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Celestyal is significantly expanding its winter Mediterranean operations with the launch of new Eastern Mediterranean itineraries for Celestyal Journey, operating from December 2027.
The 1,260-passenger vessel will operate seven new sailings comprising four seven-night voyages departing from Athens to Istanbul and Istanbul to Athens, plus two 14-night sailings roundtrip from Athens and one 14-night roundtrip from Istanbul.
Janet Parton, VP of marketing, PR and customer experience at Celestyal, explained the strategic importance of the expansion: "This winter program really represents the significant development of Celestyal, taking that destination-led approach into a new part of the Mediterranean."
The seven-night Athens departures will visit Alexandria with an overnight stay, plus Limassol, Rhodes and Istanbul. The Istanbul sailings call at Thessaloniki, Volos, Kusadasi, Heraklion and Athens.
Both seven-night sailings lead in at £629 per person, while the combined 14-night cruise, branded as the 'Three Continents Explorer,' starts at £1,099 per person.
Parton noted that Celestyal's former Three Continents cruise had been one of their most popular sailings. She explained that the new Three Continents Explorer 14-night cruise was a version of that original Three Continents offering. "We know how fondly many guests remember our Three Continents sailings, so we're delighted to bring them back in a refreshed format. The opportunity to experience Europe, Asia and Africa in a single holiday is incredibly special, while the choice of seven- or 14-night voyages gives guests the flexibility to explore in a way that suits them."
The announcement follows the successful launch of Celestyal Discovery's Western Mediterranean winter programme, which went on sale six weeks ago and has already reached 50% capacity.
"They are selling really, really well," Parton confirmed. "The most surprising is that we have a 22-night itinerary, which is a combination of the eight-night repositioning and the 14-night 'Mediterranean Odyssey.' That is already at 60% sold."
The Western Med programme operates from Barcelona using Tarragona as home port, plus Lisbon, covering destinations across Spain, Portugal, Morocco, France and Italy. The programme includes 14 maiden calls.
When asked about UK market appeal, Parton revealed that 75% of current Western Med bookings are from UK passengers. "Early indications are really positive. We put this on sale six weeks ago with no promotion, so people have been finding that through organic ways."
Celestyal's summer 2028 programme goes on sale on September 4, comprising 124 sailings across Greece, the Adriatic and wider Mediterranean. Voyages range from three to 14 nights, operating from March to November.
Sailing roundtrip from Athens, Celestyal Journey will offer eight departures of the seven-night 'Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia,' calling at Kefalonia, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; Bari, Italy; Corfu, Greece; and Katakolo, Greece; with an overnight in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Prices start from £719 per person.
The ship will also operate 30 departures of the seven-night 'Idyllic Greece,' calling at Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos and Milos, Greece. Prices start from £719 per person.
16 departures of the 14-night 'Mediterranean Icons' will combine the two seven-night Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia and Idyllic Greece cruises. Prices start from £1,289 per person.
Operating from March to November, also sailing roundtrip from Athens, Celestyal Discovery will offer 35 departures of the three-night 'Iconic Greek Islands,' calling at Mykonos, Greece; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Patmos, Crete and Santorini, Greece. Prices start from £419 per person.
The ship will also operate 35 departures of the four-night Iconic Greek Islands, calling at Mykonos, Greece; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini, Greece. Prices start from £529 per person.
Celestyal has launched a new winter campaign, 'Uncrowded, Unforgettable, Authentically Med,' running until November 2, 2026, with seven-night cruises starting from £419 per person.
The campaign features sailings across Celestyal's newly launched winter programme including Celestyal Discovery's first dedicated Western Mediterranean programme and Celestyal Journey's winter 2027/28 season.
"This campaign really highlights the appeal of sailing in the Mediterranean in the winter months," Parton explained. "We know that there'll be fewer crowds, destinations have a much more relaxed atmosphere."
Parton added: "Winter changes the rhythm of the Mediterranean. The temperatures are milder, the pace is more relaxed and guests have the space and time to experience destinations as locals do. With prices from just £60 per person per night, this campaign is about showing that an unforgettable Mediterranean holiday doesn't have to be reserved for summer."
The line is planning an 'always on' incentive for agents with increased payments during wave and peak months, plus 40 spaces on a fam trip departing December 5 from Tarragona.
Regarding potential return to the Arabian Gulf, Parton said: "We haven't completely ruled out returning to the Gulf. If we do go back, we may go back with one ship, and then one in the Mediterranean."
On fleet expansion, she added: "We will continually assess opportunities as they arise. If an opportunity comes up for a third ship, and commercially, financially, it makes sense for us to take that on, then we will do so."
All fares include meals, soft drinks with meals, essential WiFi, port fees and gratuities.
