Guests Can Now Test Up to 72 Hours Prior to Embarkation; Masks No Longer Mandatory
Celestyal , the award-winning, number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, has announced a relaxed COVID-19 policy. For all sailings from August 26th, 2022, all guests 12 years of age and above must continue to be fully vaccinated including proof of a booster for those of 18 years old and above (if their original vaccine course was completed more than 270 days prior to embarkation). All guests are required to have a certified negative COVID antigen test taken no more than 48 hours or a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to embarkation, as opposed to the earlier requirement of the test being taken 24 hours prior to embarkation. For citizens of EU countries and countries participating in the EU DCC scheme that have recently recovered from COVID, an EU DCC (Digital Covid Certificate) is required. Citizens from countries not participating in the DCC scheme (USA, Canada, Mexico and others) that have recently recovered from COVID, they can provide a doctor’s note supplemented with the positive test result corresponding to the date which the guest has been diagnosed positive and the negative test result corresponding to the date of recovery. Masks which were previously mandated in all indoor areas, are no longer required, but instead highly recommended for indoor areas and outdoors when in large crowds.
“In accordance with updated guidelines from the European Healthy Gateways, CLIA and Greek health authorities, we are pleased to announce the further relaxation of our health protocols,” said Celestyal Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, Leslie Peden. “The more flexible requirements provide our guests with the option of testing prior to departing for Greece as well as more flexibility when it comes to masking onboard. We will continue to liaise with the European Healthy Gateways, CLIA and Greek health authorities, as well as all destinations we visit on our cruises to ensure that we are in compliance with all of the latest health protocols with the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve continuing to be our top priority.”
Celestyal’s health and safety measures are continuously evaluated and adjusted based on new and updated prevention, therapeutics, and mitigation measures.
For more information https://celestyal.com/us/, contact your professional Travel Advisor or call 1 (877) 337-4665
About Celestyal
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 intimate enough to provide guests with a genuine and highly personalised experience. 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.
Health & Safety
At Celestyal Cruises, our main priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the communities we visit. As a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), we have pledged our commitment to adopt mandatory core elements of enhanced health protocols as part of a phased-in resumption of cruise operations.
Informed by leading scientists, medical experts, European and Hellenic health authorities, these protocols apply to the entire cruise experience. Our Health and safety measures will be continuously evaluated and adjusted based on the current evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe as well as the availability of new prevention, therapeutics, and mitigation measures.
Awards
Between 2014 and 2021 Celestyal Cruises has received top honors in the Tourism Awards, one of the largest and most prestigious awards within the Greek tourism industry. These include 1 Platinum, 14 Gold, 9 Silver and 5 Bronze awards covering Guest Experience Excellence, Solo Travel, CSR Initiatives and Contribution to National Economy.
In December 2018 and 2019 Celestyal Cruises received the Cruise Critic U.K. Editors’ Picks Award for Best Service. 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.
In 2019 and 2020, Celestyal Cruises was recognized for its overall contribution and commitment to the development of the cruise industry in the Eastern Mediterranean region at the MedCruise Awards.
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. 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, which is by widely recognized as the biggest and most respected rating agency in the marine industry.
