Celestyal Cruises, the award-winning, number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and the Mediterranean, is taking preventative measures and suspending cruise operations until May 1, 2020. This action is as a result of the unavoidable circumstances arising out of the continued spread of COVID-19 and increased government advisories and restrictions from all over the world prohibiting guests from leaving and re-entering their home countries.
We all currently face a situation that it is unknown, extraordinary, unpredictable, and constantly changing and, as a result, is causing major disruption to travel. As the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently said, every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight against COVID-19 and Celestyal Cruises is following this advice and that of health professionals and regulators around the world, and acting accordingly in order to reduce the risk of quarantine or medical detentions for our guests and crew.
In addition, with an increasing number of temporary closures to cruise ports for select nationals, major attractions and some countries imposing restrictions on public gatherings and visitors, a destination rich company such as Celestyal Cruises is prevented from delivering the promised experience at this time.
Therefore, we have made the difficult yet responsible decision due to Force Majeure of suspending sailings between March 14 and April 30, 2020. We plan to recommence from May 1st, 2020 with our 3-night Iconic Aegean on Celestyal Olympia and May 2nd, 2020 with the 7-night Eclectic Aegean on Celestyal Crystal as scheduled.
For all named and fully paid guests impacted by this temporary suspension, we will offer the choice of either a Future Cruise Credit valued at 120% of original booking value or a refund of original amount paid. Guests will have until the end of December 2021 to use their Future Cruise Credit against any of our itineraries. For additional flexibility, anyone that has not used their Future Cruise Credit within the specified period, will automatically receive a refund equal to the original amount paid to Celestyal.
To achieve better customer service, Celestyal Cruises will issue certificates for Future Cruise Credits for all impacted guests as per above to be sent directly to you or your travel advisor, unless otherwise advised, so there will be no need to call our Contact Centre should you choose the Future Cruise Credit option.
Affected sailings are:
- 7-Night Three Continents: March 14, 21 and 28, 2020
- 7-Night Eclectic Aegean: April 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2020
- 3 & 4-Night Iconic Aegean: March 16 till April 30, 2020
Since Celestyal Cruises was launched as a brand six years ago, based on decades of experience in the hospitality sector, our first priority continues to be the well-being of our guests and employees. Our two mid-sized ships, each one cosy enough to provide genuine and highly personalized service, consistently provides our guests with award-winning memorable cruise vacations in the region we operate. The foundation of the company’s philosophy is built on a unique Greek heritage which combines outstanding hospitality with genuine cultural destination immersion and provides authentic, lifetime experiences both onboard and onshore.
During these challenging times, Celestyal Cruises will do all it can to support its guests, employees and partners and is hopeful that they in turn will show their support. As things return to normal, Celestyal Cruises looks forward to welcoming guests back onboard.
For further information and reservations call: United Kingdom 0800-411-8038 / North America 877-337-4665 / Europe +30-216-40-09-999 or visit www.celestyal.com
About Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Cruises has fast built an award-winning reputation and recognition as the number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and East Mediterranean thanks to its regional expertise and exceptional hospitality. The company operates two vessels, each one cosy enough to provide genuine and highly personalized services. The foundation of the company’s philosophy is built on a unique Greek heritage which combines outstanding hospitality with genuine cultural destination immersion and provides authentic, lifetime experiences both onboard and onshore.
Awards
In February 2020, Celestyal Cruises was honoured at the Cruise Excellence Awards for its “3 Continents” cruise, as the best cruise itinerary for 2019.
In June 2019, Celestyal Cruises was honoured for its overall contribution and commitment to the development of the cruise industry in the East Med region at the MedCruise Awards in Genoa.
In December 2019 and 2018 respectively Celestyal Cruises was given the UK Editors’ Picks Award for Best Service by Cruise Critic, the world’s largest cruise reviews site and online cruise community. In February 2018 Celestyal Cruises received four Cruise Critic Cruisers Choice Awards: two first place awards, for Shore Excursions and Value, and two second place awards, for Service and Entertainment.
Corporate Responsibility
Celestyal Cruises is deeply committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. The company actively supports the local communities in the destinations it visits, particularly in the field of education. Since 2015, more than 2000 students on the Greek islands of Milos, Patmos, Samos and Ios have enjoyed a ‘journey to knowledge’, by attending specialized educational programs, initiated by Celestyal Cruises. Additionally, Celestyal Cruises supports cultural NGOs to promote youth entrepreneurship, marine student development and child welfare.
ISO Certification
The entire spectrum of Celestyal Cruises’ ship management, including technical, hotel and crew management, and offices, are certified in accordance with ISO 9001/14001 standards. The certifying authority is DNV-GL, which is by widely recognized as the biggest and most respected rating agency in the marine industry.
