PHOTOS: Premium spaces aboard Celestyal Journey – coming this fall

Celestyal Cruises has shared details and imagery for Celestyal Journey, its newest ship that will launch on Sept. 2, 2023 following an extensive $21 million-dollar (USD) refurbishment and maintenance overhaul. 

The ship was originally built as the Ryndam for Holland America Line and, more recently, was operating for P&O Australia. 

The newly-acquired vessel, named after themes of exploration, discovery and progress, will take over Celestyal Crystal’s program, initially on its popular seven-night “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary. 

"The Journey embodies a spirit of ambition and adventure and a desire to take her guests further and get closer to the destinations she visits," the Greece-based company said in a press release on Thursday (March 23).

Space & premium staterooms

Celestyal Journey is characterized by her abundant number of premium staterooms as well as their spaciousness. 

The 1,260-guest mid-sized vessel offers 630 staterooms, 149 of which feature balconies – three times that of the previously available balcony staterooms on Celestyal’s seven-night offering.  

Of the 149 balcony staterooms, 120 are Junior Suites, 28 are Grand Suites and one is the spacious Penthouse Concept Suite.  In addition, the vessel boasts 80 percent outside staterooms as well as a high guest to space ratio.  

The Celestyal Journey offers guests a larger range of dining options as well, with seven one-of-a-kind venues including specialty and themed restaurants appealing to a wide array of tastes and cuisines from Mediterranean to European and Asian dishes. 

In addition, the Celestyal Journey will have a cooking demonstration area and an exclusive Chef’s Table venue, ideal for celebrating special occasions with friends or for private group functions. 

Eight bars and lounges round out the food and beverage  offerings, each with its own distinctive character, providing the ideal setting to indulge in Celestyal’s signature cocktails. 

Light & space

The Celestyal Journey features many open deck areas, creating an overall greater sense of light and space. 

Expansive sundecks with two pools and two Jacuzzis offer spectacular views and connectivity with the sea, while a secluded and tranquil outdoor space, the Beach Club, will be created for exclusive use by all Grand Suite and Junior Suite guests. 

Guests booked in Grand Suites will also have access to Celestyal’s Concierge Service, which features a dedicated priority check-in counter, expedited embarkation and express luggage delivery service including assistance with unpacking. 

A dedicated Celestyal Cruises’ Concierge will be available in the exclusive-use Poseidon Lounge to assist Grand Suite guests with tailored service requests. 

There is also a large, comprehensive spa, fitness and wellness area offering ocean views and two, fully-equipped conference rooms and a multi-purpose amphitheater complete with a cinema, making The Celestyal Journey perfect for meetings and incentives.  

“It has always been our mission to renew and rejuvenate our fleet, and we’re thrilled to see this come to fruition with the arrival of the Celestyal Journey. She is already undergoing her extensive refurbishment program and will be deployed in a matter of just a few months,” said Celestyal Cruises’ CEO, Chris Theophilides.  

Coming this October

The Celestyal Journey will set sail on October 14, 2023, with the “Steps of Paul” itinerary  followed by the seven-night “Three Continents” itinerary, visiting Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus and. Turkey, from October through December, 2023.  

This will be followed by an exclusive holiday sailing, the 19-night, special Christmas 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.”  This can also be split into eight- or nine-night itineraries.    

Special launch offers will be announced shortly. Guests currently holding reservations on the Celestyal Crystal from September 2, 2023, onwards will be contacted by Celestyal and reaccommodated on sailings on the Celestyal Journey, the company says. 

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