorite!😜

By the way, Turkish rugs can be several varieties of fabric including wool, cashmere and silk. Because you’re paying a salary for a weaver (or multiple), they can be quite pricey. Consider adding this to your vacation budget when visiting Kusadasi!

Crete, Greece (one of my favorite stops on an Aegean cruise)

Fun fact: Crete is the largest island in Greece, and the 5th largest in the Mediterranean Sea. So although this is an Aegean Sea cruise, you’re technically dipping down into the Mediterranean Sea for a day!

With 11 hours at port, you’ll have a lot of time to explore. The Idyllic Aegean cruise arrives at the Heraklion port, in the north-central part of the island. 

Compared to the Cyclades, which are the other island stops on this itinerary, this island has a much different personality. An organized tour through Celestyal Cruises can take you through ancient ruins, a lifestyle experience where you’ll see the countryside and dancing, through a walking food tour and more.

My husband and I rented a car and road-tripped through the island. Visiting the most underrated beaches on the southern side of Crete, it’s such a picturesque place!

The island is so large, you’ll see huge mountains which get snow during the winter, and stunning beaches all on the same landscape! The island is home to olive groves and open land where you’ll see far more sheep than people!

Crete, Greece is such an interesting island. You’ll definitely want to explore it while on your cruise!

Santorini (a classic destination on this Celestyal Cruises review guide)

It’s the most popular Greek island by far, and on a travel bucket list for so many people! Santorini was the mid-way point on our Aegean Sea cruise, and one island we won’t soon forget!

A few things you should know about visiting Santorini:

• It’s super busy . Get off the boat early to maximize your time before the crowds really set in. And expect lots of people, especially in the high season (June-August).
• Santorini is actually on a caldera. The island is on a giant rock, and you’ll need to go up that rock to see anything.
• Your Aegean cruise will use tender boats to get you from the cruise ship to the island . There’s no actual port, so the ship is just docked at sea and you’re transferred on smaller boats.
• It’s the 2nd most expensive Greek island. Expect to pay more for food and cocktails when you’re on the island.

Once you’re on the island, the town of Oia (pronounced ee-uh) is the most popular spot. It’s where you’ll find the blue dome churches and excellent sunset views.

Oia is also where the crowds are so thick you can barely walk through the narrow streets. Just prepare yourself!

Celestyal Cruises offers several tour excursions, most of them including Oia. You could also do a wine tour or visit ancient ruins. There’s seriously so much history in Greece it’s incredible!

Santorini highlights:

• Picturesque blue domed churches in Oia.
• Village of Imerovigli for less crowds and great views.
• Shopping in Fira, the gateway to and from the island for cruise ships.
• Sunsets in Imerovigli or Oia. Just be sure to make dinner or cocktail reservations for the best views.

Pro tip: plan to spend the day on the island. Most cruises wrap up early afternoon, and the line to get on the gondola to back to the boat can be hundreds of people deep. Alternatively, you can walk the 600+ steps down to the tender boats from Fira.

Pro tip #2: plan to pay for toilet tissue at public restrooms, or bring your own along with you. Most restaurants are free of course.

The overnight path from Santorini to your next stop is so brief, you can soak in the nightlife in Santorini considering the ship doesn’t leave until after midnight! One of these Santorini beach bars would be perfect for the evening.

Since this is an honest Celestyal Cruises review, I’ll say that Santorini was my least favorite stop. I’m certainly glad I saw this iconic island, but it was far too touristy for me (and I didn’t even go during peak season!) I’m glad I went but likely won’t plan to go back to Santorini.

Known as the party island, Mykonos has a personality bigger than life! One of the most picturesque islands due to the white streets, village alleyways and colorful shops, Mykonos is a fun island to visit.

Mykonos is the 2nd most popular island in Greece, and the most expensive island.

Celestyal Cruises Greece offers a few excursion options in Mykonos, the most popular being a 1/2 day trip to Delos , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Delos is one of the most important archeological sites in Greece, only behind the Parthenon and Mount Olympia.

My husband and I had visited many other archeological sites in Greece, so we opted for the Mykonian countryside tour with Chora and Little Venice with Celestyal Cruises. Off the beaten path, we visited the small town of Ano Mera Village then the popular Windmills of Mykonos as well as some other popular spots.

Mykonos highlights:

• Walking the pedestrian-only streets in Mykonos Town.
• Seeing Little Venice and the Windmills of Mykonos.
• Beach hopping to Kalafati and Paradise Beach.

Fun fact: this review of Celestyal Cruises lists yet another reason why it’s such a great option for cruising the Greek islands. The mid-sized ship is able to dock at the port, instead of utilizing tender boats like many of the mega sized cruise ships. This makes it more convenient to go back and forth from the boat to the town as needed.

You can have another late night in Mykonos if you desire. The trip from Mykonos to Milos isn’t very long, so the boat leaves really late at night and you can visit the bars and restaurants into the night hours.

Milos (a gem while cruising Aegean Sea)

One of the most underrated Greek islands is Milos! The island doesn’t have the capacity to disembark the volume of passengers from large cruise ships, so visiting Milos during your Celestyal Cruises Greece truly feels like a secret.

This island has a natural feel, and is way more laid back than the previous 2 days in Mykonos and Santorini. It’s a fresh break if you don’t love crowded places!

On Milos, I highly recommend you either rent a car for the day or take a tour from Celestyal Cruises. The island itself isn’t as walkable as Mykonos and doesn’t have the public transportation structure of Santorini.

Organized tours through Celestyal Cruises include visiting beaches, historical or religious tours. My husband and I rented a car and explored the beaches on the island – and actually ran into a tour bus from the ship!

Having visited beaches all over the world like the best beaches in Thailand , Flamenco Beach in Culebra Puerto Rico , the beaches of Manuel Antonio Costa Rica and so many more, I can honestly say Milos had way better beaches than Santorini or Mykonos, in my opinion.

Milos highlights:

• Exploring the beaches and tunnels at Sarakiniko.
• Hiking to the Plaka Castle and seeing the incredible panoramic views.
• Plathiena Beach, which was a ghost town before the summer crowds set in.
• Tsigrado & Fyriplaka Beaches on the south side of Milos.

You’ll definitely want to visit Sarakiniko, aka Moon Beach. With over 70 beaches on the island, this is the most popular. The white rock formations from volcanic ash create the most stunning coastline. In contrast to the bright blue waters of Greece, it’s truly stunning!

You’ll want water shoes on this day, as it’s much easier to walk around Sarakiniko with these grippy shoes , and it will protect your feet from rocks and shells on some of the other beaches.

Milos is one of the best stops on your Aegean cruise for beaches, and one of the best Greek islands for couples !

Celestyal Cruises review: back to Athens

That wraps up the 7 nights on the Idyllic Aegan cruise with Celestyal Cruises! There’s truly so much variety during a cruise Greek islands. Each destination was unique, interesting and worthy of a stop!

Whether you’re dreaming of the iconic photos of Santorini, looking for some culture in Kusadasi or beach-hopping in Milos, there’s truly something for everyone!

And the extra bonus is that by selecting excursions through Celestyal Cruises that pique your interest, each cruise will have a customized experience to your personal preferences.

With such major airport in Athens, cruising with Celestyal Cruises is really accessible, too. If you’re coming in and departing from Athens, be sure to spend at least 2 days in Athens exploring all the most popular sights!

Let’s cover a few more tips before wrapping up this guide.

Tips for first time cruisers

If this is your first cruise – congratulations for taking the leap! There’s no right or wrong way to travel – and cruising is a fun option to see new destinations.

You’ll wake up each morning in (or on the way to a new place), and only have to pack up once. So convenient! Here are a few tips to make the most of your experience.

• Book your excursion early. After you get settled on the boat, go to the tour desk and sign up for your excursion, if you don’t do it prior to boarding. Depending on season and popularity, you may have to choose your #2 choice as well.
• If you’ve ever had motion sickness, prepare yourself adequately. Over the counter medicines can be helpful. I absolutely loved my motion sickness bracelet . I get really bad motion sickness and this helped most of the trip. Just two nights I had to layer Dramamine on top because the sea was especially rocky.
• Be sure to plan your day to be back at the port early. Celestyal Cruises allows passengers to board up to 30 minutes before they depart. You certainly don’t want to push your luck there!
• Take advantage of laundry service on the boat. Don’t worry about packing 7 full outfits if you don’t want to. Laundry service is quick and relatively inexpensive.
• Carry cash with you. Although most places take credit cards, there were some restaurants and shops that only accepted euro.

Things to pack for a Greek island cruise

Depending on the time of year you take your cruise, your packing list will vary. But these essentials should come with you on your cruise!

• Sun hat. Protect yourself from the sun whether you’re walking the streets of Mykonos or lounging on a beach in Crete.
• Sunscreen. You’re going to need it in Greece! Anytime you’re in or near the ocean, be sure to use mineral sunscreen to protect marine life. Chemicals in traditional sunblocks kill the reefs and the marine life that relies on it.
• Water shoes. Not all Greek beaches are created equal and most of them are rocky, not soft sand. This is my favorite pair of water shoes that literally travels the world with me and they’re great for light hikes, too!
• Comfortable walking shoes. Cobblestone streets and thin sandals are not a good combination. I loved these simple white shoes – and bonus, they washed up easily after walking through rain puddles in Milos.
• Umbrella. Carry a mini one with you if the weather calls for rain.
• Power bank and cord . One of the great things about long days at port is that you’ll get to see a lot! But plan for your phone battery to need a recharge.
• GoPro. Take excellent underwater photos and videos! Plus, it’s great for smooth videos as you’re walking. You can see me carrying my GoPro in the photo in Kusadasi, above.
• Comfortable shoulder bag. It’s popular in Greece for men and women to carry a shoulder bag for money and other essentials. This is the bag I carried everywhere around Greece!
• Cash. As previously stated, not every business accepts credit cards. Have cash on hand just in case.
• US-Europe adapter plug. If you’re from the US, you’ll definitely need this. 🙂

During summer you’ll want a swimming suit and over winter you’ll want extra layers. Check the weather before you go and try not to overpack!

Celestyal Cruises review of the Aegean Cruise – that’s a wrap!

Well, are you so ready to book a tour? After reviewing why Aegean cruises are amazing and details around a Celestyal Cruise, is it clear yet it’s time to book?

There’s so many itinerary options with Celestyal Cruises. Honestly, I was looking at the 4-night cruise, but I’m so glad I went on the 7-night Idyllic Aegean cruise.

I personally think visiting multiple islands in a day isn’t enough – it would leave me begging for more! With a 7 day cruise you really get to see and experience a lot. Go at your own pace and get back to the ship earlier if you please!

Questions about the cruise? Drop them in the comments below!

Related content to read next: Mykonos vs Santorini: Which is the PERFECT Greek Island for You? 29 Best Greek Islands for Couples You’ll Love (Romance, Beaches, Adventure + More) AMAZING 2 Days in Athens Itinerary You’ll Love (+ Map & Tips for First Timers)

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Thank you to Celestyal Cruises for hosting me! As always, all opinions are my own.

Tuesday 8th of August 2023

Hi Nikki, I'm going on this cruise in few weeks so this is super helpful! I have few questions: 1. For the “My Greek Table” dining experience, can I book this before the cruise or has to be when we're already on the ship? 2. Is the "Water Package" really worth it? Thanks for all this amazing information. I feel so ready now ;-) Best!

Thursday 10th of August 2023

Oh yay! I'm so glad you found this helpful. For the Greek Table experience - I wasn't able to book it in advance (you can check for your dates online) but there was plenty of availability the first day on the ship. I will caveat that with I boarded in Athens, which has the most people transitioning, so if you're boarding between Athens and the night they hold the tasting, it may be more booked up. Just make sure after you find your room to head to the reception to book it! I'm not really sure what you mean by water package? I'm not familiar with the term. Could you expand and I can provide info if I can!

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

I've never thought about doing an Aegean cruise but it actually looks ideal. There is so much to see on the Greek islands and western Türkiye (I agree that Ephesus is incredible!) and a cruise would make that easy.

Thursday 15th of June 2023

Yes yes yes Melanie! It's such a great way to explore the region!

This cruise looks amazing. I like the smaller size of the ship. I would also be interested in cruises that touch down to Egypt and Israel.

Oh you'd love it then, Rhonda! Sounds like an Aegean cruise with Celestyal Cruises might be in your future! 💙

Sunday 11th of June 2023

I have never been on a cruise and would love to experience it at least once. The Aegean cruise sounds like a great idea. Since I would like to explore the Greek islands, it might be a good idea to tick two things simultaneously!

Monday 12th of June 2023

Yesss Mayi! Time to book that trip to check them off.✅ Such an incredible experience.

I have yet to go on my first cruise, somehow I have been a bit prejudiced that you are "stuck" on a ship! Obviously, that is not the case - this looks awesome!

Oh yes Hege! You'd love it. I think it really depends on the cruise too. I definitely didn't feel stuck!! Maybe a Greek island cruise with Celestyal is on your horizon soon 💙

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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Foodie Cruise - What Cruise Line Has the Best Food?

C ruise lines are notorious for feeding their passengers A LOT of food. I don’t think you’ve ever heard anyone complain they got hungry on a cruise, right? But as a foodie, quality goes over quantity. Sometimes quality goes out the window when you are trying to feed thousands of people and only have a small galley kitchen. So if you love food, you might wonder: What Cruise Line has the best food? Is there something like the “Ultimate Foodie Cruise?”

I have been on my fair share of cruises in various regions of the world, and as a self-proclaimed foodie, tasty meals are high up my list of things that make or break a vacation. Sometimes, food is the reason for me to travel in the first place. I’ve literally flown to the other side of the world to try a specific dish (Laksa noodle soup in Singapore, and it was worth it FYI).

Over the years, I have had some great meals on cruise ships, innovative menus that focus on fresh ingredients, and dishes that showcase the region and offer something that pleases whether you want to indulge or eat a more health-focused meal.

And these meals were on two different cruise lines, in two different countries, and two very different kinds of ships: A Greek Island cruise with Celestyal Cruise Line and a Barge Cruise in the French Champagne with European Waterways . I wrote all about the delicious food on my river cruise here: Food Travel – Mastering the Art of French Eating on a Barge Cruise . If you are a foodie, these two cruise lines should be on your cruise bucket list. But what makes these cruise lines so perfect for foodies?

Let’s dive a little deeper into why Celestyal is one of my top recommendations for a Foodie Cruise, shall we?

Celestyal Cruise

This Greek Island cruise was actually the second time I have cruised with Celestyal Cruise Line. My first trip was a fabulous 3-Continent Cruise with stops in Egypt, Israel, Turkey, and Greece. I was already impressed by the delicious food we had on board then, but in the past four years, Celestyal has even further improved its food offerings and dining experiences. Here are a few of the things that make Celestyal Cruises perfect for foodies:

Authentic Excursions: Small-Group Food and Wine Tasting Tours

Celestyal offers a new line of excursions in each port of call. These “Authentic Excursions” are small group tours that dive a little deeper and let you experience the destination in a little less touristy way. And in most places, Celestyal offers food tours, cooking classes, or wine-tasting tours that will be a perfect fit for any foodie.

On my recent trip around the Aegean islands, I did a food tour in Thessaloniki, a wine tasting in Santorini , and another food tour in Mykonos . They were all fantastic, and I highly recommend them. We got to try local delicacies, experience various restaurants and wineries, and also got a little insight into how the food and wine is produced. Did you know that in Santorini , the grape vines are grown on the ground in a nest-like shape? The Greek island is so windy that the wind would damage the vines if they were grown in the traditional upright way. Fascinating, isn’t it?

Blue Zone Diet Menu

The Mediterranean diet is known as one of the healthiest diets to follow. Greece is home to one of the five so-called “Blue Zones” in the world, with an exceptionally high number of centenarians. More than just a diet consisting of mainly fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, little meat, and fish, the blue zone diet is a lifestyle of low stress and incorporating movement into an active lifestyle. Most people in these areas don’t “work out” per se; rather, they get their exercise by gardening, walking to run errands and visiting friends and family nearby, and spending time outside.

Celestyal offers a “Blue Zone” dish on its menu every night, which offers a healthy and tasty option. I had several of them during my cruise, and each was absolutely fantastic. According to Executive Chef Alan Noel Bonchol, guests are really drawn to the Blue Zone Diet option on the menu, and have become a popular addition to the cruise menu.

My favorite blue zone meal was the “Gigantes”: huge fava beans cooked in a savory, tangy tomato sauce. The sauce was so flavorful, with lots of Mediterranean herbs, onions, and lots of olive oil. And then the beans. The fava beans were cooked to perfection. The inside was so creamy and a perfect mix with the chunky sauce. And, of course, it was drizzled with the most flavorful Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Greece. It is not a fancy dish, more like a peasant food. But who cares if it is good AND healthy? Simple, but delicious!

The Greek Table Experience 6 Course Tasting Menu

One of my favorite nights on board the Celestyal Crystal was the Greek Table Experience . This 6-course fine dining tasting menu was created by celebrity chef Diane Kochilas. She is the queen of Greek cooking, with 18 cookbooks, an award-winning travel cooking show about Greece, and a passion for Greek food that she translated into a fantastic menu.

We started off with a selection of 3 delicious dips: Smoked Eggplant Caviar (eggplant with tahini, walnuts, and grape syrup), Roasted Tomato Kopanisti (roasted tomato with goat cheese and herbs), and Syros Maintanosalata (parsley pesto with capers). Sooo good, but we had to pace ourselves… so many tasty things were yet to come…

The first course was one of my favorites: Octopus Carpaccio drizzled with an ouzo-citrus vinaigrette. The octopus was cut paper thin and melted in my mouth. Paired with a light and refreshing Assyrtico/Sauvignon Blanc blend, it was a nice and refreshing start to the meal.

The second course followed the citrus-seafood combination with a delicious Seafood Avgolemono soup. Avgolemono soup is the Greek equivalent of homemade chicken soup, a favorite comfort food made with chicken, seafood, or veggies paired with a delicious lemony broth. Seeing such a comfort food dish elevated to a fine dining experience was a great way to experience what Greek food is all about: simple food and high-quality ingredients that speak for themselves.

Our third course was lobster tail on a bed of safron-infused rice pilaf with pistachios, almonds, and peas and a Greek yogurt & Mayonnaise dip with Kalamata olives. I loved the lobster and rice but did not care for the dip too much.

Next up, we enjoyed a little palate cleanser dish of zucchini pappardelle with tomatoes and pine nuts in a refreshing minty vinaigrette.

The 4th course was a beautifully presented terrine of beef loin and eggplant, tomatoes, and sheep’s milk cheese, with a side of potatoes. The thin beef was so tender and juicy – absolutely divine.

Our next course was a refreshing arugula salad with grilled and crumbled local cheeses dressed with delicious Greek olive oil and aged balsamic. It was new to me to have a salad so “late” into the menu, but I loved it. After so much food, having something a little lighter at the end was nice.

The final course was a choice of a cheese platter or a sweet dessert. My niece and I both chose the sweet treat, as its description sounded so intriguing: “Floating Greek Island in a Wine-Dark Sea

Rose Geranium-infused Fruit Soup & Meringues”. And it tasted as delicious as it sounds. Yum, what a way to finish off this delicious meal.

Restaurants/Buffet on Board

Of course, we also enjoyed plenty of meals at the Buffet and in the restaurants on board. The food options and service were fantastic.

Our favorite was the special buffet for cruisers with a suite. It was smaller than the regular buffet, but it had all the same things. The atmosphere was so much calmer and more relaxing. Definitely a big benefit of having a suite! My niece and I really enjoyed our breakfasts there every morning. What a great way to start the day.

For dinner, we switched a few times between the two restaurants on board. Both were really good, and the menu was the same. Speaking of the menu. I loved the mix of local dishes, blue zone diet options, and fancy upgrades, such as surf and turf or dry-aged steaks. We could choose between 3-4 appetizers, 3-4 main courses, 1-2 blue zone meals, 3 steak dinners (at an additional cost), and 2-3 dessert options each night.

My favorite all week was the duck à l’orange and the mango sorbet. The duck was cooked perfectly, and the mango flavor was so intense it instantly brought me back to Thailand, where I enjoyed mango sticky rice almost every day. Sooo good.

Any meal is only as good as the service around it, don’t you think? And the service onboard the Celestyal Crystal was fantastic. The waiters were always friendly, made excellent recommendations, and fast. They asked about our day and experiences off the ship and ensured we had everything we needed (and more, like extra appetizers or desserts).

Cooking Class on Board

Another must-do cruise activity for foodies is the cooking demonstration, where we were shown how to make traditional tzatziki and seafood saganaki. It was fun to watch the chef live and get helpful tips for making the dishes at home.

On my previous Celestyal cruise, we had a Shrimp Saganaki presentation, and you can read the whole article (and recipe) here.

Celestyal definitely is a great cruise line to choose if food is an important part of why you travel. As a travel writer, I often get the question: “What Cruise Line Has the Best Food?” And I always recommend Celestyal Cruise Line.

Maria joined a Press Trip sponsored by  Celestyal Cruise Line  to experience the 8-day Greek Island Cruise Idyllic Aegean and European Waterways for an 8-day Barge Cruise in the Champagne . to write this article. This invitation did not influence her opinion and review of the cruise, tours, meals, and places mentioned in this article.

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All fares are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy, and reflect promotional savings, are for new bookings only, are subject to availability, and must be booked by September 1, 2019. Promotional savings in categories F-B on the December 21st sailing and categories C-D on the December 27th sailing only. *Included roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco is based on availability in class of service. Offer may be combined with applicable 3rd guest in stateroom offer but may not be combinable with other offers. Port, security, and handling charges of $149 per person are additional. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Call for details. Ship’s registry: Bahamas.