Celestyal Olympia in Santorini
Celestyal Olympia in Santorini / Celestyal Cruises
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Celestyal Crystal's Olympus Restaurant
Celestyal Crystal's Olympus Restaurant / Celestyal Cruises
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Celestyal Crystal's Riviera Pool
Celestyal Crystal's Riviera Pool / Celestyal Cruises
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Celestyal Olympia's Argo Bar
Celestyal Olympia's Argo Bar / Celestyal Cruises
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Celestyal Olympia's Royale Casino
Celestyal Olympia's Royale Casino / Celestyal Cruises
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Celestyal Olympia Exterior Stateroom
Celestyal Olympia Exterior Stateroom / Celestyal Cruises
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Celestyal Cruises

Our Review
by Peter Knego
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Celestyal Cruises, which launched in 2015, specializes in Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, having established itself over two decades (as the former Cypriot-owned Louis Cruises) by offering affordable cruises to the Greek Islands and Turkey. In 2023 and early 2024, Celestyal swapped out the ships in its fleet and now operates the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey (formerly Holland America Line’s Ryndam) and the 1,266-guest Celestyal Discovery (formerly AidaAura).

These vessels call on both familiar and off-the-beaten-track Aegean and Adriatic ports and will appeal to those who enjoy an authentic Greek-style cruise experience on ships that don’t overwhelm the ports they visit.

What We Love

Greek Yogurt, Spanakopita, and Tzatziki: Not only are these Aegean region specialties served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner but many Celestyal cruises also feature renowned Greek chefs who host cooking demonstrations showcasing home-style recipes. 

Classic Itineraries: In just three or four nights, guests get to sample the sights in some of the most beautiful, historic, and culture-rich ports in the Aegean, including the volcanic splendor of Santorini, the Roman ruins of Ephesus, and the jet-setting beaches of Mykonos.

Best Known For

Value For the Money: Celestyal is not the fanciest player in the industry, but it delivers clean, pleasant ships that sail to exciting places.

Intimacy: You may actually have a chance to make friends on these human-scale ships that carry hundreds, not thousands, of fellow passengers.

Who It's Best For

People Who Donʼt Expect an American-Style Cruise Experience: Celestyal caters to an international clientele from places as diverse as Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia — many visiting the Mediterranean for the first time.

Hellenophiles: From bouzouki players to baklava, these cruises are steeped in Greek culture, music, history, and cuisine.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

No-Frills Ships: Built in 1993 (Celestyal Journey) and 2003 (Celestyal Discovery), the cruise line’s fleet is from an era when ships were smaller, lacked balconies, and didn't have amusement park-style amenities.