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Celestyal Cruises adds second ship to summer lineup

Celestyal Cruises plans to deploy a second ship, Celestyal Olympia, from its new terminal at Lavrion Port near Athens.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

April 8, 2021

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Earlier, the line announced it would resume cruising May 29 with Celestyal Crystal.

Celestyal's expanded deployment closely follows the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's advice that vaccinated Americans may travel internationally 'at low risk to themselves.' The line noted more than seven new or reinstated direct flights will operate between the US and Athens starting in early June.

'Legendary Archipelago' itinerary

The new seven-night 'Legendary Archipelago' cruise from Lavrion, 16 miles from the Athens Airport, will operate from June 28 through Aug. 30. On Aug. 30, Celestyal Olympia will undertake its scheduled three- and four-night 'Iconic Aegean' and 'Iconic Discovery' itineraries from Lavrion for the remainder of the season.

The 'Legendary Archipelago' itinerary includes Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, Agios Nikolaos (Crete) and Rhodes in Greece and Limassol in Cyprus with all-inclusive pricing starting at $1,019 per person. 

Celestyal is the only cruise line calling at Thessaloniki on a regular basis. The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki offers paleo Christian and Byzantine monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, monuments to the famed Alexander the Great, and the chance to explore rich Roman and Sephardic Jewish heritage.

Health safety requirements

Starting May 15, Greecr will allow travelers with proof of COVID-19 vaccination or certified immunity or presenting a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure from home.

Celestyal Cruises will also require a negative PCR test within 72 hours before embarkation. The company is awaiting guidance from health authorities about the possibility of waiving this requirement for those who have been vaccinated.

Vaccinated travelers must still present a negative COVID-19 test before they board a return flight to the US and should get tested three to five days after returning from international travel. Celestyal said it will have PCR tests available on board for those who require it, at their cost, prior to disembarkation.

Crew vaccination

The line is working with the Greek health authorities to implement a vaccination program to ensure the crew on both vessels are fully vaccinated prior to sailing.

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Celestyal CruisesGreece

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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