Celestyal Cruises

The Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean, done the Greek way. Celestyal sails intimate, mid-sized ships from Athens with all-inclusive value, warm hospitality, and itineraries that bring you closer to Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, and beyond.

Or call us at 1-800-444-1560 or email info@smartcruiser.com

The Heart of the Greek Cruise Experience

Celestyal Cruises is the leading cruise line dedicated to the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean, offering an authentically Greek cruising experience that larger cruise lines simply can’t replicate. With intimate, mid-sized ships sailing from Athens (Piraeus) and Thessaloniki, Celestyal provides travelers with deep cultural immersion, warm hospitality, and outstanding value – making the wonders of Greece, Turkey, and the Eastern Mediterranean accessible to everyone.

At a Glance

Cruise Line: Celestyal Cruises – Greek Islands & Eastern Mediterranean Specialist

Fleet: Intimate mid-sized ships carrying approximately 1,000-1,260 guests

Destinations: Greek Islands, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, and the broader Eastern Mediterranean

Home Ports: Athens (Piraeus), with select sailings from Thessaloniki

Signature Feature: All-inclusive packages featuring drinks, shore excursions, gratuities, and an immersive Greek cultural experience at exceptional value

  • All-inclusive beverage packages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
  • Selected shore excursions at every port of call
  • Gratuities and port charges
  • Full-board dining with Greek and international cuisine
  • Live entertainment and onboard cultural experiences
  • Wi-Fi packages available for purchase
  • Kids’ programs and family-friendly activities

Inclusions vary by fare type. Premium all-inclusive packages offer the most comprehensive coverage.

  • The undisputed Greek Islands specialist – no one knows these waters better
  • Exceptional value with all-inclusive packages that keep your holiday stress-free
  • Shorter 3, 4, and 7-night itineraries perfect for first-time cruisers or as part of a larger European holiday
  • Authentic Greek cultural immersion through cuisine, entertainment, and destination experiences
  • Smaller ships that reach ports the mega-ships can’t

Main Dining Room: Full-service restaurant featuring Greek and international menus with open seating

Leda Buffet: Casual buffet dining with a wide range of Mediterranean specialties

Amalthia Restaurant: Specialty dining with elevated Greek and Mediterranean cuisine

Outdoor Grill: Poolside casual dining for al fresco meals

Celestyal’s culinary philosophy is rooted in authentic Greek flavors – fresh ingredients, regional recipes, and dishes that reflect the destinations you visit. Think moussaka, freshly grilled seafood, and locally inspired desserts alongside international favorites.

Celestyal offers carefully curated itineraries focused on the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean. Popular routes include the “Iconic Aegean” (Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and Kusadasi in Turkey), the “Idyllic Aegean” with lesser-known gems, and extended voyages visiting Egypt, Israel, and Cyprus.

With 3, 4, and 7-night options departing primarily from Athens (Piraeus), these itineraries are perfectly designed for combining with a land-based Greek holiday or as a standalone Mediterranean escape.

Celestyal’s smaller ships can access ports that larger vessels cannot, bringing you closer to the authentic character of each island.

Cruise Search

A modern cruise ship operated by Celestyal Cruises is anchored in the azure waters off Santorini

Intimate Greek Ships, Authentic Mediterranean Experiences

Authentic Greek Hospitality

What makes Celestyal truly special is the warmth and genuineness of its Greek crew. From the moment you step aboard, you’re treated like family – not just a guest. The crew’s passion for sharing their culture shines through in every interaction, whether it’s teaching you a traditional Greek dance on the pool deck, recommending a hidden taverna in Mykonos, or ensuring your glass of ouzo is always topped up. This isn’t just a cruise through Greece – it’s a cruise that feels Greek in every way.

A Culinary Journey Through Greece

Food is at the heart of Greek culture, and Celestyal brings this philosophy aboard with a dining experience that celebrates Mediterranean flavors at every meal. The main dining room features rotating menus showcasing regional Greek specialties alongside international favorites – think freshly caught seafood, traditional souvlaki, spanakopita, and baklava made with local honey. The specialty Amalthia restaurant elevates the experience further with refined Greek cuisine and curated wine pairings. Whether you’re enjoying a casual poolside lunch or a candlelit dinner, every dish tells a story of the destinations you’re visiting.

An elegantly designed modern lounge aboard a Celestyal Cruises vessel, featuring sophisticated
A vibrant, modern children's entertainment space designed for young cruisers, featuring colorful

Island-Hopping Made Effortless

One of the biggest advantages of a Celestyal cruise is the ability to experience multiple iconic Greek Islands without the hassle of booking ferries, hotels, and transfers at every stop. Wake up each morning in a new destination – Santorini’s dramatic caldera, Mykonos’ vibrant nightlife and windmills, the ancient ruins of Rhodes, the Venetian harbour of Crete, and the sacred island of Patmos. Celestyal’s curated shore excursions bring each destination to life, from archaeological site visits to local wine tastings and village walks, so you experience the real Greece beyond the postcard views.

The Celestyal Experience

Exceptional Value

Celestyal’s all-inclusive packages deliver outstanding value – drinks, shore excursions, gratuities, and full-board dining are all bundled in, so you can relax knowing there are no surprise costs waiting at the end of your voyage.

Authentic Greek Cuisine

From traditional moussaka and freshly grilled souvlaki to regional seafood specialties and Mediterranean wine pairings, Celestyal’s dining celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Greece across multiple restaurants and casual eateries.

Iconic Destinations

Visit the most sought-after Greek Islands – Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, and Patmos – plus Turkey, Egypt, and Israel. Celestyal’s shorter itineraries let you see more in less time with expert-led excursions included.

A large cruise ship operated by Celestyal Cruises anchored in calm Mediterranean waters, with arid

Staterooms for Every Style of Traveler

Celestyal offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences – interior cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony staterooms, and suites. All are well-appointed with modern amenities, comfortable bedding, and en-suite bathrooms. With so much time spent ashore on these port-intensive itineraries, an interior cabin can be a smart way to stretch your vacation dollars. If a sea view matters to you, the step up to ocean view or balcony is worth a conversation. Not sure which category fits your trip? Our experienced agents can compare deck plans, cabin placement, and upgrade costs to help you find the best fit and value for your sailing.

Gallery

A smiling crew member in Celestyal Cruises uniform (gray vest with blue scarf) stands in an elegant
A detailed deck plan layout of a Celestyal Cruises ship showing numbered cabin locations, public
A modern cruise ship cabin featuring a separate sleeping alcove with a queen-sized bed
Two smiling women on a cruise ship deck, wearing sunglasses and summer attire, looking at a mobile
An indoor spa and wellness area aboard a Celestyal Cruises vessel, featuring turquoise mosaic-tiled
A contemporary spa and salon space featuring curved architectural elements, a sleek black reception

Our Fleet

Frequently Asked Questions

Celestyal Cruises is the leading cruise line specializing in the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean. Known for authentic Greek hospitality, immersive cultural experiences, and exceptional all-inclusive value, Celestyal offers intimate mid-sized ships that visit iconic destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes – as well as Turkey, Egypt, and Israel. Their shorter 3, 4, and 7-night itineraries make them a perfect choice for first-time cruisers or as part of a larger European holiday.

Celestyal offers different fare levels, but their premium all-inclusive packages include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, selected shore excursions at every port, gratuities, port charges, and full-board dining. Even their standard fares include meals and entertainment. When you book through SmartCruiser.com, you also benefit from our exclusive group rates and value-added amenities such as onboard credits (OBCs), so your fare goes further than booking direct.

Celestyal focuses exclusively on the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean. Popular itineraries include the “Iconic Aegean” visiting Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and Kusadasi (Turkey), as well as extended voyages to Egypt, Israel, and Cyprus. Most cruises depart from Athens (Piraeus), making it easy to combine with a land-based Greek holiday.

Celestyal operates intimate, mid-sized ships that typically carry around 1,000-1,260 guests. This smaller size creates a more personal atmosphere and allows access to ports that larger mega-ships cannot reach. The fleet has been refreshed and modernized in recent years, with comfortable accommodations ranging from interior cabins to balcony staterooms and suites.

Absolutely. Their shorter 3 and 4-night itineraries are the perfect introduction to cruising – long enough to experience multiple destinations but short enough for those unsure about being on a ship. The all-inclusive packages remove the stress of budgeting, and the intimate ship size means you’ll never feel overwhelmed. Plus, the Greek hospitality makes everyone feel instantly at home.

Celestyal offers multiple dining venues including the main dining room with Greek and international menus, the Leda buffet for casual Mediterranean dining, the Amalthia specialty restaurant for elevated Greek cuisine, and a poolside outdoor grill. The culinary philosophy centers on authentic Greek flavors – fresh seafood, regional specialties, and locally inspired dishes that reflect the destinations you visit. All main dining is included in your fare.

Celestyal offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Options include interior cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony staterooms, and suites. All cabins are well-appointed with modern amenities, comfortable bedding, and en-suite bathrooms. For the best value, our experienced agents can recommend the ideal cabin category and deck placement based on your preferences.

With Celestyal’s all-inclusive packages, selected shore excursions are included at every port of call. These range from guided archaeological tours (like the Palace of Knossos in Crete or the ancient city of Ephesus in Kusadasi) to scenic island tours, local market visits, and cultural experiences. Additional premium excursions are also available for purchase if you want to customize your experience further.

Celestyal maintains a relaxed, resort-casual dress code throughout most of the voyage. During the day, comfortable resort wear, swimsuits by the pool, and casual attire are perfectly appropriate. For evenings in the dining room, smart casual is the standard – think sundresses, collared shirts, and smart trousers. There’s typically one “Greek Night” where festive attire is encouraged. Overall, the atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious.

Absolutely – and we highly recommend it. Since most Celestyal cruises depart from Athens, it’s easy to add a few days exploring the Acropolis, the Plaka neighbourhood, and Athens’ vibrant food scene before or after your cruise. Some guests also add time in Thessaloniki or extend their trip to the mainland. Your dedicated agent at SmartCruiser.com can help arrange pre- and post-cruise plans to create a seamless Greek holiday.

When you book Celestyal through SmartCruiser.com, Division of Oasis Travel Network, you work with a dedicated, experienced agent who serves as your direct point of contact from inquiry through disembarkation – never a random reservations agent. Our agency has operated under the same management for over 30 years, and our group rates and exclusive amenities can mean savings of up to $1500+ depending on the time of year and destination. See a lower price elsewhere? Ask and we’ll do our best to price match. Booking with us delivers more value than booking direct, with expert guidance on itineraries, cabins, and timing every step of the way.

Ready to Explore the Greek Islands?

Iconic islands, authentic cuisine, and warm Greek hospitality at exceptional value – that’s what Celestyal does best. When you’re ready to start planning, our cruise experts at SmartCruiser.com, Division of Oasis Travel Network are here to match you with the right itinerary, cabin, and sailing date. With exclusive group rates, valuable amenities, and a dedicated agent guiding every step, your Greek island adventure starts with a conversation. Call us at 1-800-444-1560 to get started.