Celestyal’s new Celestyal Journey has embarked on its inaugural cruise in the Aegean following a €20 million ($21.4 million) refurbishment project. 

The 1,260-guest ship, which has previously sailed for both Holland America Line and P&O Australia, joined the Celestyal fleet in March 2023 and was fully renovated ahead of beginning service. It now boasts seven speciality and themed restaurants, a Chef’s Table venue, eight bars and lounges, expansive sundecks with two pools and two Jacuzzis, an outdoor Beach Club, a multi-purpose amphitheatre, a spa, fitness and wellness area, suite accommodation, and more. 

Celestyal Journey departed on its first “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary from Piraeus, Greece, on 2 September and will call at Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini, Mykonos and Milos.

“On 2 September, I was delighted to join our crew and customers onboard the inaugural sailing of our newest ship, Celestyal Journey,” said Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer of Celestyal Cruises. “She signals a new and exciting chapter in our offering as we continue to invest into our fleet, aligning the company’s vision to offer a new premium stay-in-style and experience-rich cruise offering to the Greek islands and Eastern Mediterranean.”