celestyal cruise 2023

• Agent Login
• Manage Booking

• Marketing Tools
• Agent Booking
• United States ($)
• +1 (877) 337-4665

Celestyal Launches New Choice-driven Pricing Model & Itineraries for 2023-24

Moves to reposition itself as flexible, destination immersive company with more freedom of choice.

ATHENS, GREECE (October 7, 2022) – Celestyal the award-winning, number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Mediterranean, is introducing a new pricing model and 2023-24 itineraries that go deeper and stay longer in the destinations it visits. Following feedback from guests and its valued travel advisor partners, Celestyal will provide guests with more choice and a new, two-tiered pricing model. The entry-level, “inclusive” fare offers complimentary dining and select drinks with meals, entertainment, daily activities, port charges and gratuities. This entry level fare also comes with a pre-bookable shore excursion discount of $80, per person. For those wishing to upgrade their experience, Celestyal offers an “enhanced” tier with an unlimited premium drinks package, daily hour of complimentary Wi-Fi, 25 percent discount on Specialty Dining and a pre-bookable shore excursion discount of $160, per person. There are also several additional commission earning opportunities for travel advisors and discounts for guests pre-booking various drink and shore excursions packages. “Inclusive” experiences will start as low as $339, and “Enhanced” vacations begin at $479. Celestyal Expands Shore Time in Santorini and Mykonos; Introduces New “Legendary” Voyages to Montenegro, Turkey and Corfu, Kos, Chios and Samos in Greece In response to guests desire to spend more time in the marquis islands of Santorini and Mykonos, Celestyal is pleased to announce that on its popular seven-night Idyllic Aegean itinerary it will now arrive early morning in Santorini for an extended whole-day opportunity to explore this unique destination, along with late departures in both Mykonos and Santorini. In addition, this itinerary will visit Thessaloniki, Crete (Heraklion), Milos in Greece and Kusadasi (Ephesus) in Turkey. To further position itself as an immersive, multi-destination-focused company, Celestyal will continue its tradition of introducing travelers to undiscovered destinations not visited by other cruise lines. In 2024, Celestyal will launch its new, five-night “Legendary Aegean” itinerary visiting Santorini, Rhodes and reintroducing Samos in Greece and Istanbul in Turkey . Samos is an island steeped in legend and natural beauty, the home of the father of mathematics, Pythagoras, the astronomer, Aristarchus and the philosopher, Epicurus, and is also known for its sweet Muscat wine. Prices start at $549. The four-night “Legendary Aegean” calls upon Chios, Kos and Mykonos as well as Istanbul. New destinations on this itinerary include Chios and Kos . Chios is a hidden treasure in the Aegean, known best for its Masticha Trees, which produce the famed mastic spice, used in the production of liqueurs and desserts. The spice has been grown in Chios since the Seventh Century A.D., and the island has received a special “designation of the origin” as a result. Kos is known for is pristine sandy beaches and rich Greek and Roman history and landmarks. Each of the new Legendary Aegean itineraries can also be enjoyed as open-jaw sailings between Istanbul and Athens for the first time, allowing guests to take advantage of significant and affordable air links to Turkey from North America. This new itinerary starts at $459. The five-night “Legendary Ionian” visits Kotor in Montenegro along with Corfu and Crete (Chania Souda) . Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. It is characterized by winding streets and a medieval old town with Romanesque churches and charming squares. Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations, with a multi-cultural heritage, historic monuments, stunning natural landscape and crystal-clear waters. Chania is the second largest city of Crete and boasts an historic Venetian walled city. Prices on the new five-night Ionian itinerary start at $549. For guests who wish to stay longer and explore more, Celestyal will offer various combinations ranging from nine to 14-nights such as the “Legendary Aegean & Ionian” itinerary visiting Santorini, Rhodes, Samos, Chios, Kos, Corfu, Crete (Chania Souda) and Mykonos in Greece, Istanbul in Turkey and Kotor in Montenegro. Prices start at $1799 for 14-nights. “We are in constant communication with our guests and our valued travel advisor partners, and they have shared with us a desire for more flexibility and customization. We also know that our core guest is more of an explorer and true traveler,” said Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Leslie Peden. “In response to this feedback we are charting a new course for Celestyal next year with a flexible pricing model that gives guests more choice and freedom in creating a truly customized vacation experience. We are also reimagining our positioning, itineraries and shore excursion experiences to be aligned with the expectations of our guests, which is none other than to immerse themselves in the destinations we serve. Being a local expert underscores our depth of destination knowledge and itineraries that take travelers to the hidden gems of the Mediterranean and stay longer in these wonderful locations so guests touring our part of the world can truly enjoy them to their fullest.” Celestyal Also Returns to Egypt and Israel with “Three Continents” Itinerary; Features “Steps of Paul” Itinerary and Special Holiday Voyages In 2023, Celestyal returns with its “Three Continents” seven-night itinerary calling on Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Cyprus. Prices start at $679. The “Steps of Paul “seven-night itinerary also returns in the fall of 2023 and visits Thessaloniki, Kavala and Patmos in Greece along with Istanbul, Dikili and Kusadasi in Turkey. Prices start at $1289. This will be followed by an exclusive holiday sailing, in 2023 the 19-night Christmas special sailing calling on Thessaloniki, Volos, Rhodes and Crete (Greece), Izmir, Kusadasi, Antalya, Istanbul (Turkey), Limassol (Cyprus), Alexandria (Egypt) and an overnight visit in Haifa (Israel) to spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the “Holy Land.” Pricing on this itinerary starts at $2,259. This can also be split into eight- or 11-night itineraries. In fall 2024, we will also see the return of the seven-night “Eclectic Aegean” itinerary which calls upon Istanbul, Kavala, Thessaloniki, Volos and Santorini, and this itinerary is priced starting at $679. It will also be featured a 14-night special holiday voyage including calls on Egypt, Haifa (Israel), Limassol (Cyprus), Rhodes (Greece), Volos (Greece), Thessaloniki (Greece), Istanbul (Turkey), Kavala (Greece) and Syros in Greece. Prices start at $1799. This voyage can be spit in to a seven-night itinerary. For more information visit https://wave.celestyal.com/us/ , contact your travel agent or call  +1.877.222.7405.

Celestyal membership groups

Our 2023-2024 brochure has arrived! Download your very own to start planning your Celestyal experience.

Receive Special Offers

Thank you for requesting a quote about the amazing cruises we have on offer at Celestyal Cruises.

Our team are looking into your request and will be in touch within 2 working days. We are confident you will not be disappointed!

Thank you your enquiry.

This has been sent to our team of experts and we will be in touch shortly. If you have any further questions please contact us on

Back to Celestyal

Privacy Overview

Begin with the tour of your brochure

Explore the Mediterranean as you flick between the pages of our 2023-2024 Cruise Brochure. Where will your journey take you?

Language United States Argentina Australia Balkans Canada Chile Colombia English (INT) English (UK) EU France Germany Greece Cyprus Mexico New Zealand Brazil Spain

Oops, before we can share our inspiring email content with you, we first need to make sure that you’re happy that we’re going to look after your data and not share it with anyone else. Please ensure you tick the boxes to let us know you’re happy with that. Thanks.

Welcome Aboard!

We’ve sent you your Cruise Brochure

Download your brochure

• Cruise News

Celestyal Cruises Announces 2022-2023 Schedule

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• May 19, 2021

Greece-based Celestyal Cruises has announced that its new flagship,  Celestyal Experience,  will set sail beginning March 5, 2022 with a seven-night “Three Continents” itinerary.

Three Continents Itinerary

The flagship was added to the fleet in 2020, and was originally scheduled to debut this year. The Three Continents itinerary stops in Athens and Rhodes, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Ashdod, Israel; Port Said, Egypt; and Limassol, Cyprus. The all-inclusive fare starts at $1,019 per person.

In 2023,  Celestyal Experience  will operate seven and 14-night cruises year-round, beginning on January 7 with the Three Continents Itinerary.

Eclectic Aegean Itinerary

Beginning on April 9, 2022,  Experience  will set sail on the “Eclectic Aegean” itinerary, a seven-night voyage that visits the historical city of Thessaloniki — the second largest city in Greece featuring Paleo Christian and Byzantine monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, monuments to the famed “Alexander the Great,” and the chance to explore the city’s rich heritage.

The city is also known as a gastronomic paradise, sitting at the crossroads for trade and drawing upon ingredients from all over the Mediterranean and Asia. Thessaloniki will also be an additional embarkation port due to its ease of access for driving from the Balkan and Northern Greece regions.

The itinerary will also include an overnight in Istanbul and a visit to the ‘hanging monasteries’ of Meteora, as well as a visit to the northern Greek port city of Kavala. Kavala is often referred to as the “blue city” due to its crystal-clear coastal waters and sea views from the Bay of Kavala, with a picturesque historic town high atop the Panagia peninsula. Just nine miles from the old town is the ancient city of Philippi, home to the first Christian church in Europe.

In 2023, the Eclectic Aegean itinerary will begin on  Celestyal Experience  on March 4 for six sailings, and will return for ten more sailings on October 28, this time on  Celestyal Olympia.  All-inclusive pricing starts at $1,049 per person.

Idyllic Aegean Itinerary

On April 30, 2022,  Celestyal Experience  will begin the “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary starting in Athens and visiting Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Milos, Mykonos, and Kusadasi. All-inclusive fare starts at $1,019 per person.

On October 15, 2022,  Experience  will set sail on a one-time “Steps of Paul” cruise, tracing the footsteps of Paul the Apostle across the Mediterranean. Passengers will join expert guides on a religious and historical journey with visits to Paul’s birthplace in what was once the Roman city of Tarsus.

Guests will also visit St. Paul’s Tribune at the Vlatadon Monastery, Philippi, the prison where Paul and Silas were held captive, and have the opportunity to ride a cable car to the Acropolis in Pergamon as well as visit the city of Ephesus.

In 2023,  Celestyal Experience  will offer additional Idyllic Aegean sailings from April 15 to October 14, when it will operate two seven-night “Steps of Paul” voyages.

READ MORE:  Cruise Line to Resume Mediterranean Voyages in May

Christmas and New Year’s Cruises

Celestyal Experience  will end 2022 with two holiday sailings, a 10-night Christmas special on December 17, sailing from Piraeus (Athens) and calling on Thessaloniki, Izmir, Rhodes, Limassol, and Alexandria, with an overnight in Haifa, Israel to spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the “Holy Land.” Fares start at $1,459 per person.

For New Year’s, an eight-night sailing beginning December 27 will be offered, visiting Heraklion, Santorini, and Kusadasi, with an overnight stay in Istanbul to take in the New Year’s Eve fireworks, and Volos. Fares start at $1,299 per person.

Both sailings can be combined for an 18-night adventure covering much of the eastern Mediterranean, starting at $2,529 per person.

In 2023, these celebration sailings will take place on December 17 with an 11-night Christmas departure and on December 27 for the New Year’s sailing.

Shorter Cruises on Celestyal Olympia

Those seeking shorter getaways and island-hopping cruises to combine with land vacations might consider sailing  Celestyal Olympia,  which will set sail on March 4, 2022 with the “Iconic Discovery” itinerary, and continue with the “Iconic Aegean” itinerary from March 14 to October 28. The ship will return to “Iconic Discovery” cruises from October 31 to November 25.

The three-night Iconic Aegean cruises begin in Lavrion Port and Marina (Athens) and call on Mykonos, Patmos, Crete, and Santorini, Greece and Kusadasi, Turkey. Fares start at $489 per person.

Four-night Iconic Aegean itinerary start in the same place and call on the same ports, with the addition of a stop in Rhodes, Greece. Fares start at $599 per person.

The winter “Iconic Discovery” cruises will be three and four nights long, and feature a call at Syros — a destination just added last year — as well as a full day in Santorini.

Celestyal Cruises will be offering a Syros walking tour as an included shore excursion, taking in highlights of the island including Ermoupoli, which is known as the town of Hermes; City Hall, which was designed by German architect Ernst Ziller; the Apollo Theatre, which is a miniature version of La Scala in Milan and was designed by Italian architect Pietro Campo; and the first shipyard in Greece which continues operating to this day.

A second included excursion will be offered to the ancient city of Ephesus during the ship’s full day in Kusadasi, Turkey.

In 2023, the Iconic Discovery itinerary will begin March 3 with a three-night voyage.

All 2022 and 2023 sailings will open for booking on May 20, 2021.

READ NEXT:  MSC Cruises Announces Baltic Sea Sailings Starting in July

Recent Posts

Sun princess christened in barcelona by hannah waddingham, princess cruises [photos], construction starts for royal caribbean’s private beach club in nassau, princess introduces new sanctuary collection on sun princess and star princess, norwegian’s next cruise ship floated out at shipyard, share this post, related posts.

MSC and Mercy Ships To Build State-of-the-Art Hospital Vessel

New Consumer Law Mandates Clear Pricing for Cruise Lines

Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.   

Quick links

Cruise Radio, LLC © Copyright 2009-2024 | Website Designed By   Insider Perks, Inc

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• It List 2024 Overview: It List 2024
• The 100 Best New Hotels of the Year
• The Best New U.S. Resorts of 2023
• The Best New Affordable Luxury Hotels of 2023
• The Best New International Resorts of 2023

The Best New Cruise Ships of 2023

• The Best New City Hotels of 2023
• The Most Luxurious New Hotels of 2023
• Hotels + Resorts
• It List 2024 The 100 Best New Hotels of the Year The Best New U.S. Resorts of 2023 The Best New Affordable Luxury Hotels of 2023 The Best New International Resorts of 2023 The Best New Cruise Ships of 2023 The Best New City Hotels of 2023 The Most Luxurious New Hotels of 2023 CLOSE Part of It List 2024

Travel + Leisure’s 2024 It List.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

For the first time, we’re spotlighting new cruise ships on Travel + Leisure ’s It List, as these exceptional vessels become more and more like floating resorts — celebrity chefs, crystal chandeliers, and Rolex boutiques included.

Explora Journeys’ Explora I

Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure

It’s not every day a new cruise line arrives. The debut of the remarkable Explora I was a moment years in the making for Explora Journeys , the upstart luxury operator that aims to bring a European sensibility to the world of vacations at sea. So far, the project is a smashing success, thanks to the ship’s low-key vibe, standout food and beverage, and intriguing itineraries that visit in-demand ports in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. My own August 2023 trip on Explora I , from Copenhagen to Hamburg, Germany, included fulfilling visits to places such as Oslo and the town of Stavanger, Norway, a gateway to adventurous hiking with a postcard-perfect Old Town. The ship itself was also a destination, with its abundance of outdoor space — including an alfresco fitness center — and pools at seemingly every turn. The 461 suites, all of them with balconies, are filled with luxurious touches such as Frette linens and robes, heated marble floors, and Dyson hair dryers. But Explora I truly shines when it comes to food: During the week I was aboard, it was impossible to find a bad meal — and I was often astonished at the quality of, in particular, the pasta served in the Emporium Marketplace and the sushi on offer at Sakura, two of the nine restaurants aboard. The most ambitious of them all is Anthology, a rotating-chef concept that has seen a residency from seafood whiz Mario Ulaissi, known for his Michelin three-starred restaurant on Italy's Adriatic coast, and that recently welcomed Emma Bengtsson, from Aquavit , in New York City. Much has been made of Explora I ’s Rolex boutique — the first on any cruise ship — but for my money, the other shops on board were more interesting: The company has tapped family-owned businesses around the world to create capsule collections of resort wear, handbags, fragrances, sunglasses, and beautiful gifts that can’t be found elsewhere. From $2,050 per person for a six-day sailing. Accessible ship. — Paul Brady

Oceania Cruises’ Vista

Nick Tortajada/Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

The new Oceania Vista is in a class of its own; no really, it’s the first in Oceania Cruises ’ new Allura class. Of its 11 bars and restaurants, three are entirely new to the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings–owned brand — including a high-end cocktail spot called Founders’ Bar, serving 26 intricate drinks that use house-made syrups and top-shelf booze like Whistle Pig and parsley-infused Grey Goose. As Oceania levels up, the cruise line has produced a ship that feels more like a floating resort than the vessels that came before. There’s pickleball; a health-conscious restaurant, Aquamar, serving made-to-order salads and pressed juices; and a coffee shop that looks like one in walking distance of my home in L.A. (marble counters, gold accents, leather bar stools) and pulls an espresso shot of similar quality. Vista has more suites than others in the Oceania fleet, too: There are 14 Oceania Suites (up to 1,200 square feet); eight Vista Suites (up to 1,850 square feet); and three Owner’s Suites with Ralph Lauren Home decor and two massive terraces (2,400 square feet). But the most hotel-like touch? A celebrity chef–driven restaurant, Toscana, where Giada De Laurentiis — the ship’s godmother — supplied two recipes for the menu. As someone who watched a lot of Everyday Italian in the early aughts, I was particularly excited to try her signature, Capri-inspired lemon spaghetti, and lemon-cream sauce with grilled shrimp and capers didn’t disappoint. From $2,499 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ sixth ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur , sailed its inaugural season in December, joining sibling ships Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor as the newest member of the luxury fleet. The cruise line is a favorite among T+L readers for its gorgeous ships and all-inclusive pricing that covers unlimited shore excursions, dining at specialty restaurants, and even round-trip airfare. Grandeur lives up to its name thanks to stunning, art-filled spaces designed by cruise ship interior experts Studio Dado: signature restaurant Compass Rose is enchanting with interiors inspired by a fairy-tale forest; the Observation Lounge sparkles with an undulating chandelier and swanky bar; and the $11,000-per-night Regent Suite has a private en suite spa and custom Treesse mini pool. As I boarded Grandeur for the ship’s inaugural sailing, I was mesmerized by the grand staircase and glittering chandelier. And with a maximum capacity of 744 guests, I found it easy to take time to myself in the myriad of quiet spots tucked throughout the ship, whether in the Serene Spa and Wellness area, in the Library, or on the Sports Deck overlooking the ocean. Seven restaurants include specialty steakhouse Prime 7, pan-Asian restaurant Pacific Rim, and breakfast and lunch buffet La Veranda, which refines the cruise buffet experience with daily specials like paella and sushi. Several bars and lounges, a pool and hot tubs, a casino, Broadway-style productions, and cooking classes at the Culinary Arts Kitchen make the ship a destination in itself, though guests will want to take advantage of those included excursions on Caribbean, Central American, North American, and European itineraries, ranging from seven to 16 nights, during the ship’s 2024 season. From $4,669 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Silversea’s Silver Nova

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Carrying 728 passengers, Silver Nova is big for the luxury sector, but boasts a hugely important metric: a capacious passenger space ratio — that is, the number of guests relative to the size of the ship. Simply put, this ship offers more elbow room per passenger than almost any other cruise vessel. Silver Nova is wrapped in glass, with an asymmetrical layout; the funnel is positioned off-center, so is the pool, offering an expansive, uncluttered pool deck. Many features of the brand-new ship recall previous Silversea successes, my favorite of which is the S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) program, expanded for Silver Nova . S.A.L.T. perks include a gorgeous, sea-facing lab for hands-on culinary lessons (at no additional cost), plus a new concept, the Chef’s Table, where an 11-course menu is prepared for just 24 diners. All facets of the S.A.L.T. ecosystem, including ingredients, a bar, lectures, and shore excursions, are keyed to the region Nova is sailing. While food is a drawing card for Silver Nova , accommodations also received a revamp. Tied to the theme of bringing the outside in, there are brilliant new suites found in the aft starboard corner of the ship, with wraparound balconies revealing a 270-degree view.  This is where you can tuck me in when I win the lottery and head off on a world cruise. But until then, Silver Nova will summer in Alaska and spend northern hemisphere winters in Australia and New Zealand, places where top-deck views should prove ceaselessly rewarding. From $3,250 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — David Swanson

It List 2024

Celestyal Events 4+

Celestyal cruises centre limited, designed for iphone, iphone screenshots, description.

The Celestyal Events app to enhance your guest experience

App Privacy

The developer, CELESTYAL CRUISES CENTRE LIMITED , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

• Contact Info

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• App Support
• Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

Celestyal Cruises

You Might Also Like

Internal Travel

GALWAY City Hostel

Culture App

NApp Ajaccio

Cheap Flights Deals Booking

Mexico Grand Hotels

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• What to do in Moscow City, if you’re not mega-rich
• Moscow after dusk: 10 places to drink, dance, and groove
• 5 things you must do in Moscow in 2018 between football matches (or without them)
• Sandwiched between Moscow and St. Petersburg: How to spend a perfect weekend in Tver 
• 24 or 48 hours in Moscow: Where to go and what to do in 2019

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Free quotes. Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Cunard: FREE Upgrade plus up to $2,000 OBC*

Cunard: up to $250 Onboard Credit for Military

Cunard Africa cruises from $2,699*

4 Ships in the Cunard fleet

Ship:  .

• Destinations
• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Queen Mary 2 Overview

The Queen Mary 2 is famous for making her regular transatlantic crossings from London (Southampton) to New York. During these crossings passengers are welcomed to participate in tons of activities. During the day you can take acting classes hosted by performers from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art or get some exercise playing a tennis match on the Sports Court. The liner’s piece de resistance is the full-scale planetarium, where you can gaze above as you learn about the mysteries of the universe. At night get ready to break out your dancing shoes when you attend a formal ball. All throughout your cruise you’ll be meet with helpful staff and taste some of the finest food at sea. It’s truly a royal sailing experience. 

• Passenger Capacity: 2,691 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2004
• Last Refurbished: 2020

Queen Mary 2 Cruise Destinations

Cunard Line is famous for its transatlantic sailings, but they offer an impressive set of destinations and some fantastic itineraries all over the world. Visit four continents and hundreds of ports-of-call ranging from Tortola, British Virgin Islands to Tallinn, Estonia. Whether it be a historically enriching cruise to Northern Europe, or a tropical Hawaiian vacation, one of Cunard’s three regal ships will proudly be your vessel. 

From Mauritius to Cape Town, immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and special historical, cultural and culinary attractions of a cruise to Africa with Cunard Line.

Delight in the historic treasures and scenic pleasures of the Far East on a cruise through Asia aboard Cunard Line’s world-famous ocean liners.

Fall Foliage will delight you and the quaint history and culture will engage you onboard a cruise to Canada & New England.

Eastern Caribbean

Live the island life with Cunard in the Eastern Caribbean, where the sun is always shining. 

History comes alive when you visit sites like the Colosseum in Rome, Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. 

Northern Europe

History of royalty, fjords of Norway, and Baltic delights—Northern Europe cruises are an exciting vacation option.

Panama Canal

See man-made and natural wonders on a serene Cunard Line sailing through the revolutionary Panama Canal.

Transatlantic

Enjoy the excellent experience that is a vacation away from the everyday, sailing across the Atlantic and stopping at intriguing ports—try a transatlantic cruise.

Find adventure. Indulge on fine cuisine. Interact with everything from dolphins to wallabies. Travel the world with a World Voyage.

Queen Mary 2 Departure Ports

Traveling across the pond, there’s no cruise line better than Cunard, with more than 150 years of history, this brand makes routine cruises from Southampton to New York City and vice versa. However, they offer more than just transatlantic sailings. You can sail around the world with Cunard from Tokyo to Athens to San Francisco. Call The Cruise Web for a great offer on a Cunard cruise.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a modern city that people from all nationalities flock towards to indulge in designer clothes, fancy hotels and the high life.

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong Sar, China

One of the world’s most exciting modern cities, Hong Kong offers a true East meets West experience where you can shop for traditional Chinese cure-alls and attend high tea all in the same afternoon.

Singapore, Singapore

Southeast Asia’s most modern city, Singapore, also contains a lot of history and treasures from the past, along with a perfect tropical climate – all making Singapore a wonderful destination year round.

Le Havre (Paris), France

In Northern France, explore Le Havre, a city with modern architecture and one of the most inspiring collections of Impressionist artwork.

Hamburg, Germany

A large city, Hamburg offers visitors an array of attractions. From the old buildings of the past to the vibrant red light district, there’s something for everyone cruising to Hamburg, Germany.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

The possibilities are endless when cruising to or from the City of Angels. Let your inner rock star shine as you explore the many wonders of Los Angeles, California.

Take in the incredible art scene of New York City, expand your cultural horizons in the city’s diverse neighborhoods and marvel at the architectural wonders.

Quebec City, Quebec

It’s easy to be wowed by Quebec City as Old World Europe is mixed with North American cultures alongside breathtaking landscapes and the flowing Saint Lawrence River.

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

Queen Mary 2 Deck Plans

Deck eleven, deck twelve, deck thirteen, queen mary 2 staterooms.

Balcony (BB)

Enjoy the view from your private balcony or the comfort of your luxurious interior as you relax in your well appointed accommodation. The Britannia Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony.

Balcony (BC)

Balcony (bf).

Balcony (DB)

Balcony (dc), balcony (df).

Balcony (BU)

Balcony (bv), balcony (by), balcony (bz).

Balcony (B3)

Our spacious balcony staterooms include a sitting area with sofa, ample closet space and bathroom with shower. (269 sq. ft.)

Balcony (A1)

Your Britannia Club Balcony offers space to relax, both inside and on your generous balcony. You will also dine in the Britannia Club Restaurant, a private area of the grand Britannia Restaurant, offering you the freedom to choose when you eat each evening. The Britannia Club Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony.

Balcony (A2)

Inside (KC)

From organised coffee gatherings to a host of daytime activities, solo travellers will always feel welcome and busy on board. Of course, thereÂ’s something to be said for relaxation too so you will find plenty of personal space both inside and out. The Britannia Single Oceanview staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

Inside (IA)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Standard Inside staterooms have one bed, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Inside (IB)

Inside (ic), inside (ie), inside (if).

Inside (HB)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Atrium View Inside staterooms have one bed, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Oceanview (KB)

Oceanview (EF)

Gaze upon an ever changing seascape from your large window, which offers lots of natural light in your spacious stateroom. The Britannia Oceanview staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

our Princess Grill Suite is spacious and relaxing. A private balcony and separate seating area offers space to relax and, of course you have exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and renowned Princess Grill restaurant. The Princess Suites have two beds, a bath and shower along with a living area and balcony.

Your Queens Grill Suite is the pinnacle of luxury at sea. A personal butler will see to your every request, a large lounge area offers space to relax and your suite will command the very best views. The Grand Duplexes have a bedroom and two master bathrooms upstairs. Downstairs you'll find a guest bathroom, a living and dining area as well as a balcony.

Your Queens Grill Suite is the pinnacle of luxury at sea. A personal butler will see to your every request, a large lounge area offers space to relax and your suite will command the very best views. The Penthouse Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

Your Queens Grill Suite is the pinnacle of luxury at sea. A personal butler will see to your every request, a large lounge area offers space to relax and your suite will command the very best views. The Queens Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

Your Queens Grill Suite is the pinnacle of luxury at sea. A personal butler will see to your every request, a large lounge area offers space to relax and your suite will command the very best views. The Royal Suites have a bedroom, bath and shower as well as seperate living and dining areas.

Photo Gallery for Queen Mary 2 Cruise Ship

Get a glimpse at the regal atmosphere that awaits you on a Cunard Cruise among one of their three Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth in this photo gallery. 

Commodore Club

Queen Mary 2

Winter Garden

Top 10 Queen Mary 2 Cruises

• Queen Mary 2 7 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Apr 2024 - Dec 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 7 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (May 2024 - Nov 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 9 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (May 2024 - Oct 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 2 NIGHT Europe CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (May 2024 - Oct 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 4 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (May 2024 - Nov 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 9 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Hamburg, Germany (May 2024 - Jul 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 2 NIGHT Europe CRUISE Departing From Hamburg, Germany (May 2024 - Jul 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 23 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (May 2024)
• Queen Mary 2 3 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (May 2024 - Jul 2025)
• Queen Mary 2 6 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Jun 2024 - Jul 2024)

Learn More About Cunard

Accessibility

Learn about Cunard Line's handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities.

Savor variety of dining options aboard Cunard Line cruises, including the Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia restaurant, Queens Room, Todd English, Kings Court, Golden Lion Pub and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Cunard Line's onboard entertainment, including live music, the Royal Court Theatre, Commodore Club entertainment, Royal Night Theme Balls, Queens Room dancing, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Participate in Cunard Line's onboard activities, including Cunard Insights lectures, Book Clubs, computer lab, duty-free shopping, sports courts, art galleries, dance classes, afternoon tea, deck games, golf simulators and more.

Service & Awards

Learn about Cunard Line's famous White Star Service and extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Cunard Line's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax in Cunard Line's pools, the Royal Spa and Canyon Ranch SpaClub, where spa treatments range from relaxing massages to Ayurvedic experiences.

Special Events

Learn about Cunard Line's special cruises with exclusive speakers, activities and shore excursions, including Wine Lecture and Tasting voyages.

Explore Cunard Line's luxurious staterooms, including Queen and Princess Grill Suites, balconies, oceanviews and inside staterooms - each beautifully appointed in Cunard's classic style.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Cunard Line. Cunard's youth programs are for ages 2 - 17, including the Play Zone (ages 2-7), Kids Zone (ages 8-12) and Teen Zone (ages 13-17).

Cruise Type

We make vacation planning easy.

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

• Agent Login
• Manage Booking

• Idyllic Aegean - 7 Nights
• Summer (Mar – Oct)
• Iconic Aegean Summer - 4 Nights
• Iconic Aegean - 3 Nights
• Winter (Mar, Oct, Nov)
• Iconic Aegean - 4 Nights
• Summer (Mar - Oct)
• Iconic Aegean Summer - 3 Nights
• 2024 Cruises
• Legendary Ionian – 5 Night
• Legendary Aegean - 4 Night
• Legendary Aegean - 5 Night
• Steps of Paul - 7 Nights
• Eclectic Aegean - 7 Nights
• Three Continents - 7 Nights
• Heavenly Adriatic – 7 Nights
• Legendary Aegean & Legendary Ionian - 14 Nights
• Idyllic Aegean & Steps of Paul - 14 Nights
• Eclectic Aegean & Three Continents - 14 Nights
• Thessaloniki
• All Inclusive Cruising
• Solo Cruises
• Family Cruises
• Group Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Religious Cruises
• Cuisine Cruises
• Mini Cruises – 3 & 4 Day
• Winter Cruises
• Cultural Cruises
• Wedding Cruises
• Download 2023 | 2024 Cruise Brochure

Destinations

• View all destinations
• Chania Souda
• Greece and Greek Islands
• Download 2023 | 2024 Brochure

Top Destinations

• Celestyal Journey
• Explore the Olympia
• Restaurants
• What's Included
• Complimentary Dining
• Shore Excursions
• On Board Entertainment
• Port Charges and Gratuities
• Drinks Menus
• Dining Menus
• Concierge Services
• Special Occasions
• Embarkation Protocols
• Know Before You Go – Brochure
• Authentic Excursions
• Our Special Offers
• Peace of Mind
• Sign up for Cruise Deals Emails

Greek Island Hopping Cruises

Mini cruises, 7 night cruises, back to back cruises, cruises from, theme cruises, mediterranean, celestyal olympia, inclusive cruising, food and drink.

• International (US$)
• +34919016480

Discover an all-inclusive cruise with Celestyal

The celestyal all inclusive cruise experience.

A Celestyal all inclusive vacation is about more than visiting destinations. It’s about immersing our guests in everywhere we go. As we cruise across the islands, we’ll guide you further into our beautiful blue world. It’s all possible through our bespoke approach. We match our local expertise with wish lists to take you further in every destination. Then with our mid-sized ships, we take you closer to the hidden gem experiences.

Sailings for 2024 & 2025

Download Brochure

Step Onboard!

Step onboard an all-inclusive cruise with Celestyal and discover an unforgettable journey to the true heart of Greece and the Mediterranean. Our passion helps us get you closer to the hidden gem experiences that matter most. From the buzzing Athenian kafenios  to the best  bougatsa in Thessaloniki and the lunar-like beaches of Milos . Cruise with us for 3 nights or stay for 7 and discover the award-winning Celestyal experience.

Flexible cruising with everything considered 

Endless options for dining, excursions and more let you create the experience you dream about, on your terms. Onboard all our ships, from the Celestyal Journey to our new Celestyal Discovery , we offer comprehensive cruising with a twist. You can choose from two flexible fare options plus additional packages and excursion add-ons so that you decide your perfect level of luxury as you cruise all inclusive.

See more with a Celestyal cruise

Our cruises take you further down the ancient streets and along the glittering coastline to uncover the spirit of our part of the world. Expert guides lead you in the footsteps of ancient civilizations and iconic figures, digging beneath the surface to bring the stories that have shaped our lands to life. By immersing you in the destinations of your cruise, we inspire you to truly connect with our home. Savor the crisp local wines at a winery in Santorini, feel Istanbul come alive at night as you explore the buzzing streets and bustling tea gardens, and uncover the iconic pyramids of Giza and the unforgettable cities of Cairo and Ashdod. Discover our all-inclusive cruises today  and find out more about our authentic excursions .

Sailing in style with an all-inclusive cruise

With its sleek design, state-of-the-art facilities, and a crew dedicated to providing exceptional service, the Discovery is the epitome of elegance and comfort. Whether you seek relaxation in the spa, daydreaming escapes on deck, or delectable culinary culture, this floating paradise has something to offer everyone. Join us as we embark on a voyage of a lifetime, where each moment is crafted to create memories that will forever linger in your mind, body and soul.

Cruise amenities

From the minute you step onboard, we make every effort to bring ultimate relaxation to your experience. We’re renowned for our award-winning hospitality, so you can expect close attention to detail, with hand-delivered canapés and petit fours, all luggage taken care of, and a dedicated team to arrange excursions and VIP onboard meal reservations – all included!  

Cruise menus

Whether you’re sailing on a 7-night or 4-night cruise, you can relax knowing you have succulent and authentic Mediterranean cuisine at your fingertips. Step onboard and indulge in the fresh, local food in one of our restaurants, or enjoy a Signature Cocktail as the sun goes down in one of our bars.    Take your experience even further and upgrade to our Enhance fare for a specialty dining discount and premium drinking packages.  Savor the exclusive six-course menu crafted by renowned Greek chef, Diane Kochilas. Reserve a romantic table for two and delight in the taste of Aegean lobster, smoked eggplant caviar and Cretan octopus carpaccio – Greek soul on a plate!

Cruise entertainment

Our award-winning cruises aren’t just about what you do onshore – it’s also about the memories you make onboard, long into the night. Kick back with a cocktail and watch the Cirque Fantastic show, one of our most talked-about entertainment events. One night, you can gaze in wonder at the acrobats and musical performers as we sail across the islands. And the next, you’ll journey to the heart of burlesque and fill your evening with dancing and singing at our weekly Cabaret show.

Contact us today and find out more about our all-inclusive cruising experience.

Find out more about our sailings in 2024 and 2025 or explore our cruise fares in more detail.

ONBOARD DINING

SELECT DRINKS WITH MEALS

US$80 SHORE EXCURSION DISCOUNT

ENTERTAINMENT ONBOARD

ALL GRATUITIES

Plus+ Experience

25% DISCOUNT ON SPECIALITY DINING

EXTRA US$80 SHORE EXCURSION DISCOUNT

ONE HOUR WI-FI PER DAY

PREMIUM DRINKS PACKAGE UPGRADE TO OUR PREMIUM PLUS DRINKS PACKAGE FROM US$19 PER DAY

Begin with a tour of our brochure

Explore the Mediterranean as you flick between the pages of our 2024-2025 Cruise Brochure. Where will your journey take you?

Sign up to our mailing list offers, tips and stories

We’re the number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and Mediterranean – a fact we love to share.

Thank you for requesting a quote about the amazing cruises we have on offer at Celestyal Cruises.

Our team are looking into your request and will be in touch within 2 working days. We are confident you will not be disappointed!

Thank you your enquiry.

This has been sent to our team of experts and we will be in touch shortly. If you have any further questions please contact us on +30 211 1995176

Back to Celestyal

Privacy Overview

Begin with the tour of your brochure

Language United States Argentina Australia Balkans Canada Chile Colombia English (INT) English (UK) EU France Germany Greece Cyprus Mexico New Zealand Brazil Spain

Oops, before we can share our inspiring email content with you, we first need to make sure that you’re happy that we’re going to look after your data and not share it with anyone else. Please ensure you tick the boxes to let us know you’re happy with that. Thanks.

Welcome Aboard!

We’ve sent you your Cruise Brochure

Download your brochure

• Agent Login
• Manage Booking

• Marketing Tools
• Vote For Us
• Arabian Gulf
• Agent Booking
• United States ($)
• +1 (877) 337-4665

Let It Sale. Let It Sail.Let It Sale.

Inclusive prices from only

per person per trip

BOOK BY DEC 31

Christmas & New Year Cruise 2023

Celebrate the festive season in every way you can imagine. Joining us on a Christmas odyssey across Europe, Africa and Asia, you’ll explore waterfalls near the birthplace of Santa Claus, trace the story of Mary and Joseph on Christmas Day, and watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Istanbul. Because why shouldn’t Christmas last 19 days?

Cruise itinerary

Your cruise begins in the majestic ancient city of Athens. As one of the oldest cities in the world, the vibrant modern metropolis boasts an intriguing and contrasting mix of the old and the modern architecture that is in perfect balance and harmony. Explore the city and soak up the atmosphere by the harbour’s edge as you wait to embark for your exciting adventure.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a gorgeous and cosmopolitan seaside city and the largest in Greece after Athens. Centuries of cultural commingling has also made Thessaloniki a culinary nirvana, with almost too many great restaurants and little eateries to count.

We enter from the azure-blue Bay of Izmir, watching the lively city approach with its distinctly Turkish skyline. The Pearl of the Aegean, Izmir has a rich heritage of multicultural influences, so the cuisine and communities are endlessly inviting. Even in winter, the laidback and vivacious atmosphere can make it feel like summer never left

Along the spectacular Cretan coast east of Heraklion you’ll find the energetic resort towns of Hersonissos and Malia and also the capital of the Lassithi region, Agios Nikolaos. The charming resort town, whose name (Saint Nicholas, in English) refers to Greece’s patron saint of sailors, fronts the wide blue Bay of Mirabello. The town’s landmark round Lake Voulismeni—where the goddess Athena is said to have bathed—connects to the sea.

An extra special stop on our festive cruise brings you within 100 miles of the birthplace of St Nicholas, the original Santa Claus. Here in Antalya you’ll follow the footsteps of a Roman emperor at Hadrian’s Gate. You’ll discover Ottoman-era houses and gardens in the old town of Kaleici. And you’ll even meet the founder of Turkey, Kemal Ataturk, at his striking monument in Republic Square.

Bustling Limassol is Cyprus’ cultural hub and tourist centre. Its streets are lined with colourful cafes, bars and restaurants. To complement the modern attractions, the lively city also has the historic monument of Limassol Castle and a collection of ancient treasures on show in the Cyprus Medieval Museum. Unveil the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Pafos, and the legend of Aphrodite’s Rock.

One of the greatest cities in human history, known for its legend, mystique and iconic history. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great, became the seat of power for the Ptolemaic Kingdom, and has stories to tell about everyone from Cleopatra to Napoleon. With a full day, night and morning to explore, it’s hard not to fall in love with the ‘Bride of the Mediterranean’.

Your Christmas story leads you down the same path as the Three Wise Men on their journey to Palestine’s Bethlehem. Here in Haifa in what is now Israel, you will spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bringing scenes from the holy story to life for yourself. Wander through ever-changing neighbourhoods and witness the blend of modernity with ancient culture.

A day at sea gives you the opportunity to explore the ship’s array of amenities, take full advantage of the onboard activities and indulge in our chef’s exquisite cuisine. Kick back and soak up the sun as we treat you to complimentary drinks from the bar. Alternatively, why not participate in handicrafts, language lessons, traditional dancing, games or exercise. There’s plenty to do.

When we arrive back in Athens for a day of festivities, Greek-style, you can choose how to spend our day together. Visit the monuments you know from legends and history? Marvel at the view of the city from the Acropolis? Shop for last-minute gifts to share your voyage with loved ones at home? It’s all up to you. This is our home city, and we can’t wait to show you around.

(Heraklion)

As we pull into Heraklion, you have the chance to snap the imposing 16th-Century walls of Koules Fortress. Here you can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explore the Cretan countryside or discover the Palace of Knossos. This spellbinding tour invites you to listen to tales of intrigue and learn about Europe’s first civilisation in the Knossos museum. Was the Minotaur half-man or myth? You’re about to find out!

The picturesque island of Rhodes is well known for its beautiful beaches, majestic fortified ruins, and its glorious year-round sunshine. Perched high on the clifftop that dramatically rises up from the crystalline waters is the island’s crowning glory – the Acropolis at Lindos. Your complimentary guided tour here also includes the chance to discover the island’s enchanting Old Town.

The dynamic beach resort of Kusadasi welcomes you with its warm and friendly ambience. From here you will be whisked away for a guided tour round ancient Ephesus, one of the highlights of this iconic Aegean cruise. Before rebounding the ship, take time to enjoy the scenic seafront promenade and the town’s impressive Grand Bazaar.

The enchanting capital city of Istanbul is split between the continents of Europe and Asia, and offers a truly unique experience. The city’s skyline is embellished with the silhouetted minarets of the lavish Byzantine and imperial mosques that line the Bosphorus Strait. Our complimentary cruise along the Bosphorus or visit to the spice market to experience the sights, smells and sounds of this enigmatic city.

The attractive and picturesque coastal port city of Volos is associated with many captivating tales of Greek mythology. It’s the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts, and the birthplace of the Centaur. The island’s most popular attraction, however, are the six spectacular monasteries that are perched high on the magnificent vertical rock formations collectively known as Meteora. You have to see it to believe it.

Our cruise arrives back in Athens early where you will have the entire day to explore the magic of this modern metropolis. The heart of ancient Greece is the cultural home to numerous important archaeological sites and famous landmarks. Take your time to discover the highlights, or alternatively uncover the colourful street art or relax on the gorgeous golden-sand beaches.

At a Glance

Amazing excursions carefully curated, classic cairo, ancient ephesus through the ages hellenistic and roman, minoan palace of knossos – 1st european civilisation, an inclusive experience.

COMPLIMENTARY DINING

We know the best recipes are the ones passed down between generations. And we love to share that with our guests. So onboard a Celestyal cruise, you can expect freshly prepared by our local chefs – morning, noon and night!

SELECT DRINKS WITH MEALS

Sit down to an authentic evening meal and enjoy specially selected drinks to go with it. Our dedicated hospitality team know how to make every meal a delicious experience so let them take your taste buds away.

VIBRANT ENTERTAINMENT

Immersing our guests in the local way of life is at the heart of the Celestyal experience. Take Greek dancing lessons from a pro and take the Mediterranean culture home with you. Enjoy a drink with your group as you watch the stars glitter off the Aegean with our front-seat, panoramic horizon bar views. And don’t miss the colour and magic of Cirque Fantastic!

$80 SHOREX EXCURSION DISCOUNT

We can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful blue world, so when you step foot on the sands of Greece and the Eastern Med, our endless excursion options are designed to take you to the heart of our homeland. As standard, all of our guests enjoy a $80 excursion discount to put towards any of our immersive experiences.

PORT CHARGES AND GRATUITIES

With all charges, port expenses and gratuities included in our fares, you can relax knowing we’ve got you covered. We’ll bring your next adventure to you, with no additional fees.

Our 2023-2024 brochure has arrived! Download your very own to start planning your Celestyal experience.

Receive Special Offers

Thank you for requesting a quote about the amazing cruises we have on offer at Celestyal Cruises.

Our team are looking into your request and will be in touch within 2 working days. We are confident you will not be disappointed!

Thank you your enquiry.

This has been sent to our team of experts and we will be in touch shortly. If you have any further questions please contact us on

Back to Celestyal

Privacy Overview

Begin with the tour of your brochure

Explore the Mediterranean as you flick between the pages of our 2023-2024 Cruise Brochure. Where will your journey take you?

Language United States Argentina Australia Balkans Canada Chile Colombia English (INT) English (UK) EU France Germany Greece Cyprus Mexico New Zealand Brazil Spain

Oops, before we can share our inspiring email content with you, we first need to make sure that you’re happy that we’re going to look after your data and not share it with anyone else. Please ensure you tick the boxes to let us know you’re happy with that. Thanks.

Welcome Aboard!

We’ve sent you your Cruise Brochure

Download your brochure

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Russia-Ukraine war: Germany stands by decision not to provide long-range missiles – as it happened

This live blog is now closed, you can read more of our Ukraine war coverage here

• 5h ago Closing summary
• 6h ago UK prime minister says Ukraine has support from UK and Germany 'for as long as it takes'
• 7h ago German leader says Europe must keep increasing aid to Ukraine after US approves new military help
• 7h ago West must boost defence as era of peace in Europe is over, says Ukrainian foreign minister
• 9h ago Russian forces make significant gains in eastern Ukraine
• 10h ago Nato drills in Finland are 'provocative', says Russia's foreign ministry
• 10h ago Russia will expand Ukraine 'buffer zone' if Kyiv gets longer range missiles, says Kremlin
• 11h ago Ukraine struck two Rosneft-owned oil depots in overnight attack, intelligence source says
• 12h ago Russian minister detained after taking especially large bribe, law enforcement agency says
• 12h ago Zelenskiy thanks US Senate for approving 'vital aid to Ukraine'
• 12h ago What is the $95bn US Senate aid bill and why has it taken so long to pass?
• 13h ago Opening summary
• 13h ago US Senate passes $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

German leader says Europe must keep increasing aid to Ukraine after US approves new military help

German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that Europe must continue to step up its help for Ukraine even after the approval of a big US aid package, but made clear that he is sticking to his refusal to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv , reports the Associated Press (AP). Scholz spoke after meeting the UK prime minister Rishi Sunak in Berlin . The two countries are Europe ’s biggest suppliers of military assistance to Ukraine as it counters Russia ’s full-scale invasion, and both vowed to keep that up “for as long as it takes.” Scholz described the progress made on a US military aid package that had been held up for months as “an encouraging and necessary signal.”

“But I also want to say clearly that the United States’s decision doesn’t release us here in Europe from the task of further expanding our support for Ukraine so that the country can defend itself against the aggressor,” he said. According to the report by the AP, Scholz, whose country recently pledged to supply a third Patriot missile battery to Ukraine, appealed again for other European countries that have the system to examine whether they can spare one. The AP reports that when he was asked whether he will reverse his often-criticised refusal to send Taurus missiles, Scholz listed at length the military hardware Germany has provided and added: “As far as the weapons system you mention is concerned, my decision won’t change.” Scholz has argued that Taurus missiles could only be used responsibly with the involvement of German soldiers, whether inside or outside Ukraine, and says that is a line he does not want to cross. Sunak, who on Tuesday pledged new military aid to Ukraine, praised Germany’s efforts on air defence in particular and said “every country has got different things that it can bring to the table”. Ukrainian troops have faced acute shortages of shells and air defence systems, allowing Russian forces to edge forward in some parts of eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy has pleaded for greater international assistance, warning that his country will lose the war without it.

Closing summary

It has gone 6pm in Kyiv and in Moscow . We will be closing this blog soon, but you can stay up to date on the Guardian’s Russia and Ukraine coverage here .

Here is a recap of today’s latest developments:

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said the UK and Germany will provide “unwavering support” for Ukraine “for as long as it takes” , as he visited Berlin to deepen defence and security ties between the two allies. Sunak said “every country has got different things that it can bring to the table” after German chancellor Olaf Scholz said his decision not to deliver Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv “will not change”.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that Europe must continue to step up its help for Ukraine even after the approval of a big US aid package, but made clear that he is sticking to his refusal to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv. “But I also want to say clearly that the United States’s decision doesn’t release us here in Europe from the task of further expanding our support for Ukraine so that the country can defend itself against the aggressor,” he said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged “speed” on providing weapons to Ukraine. In a social media post on X, Zelenskiy wrote: “The key now is speed. The speed of implementing agreements with partners on the supply of weapons for our warriors. The speed of eliminating all Russian schemes to circumvent sanctions. The speed of finding political solutions to protect lives from Russian terror.”

The US Senate voted resoundingly on Tuesday to approve $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan , as a bipartisan super-majority united to send the long-stalled package to Joe Biden’s desk for signature. “Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in a floor speech on Tuesday afternoon. “We are showing Putin that betting against America is always, always a grave mistake.”

Ukraine’s foreign minister enthusiastically praised US politicians for approving a long-delayed $61bn military aid package for Ukraine , but cautioned that fresh supplies would not immediately turn the tide on the battlefield. “Hallelujah,” Dmytro Kuleba said when asked for his reaction to Tuesday’s final vote by the US Senate. He added that he was hopeful that the White House would unveil a new package of weapons “within days, maybe hours,” and it was “just a matter of logistics” to get the supplies to the frontline.

Zelenskiy said he is “grateful to the United States Senate for approving vital aid to Ukraine today”, after a US bill was passed which allocates $60.84bn to support Ukraine in its battle to repel Russia’s invasion. In a social media post on X, Zelenskiy thanked Schumer and the Republican Senate leader, Mitch McConnell, for “their strong leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation”. He also thanked “all US Senators on both sides of the aisle who voted in favor of it”.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia would further expand its “buffer zone” inside Ukraine if Kyiv takes delivery of longer-range Atcams missiles from the US that allow it to strike deeper inside Russia. The US is preparing a $1bn military aid package for Ukraine, the first to be sourced from the yet to be signed $95bn foreign aid bill, two US officials told Reuters on Tuesday.

Ukrainian drones attacked oil facilities in western Russia overnight, defence sources in Kyiv confirmed on Wednesday. Officials in the western Russian regions of Smolensk and Lipetsk first announced the attacks, blaming Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles for starting blazes at energy sites. “The fire is localised. There is no threat of its spread beyond the facilities,” Smolensk regional governor Vasily Anokhin said, adding that no one was injured or killed.

Another drone attack targeted the Lipetsk region farther south, which houses metallurgical and pharmaceutical sites , governor Igor Artamonov said on Wednesday.

Russian forces hit a Ukrainian drone production facility and a Ukrainian army fuel depot , Russia’s defence ministry said on Wednesday.

Russian missiles damaged residential buildings and injured six people in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, early on Wednesday , governor Oleh Synehubov said on Telegram. The attack damaged three residential buildings, two offices, three non-residential buildings and a gas pipeline in the central district of the city, according to the governor’s statement.

Russia’s RIA state news agency reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources within Russian forces, that their attack hit soldiers’ quarters in Kharkiv where Ukrainian military personnel were stationed . Reuters could not independently verify the reports.

A well-connected Russian deputy defence minister has been charged with bribe-taking , in the highest-profile corruption scandal in the country in years. Timur Ivanov, 47, who was responsible for Russia’s military infrastructure projects, was detained by the FSB services late on Tuesday evening.

On Wednesday, Ivanov, wearing his military uniform, appeared behind a glass cage in a Moscow court, where he was formally arrested and charged with high bribery. The court remanded him in custody for two months and placed him in the high-security Lefortovo prison in Moscow.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday dismissed media speculation about the reasons behind the arrest of Ivanov on bribery charges , and urged reporters to focus on official information.

Russian forces have made significant advances in a narrow corridor in eastern Ukraine as an offensive by Moscow to take territory before western military aid arrives appears to be gathering pace. Footage posted by Kremlin military bloggers shows a Russian tricolour flying above the shattered village of Ocheretyne. Russian troops reportedly entered the territory on Sunday, north-west of the town of Avdiivka , after advancing about 5km in 10 days. Moscow’s defence ministry claimed Ukrainian troops fled Ocheretyne in small groups and under heavy fire.

Nato exercises starting on 26 April in Finland and in close proximity to the Russian-Finnish border are provocative in nature , Russian foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, told RIA state news agency in remarks published on Wednesday.

The UK has been accused of “helping Russia pay for its war on Ukraine” by continuing to import record amounts of refined oil from countries processing Kremlin fossil fuels. Government data analysed by the environmental news site Desmog shows that imports of refined oil from India, China and Turkey amounted to £2.2bn in 2023, the same record value as the previous year, up from £434.2m in 2021. Russia is the largest crude oil supplier to India and China, while Turkey has become one of the biggest importers of Russian oil since the Kremlin launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The priest who oversaw a memorial service for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been suspended for three years by the head of the country’s Orthodox Church. An order on the Moscow diocese website demoted Dmitry Safronov from his position as priest to that of a psalm-reader and stripped him of the right to give blessings or to wear a cassock for the next three years. According to the Associated Press, no reason was given for the decision.

Here are a couple of images from the newswires that appear to show Russia ’s Smolensk oil depot on fire after a Ukrainian drone attack on Wednesday.

The Guardian has been unable to independently verify the images.

West must boost defence as era of peace in Europe is over, says Ukrainian foreign minister

Dan Sabbagh and Luke Harding report from Kyiv:

Ukraine’s foreign minister has enthusiastically praised US politicians for approving a long-delayed $61bn military aid package for Ukraine, but cautioned that fresh supplies would not immediately turn the tide on the battlefield.

“Hallelujah,” Dmytro Kuleba said when asked for his reaction to Tuesday’s final vote by the US Senate. He said it had been “my belief that we would have a positive outcome”, based in part on the cultivation of religious conservatives, but the west had to “realise the era of peace in Europe is over” and build its defence industry.

Speaking to the Guardian, Kuleba said he was hopeful that the White House would unveil a new package of weapons “within days, maybe hours,” and it was “just a matter of logistics” to get the supplies to the frontline.

Pentagon officials have indicated that some munitions have been already stockpiled in Europe , with artillery and air defences expected to be among the priorities.

Kuleba also said Ukraine had identified seven Patriot air defence systems it could use to protect civilians in major cities outside Kyiv. One had been obtained from Germany, four more had been located and negotiations were taking place, Kuleba said, and two more were in his sights.

Read the full story here .

Russian forces have hit a Ukrainian drone production facility and a Ukrainian army fuel depot, Russia’s defence ministry said today, Reuters reported.

Speaking in Berlin, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said that “defending our democracy, our democratic processes and institutions is an absolute priority, and we won’t tolerate any activity that undermines that.”

More from the press conference now and UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said Ukraine has the country’s “unwavering support … for as long as it takes”.

Sunak’s comments were made at a joint press conference in Berlin with Germany ’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz .

Scholz told journalists that the US package of support for Ukraine does not free Europe from the obligation to keep helping, Reuters reports.

He also said there was no change to his position on sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine after the US Senate approved $60bn worth of aid to support its war efforts.

Scholz also expressed his desire to work with the UK on the European sky shield.

More details soon …

The UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak , and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz , held a joint press conference in Berlin , in which they discussed funding for Ukraine .

You can watch it back, below:

This handout photograph published on Wednesday on the official Telegram account of the Smolensk regional governor Vasily Anokhin , reportedly shows a firefighter working to extinguish a fire at an oil depot in the Smolensk region.

Ukrainian drones attacked oil facilities in western Russia overnight, defence sources in Kyiv confirmed on Wednesday, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Officials in the western Russian regions of Smolensk and Lipetsk first announced the attacks, blaming Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles for starting blazes at energy sites.

“The fire is localised. There is no threat of its spread beyond the facilities,” Smolensk regional governor Vasily Anokhin said in a later post on social media, according to AFP.

He distributed images of first responders in helmets at the scene of the attack dousing flames as plumes of black smoke billowed over the site. No one was wounded or killed, the governor said.

Another drone attack targeted the Lipetsk region farther south, which houses metallurgical and pharmaceutical sites, governor Igor Artamonov said.

A source in the Ukrainian defence sector confirmed to AFP that drones of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) had carried out the attacks.

The source made no mention of the attack on Lipetsk but claimed two oil depots were destroyed in the Smolensk region.

“Rosneft lost two storage and pumping bases for fuels and lubricants in the towns of Yartsevo and Rozdorovo,” the source said, referring to the Russian state-controlled energy company.

Russian forces make significant gains in eastern Ukraine

Russian forces have made significant advances in a narrow corridor in eastern Ukraine as an offensive by Moscow to take territory before western military aid arrives appears to be gathering pace.

Footage posted by Kremlin military bloggers shows a Russian tricolour flying above the shattered village of Ocheretyne . Russian troops reportedly entered the territory on Sunday, north-west of the town of Avdiivka , after advancing about 5km in 10 days.

It comes as Ukraine’s foreign ministry said it was suspending consular services for military-age men living abroad, except for those heading back to Ukraine , in a move designed to increase conscription.

The Ukrainian army retreated from Avdiivka in February and has been trying to establish a new defensive line in settlements along the Durna River but in recent weeks reinforced Russian units have been pushing forward , using air-launched glide bombs to pulverise Ukrainian bunkers.

Moscow’s defence ministry claimed Ukrainian troops fled Ocheretyne in small groups and under heavy fire. Video showed a destroyed administration building, with its windows blown out and streets full of debris. Civilians appeared to have left.

You can read more of the report by Luke Harding and Dan Sabbagh in Kyiv here:

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the priest who oversaw a memorial service for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been suspended for three years by the head of the country’s Orthodox Church .

Dmitry Safronov held a memorial service at Navalny’s gravesite in Moscow on 26 March to mark 40 days since the politician’s death, an important ritual within Russian Orthodox tradition.

The AP reports that an order on the Moscow diocese website demoted Safronov from his position as priest to that of a psalm-reader and stripped him of the right to give blessings or to wear a cassock for the next three years.

According to the news agency, no reason was given for the decision, which was signed by Patriarch Kirill , the head of the Russian Orthodox Church and a key ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin .

Nato drills in Finland are 'provocative', says Russia's foreign ministry

Nato exercises starting on 26 April in Finland and in close proximity to the Russian-Finnish border are provocative in nature, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova , told RIA state news agency in remarks published on Wednesday.

“Nato military exercises near the Russian borders are provocative in nature. Their task is to exert military pressure on the Russian Federation through a demonstration of force,” Zakharova said, reports Reuters.

“The drills … increase the risks of possible military incidents,” added Zakharova.

Russia will expand Ukraine 'buffer zone' if Kyiv gets longer range missiles, says Kremlin

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia would further expand its “buffer zone” inside Ukraine if Kyiv takes delivery of longer-range Atcams missiles from the US that allow it to strike deeper inside Russia, reports Reuters.

The US is preparing a $1bn military aid package for Ukraine, the first to be sourced from the yet to be signed $95bn foreign aid bill, two US officials told Reuters on Tuesday.

When asked about the possibility that the package would include longer-range Atcams missiles, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s stance on the subject – that it will be forced to expand what it calls a buffer zone in Ukraine if longer-range missiles are delivered – had not changed.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday dismissed media speculation about the reasons behind the arrest of deputy defence minister Timur Ivanov on bribery charges, and urged reporters to focus on official information, reports Reuters.

Asked about a report that Ivanov was suspected of treason, Peskov said: “There are many different interpretations around all this now.”

“You need to focus on official information,” Peskov said. “It is necessary to focus on the information of the investigative authorities and, ultimately, on the court’s decision.”

Pjotr Sauer is a Russian affairs reporter for the Guardian.

A well-connected Russian deputy defence minister has been charged with bribe-taking, in the highest-profile corruption scandal in the country in years, triggering speculation about a possible purge within Moscow ’s elites.

Timur Ivanov , 47, who was responsible for Russia’s military infrastructure projects, was detained by the FSB services late on Tuesday evening at his work.

On Wednesday, Ivanov, wearing his military uniform, appeared behind a glass cage in a Moscow court, where he was formally arrested and charged with high bribery. The court remanded him in custody for two months and placed him in the high-security Lefortovo prison in Moscow. He faces 15 years in jail if convicted.

Ivanov was widely seen as a long-term confidant of the powerful defence minister, Sergei Shoigu , having worked with Shoigu across various agencies for more than a decade.

The sudden arrest of an ally of Shoigu, who in turn Putin tasked with fighting the war in Ukraine , sparked speculations about a battle within the elite and of a public crackdown on the corruption that has plagued Russia’s post-Soviet armed forces.

“It is hard to find an official who has done more for Shoigu than Ivanov,” said a former defence official who worked directly with Ivanov, asking for anonymity so they could speak freely.

“This is an attack on Shoigu’s standing. But Shoigu has weathered other storms before.”

The UK has been accused of “helping Russia pay for its war on Ukraine” by continuing to import record amounts of refined oil from countries processing Kremlin fossil fuels.

Government data analysed by the environmental news site Desmog shows that imports of refined oil from India , China and Turkey amounted to £2.2bn in 2023, the same record value as the previous year, up from £434.2m in 2021.

Russia is the largest crude oil supplier to India and China, while Turkey has become one of the biggest importers of Russian oil since the Kremlin launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

This comes as Russia is increasingly targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with only a few major power plants not yet damaged or destroyed. UK politicians have been lobbying the US to approve £60bn in military aid for Ukraine, which finally passed on 20 April . The UK foreign secretary, David Cameron , has been advocating for frozen Russian assets to be deployed to Ukraine’s war effort.

In response to the 2022 invasion, allies of Ukraine pledged to divest from Russian oil and gas. The UK officially banned the import of Russian oil products from 5 December 2022. However, a loophole in the legislation has allowed Russian oil to continue to flow into the UK.

You can read the full piece by Sam Bright here:

The Ukrainian online newspaper, the Kyiv Independent , says its sources have told them that Russia ’s state-controlled company Rosneft “lost two storage and pumping bases for fuel and lubricants in Yartsevo and Razdorovo in Smolensk oblast” on Wednesday.

The Kyiv Independent has also shared a screengrab from footage circulating on social media of what was purported to be a burning oil terminal in Yartsevo .

The Guardian could not independently verify the image or footage.

• Ukraine war live
• Volodymyr Zelenskiy

More on this story

Ukraine foreign minister says west must boost defence as ‘era of peace is over’

US Senate passes $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

US military aid: what’s in the $95bn bill and why has it taken so long for Congress to pass?

Russian minister detained after taking bribe, law enforcement agency says

Ukraine war briefing: Long-range Atacms missiles on the way, says Zelenskiy

US defense firms tout ‘essential’ services as sales rise amid global tensions

Rishi Sunak promises UK’s largest ever military support package for Ukraine

Most viewed.