Olympic medallists strike gold with free Celestyal cruise (updated)

Team USA earned the most medals (126) and had the most medalists (257). The numbers were 40 golds, 44 silvers and 42 bronzes. 

Great Britain achieved their third highest tally in Paris, collecting 65 medals – 14 golds, 22 silvers and 29 bronzes – matching their total medal haul from London 2012.

Australia’s record-breaking success chalked up 53 medals in total — 18 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze.

Welcoming the heroes

Celestyal CCO Lee Haslett said, ‘Following years of exceptionally hard training and the pressures of competing at an Olympic Games, both mentally and physically, there’s no better way for our Olympic heroes to unwind and relax than on a Celestyal cruise. 

‘Onboard, they can enjoy our extensive wellness programme, indulge in authentic and fresh cuisine and explore wonderful ports of call.

‘We look forward to welcoming our medallists and their guests onboard with our renowned warm hospitality – congratulations to all of our cherished Olympians.’

Olympic Games-themed excursion

The cruise line – whose headquarters are in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games – is offering the ‘National Geographic Day Tour – The history of the Olympic Games in Athens’ shore excursion on all Greece itineraries. 

Led by National Geographic-trained guides, passengers trace the evolution of the Olympic Games on an in-depth tour of Olympic sites and discover how ancient Greek athletes continue to inspire the country today. 

The experience also includes the opportunity to meet a former Olympic athlete for an exclusive viewing of the Olympic Sports Complex.

Celestyal Journey 

On Celestyal Journey, the list of complimentary cruises includes a seven-night ‘Steps of Paul’ voyage departing Athens on October 12, calling Thessaloniki, Kavala, Istanbul, Dikili, Kusadasi and Patmos. 

Alternatively, a seven-night ‘Desert Days’ voyage from Doha can be chosen. Eight options are available sailing between December 2024 and March 2025, calling at Khalifa Bin Salman, Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. 

Or the champions can choose a seven-night ‘Idyllic Aegean’ voyage; there are 14 options available, sailing between May and October, 2025. Leaving from Athens, the vessel will call at Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini, Mykonos and Milos.

And there are four choices of ‘Heavenly Adriatic’ to pick from sailing between April and August 2025. The seven-night itinerary sees the ship call at Kotor, Split, Venice or Bari and Katakolo for visits to nearby Ancient Olympia.