March 28, 2023 – Celestyal Cruises, a Cypriot cruise company with a penchant for pre-owned cruise ships, is sending the €2 million refurbished Celestyal Journey on September 2023, 20 to the Aegean islands for the first time.
The medium-sized ship (built in 1994) offers space for 1.260 guests with double occupancy. The number of cabins is estimated at 630. 149 guest rooms have a balcony. The balconies are available to guests in the 120 junior suites, the 28 grand suites and one penthouse concept suite. Crucial to the ambience of the new acquisition is the upscale design that travelers are used to from Holland-America Line ships, because that's the type of cruise ship it is. The ship sailed under the name MS Ryndam for HAL for a long time.
before: MS Ryndam
after: Photo Celestyal Journey © Celestyal Cruises
The Celestyal Journey scores with open deck areas, wide sun decks and two pool areas. As an encore, there is a large spa, fitness and wellness area. Compared to the previous fleet members (Celestyal Olympia and Celestyal Crystal), the younger Celestyal Journey offers a greater variety of dining options. Seven restaurants are available on board, including some specialty restaurants and themed restaurants. The palette varies from Mediterranean to European to Asian cuisine. The Celestyal Journey also has a cooking demonstration area and an exclusive chef's table. Eight bars and lounges complete the gastronomic offer.
An exclusive outdoor area is available to all suite guests with the Beach Club. As a special privilege, passengers in the Grand Suites enjoy the Celestyal Concierge Service, which, in addition to expedited embarkation and an express luggage delivery service, naturally provides unpacking assistance. A concierge offers personalized services if needed.
Following her maiden voyage, the Celestyal Journey will embark on a variety of Mediterranean cruises. Destinations are Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus and Turkey. Two exclusive holiday trips will follow at the end of the year. The Celestyal Journey 12-Day Christmas Cruise offers the opportunity to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Holy Land. If desired, this trip can be combined with the following eight-day New Year's cruise.
