By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Cyprus-based operator Celestyal Cruises is to launch two new itineraries for Celestyal Crystal sailing to Turkey and Israel in autumn and winter 2019.
Celestyal Crystal will debut seven-night itineraries from Piraeus, Athens, making stops in Istanbul, and Çanakkale, Turkey and the Greek ports of Volos, Heraklion, Santorini and Mykonos. Departures of ‘The Eclectic Aegean’ voyages will take place in October and November.
The vessel will also sail a ‘Three Continents’ voyage to Alexandria and Port Said in Egypt; Ashdod, Israel; Limassol, Cyprus; Rhodes and Piraeus, Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey. There will also be Christmas and New Year’s sailings in December.
Prior to embarking on her new itineraries, Celestyal Crystal will undergo a suite refurbishment project. All soft furnishings, fixtures and carpets in the suites will be replaced. A new suite concierge will also be introduced when the ship returns to service.
“We are experiencing high suite demand from our UK guests who I’m sure will appreciate all we are doing to offer them a more competitive premium product,” said Andy Magowan, vice president of commercial operations in Europe at Celestyal Cruises. “With the additional emphasis on our Greek roots through our cuisine offerings and onboard experiences, our guests will enjoy an authentic and expanded destination experience that no other line sailing in the Aegean and Mediterranean can offer.”
The renovations, which are a follow-up to the refurbishments onboard sister ship Celestyal Olympia two years ago, will be completed ahead of the ship’s 2019 spring and summer sailings and new autumn and winter sailings.
“We are constantly upgrading our vessels to remain competitive and provide our guests with the most modern and comfortable facilities,” said Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal Cruises. “We are thrilled to be transforming Celestyal Crystal’s suites with a new, contemporary look and feel to welcome even more premium guests this year.”
Some of the services offered by a suite concierge include assistance with unpacking luggage, if requested, a ‘pillow menu’, room service, in-suite cocktails, shoe-shine service and daily delivery of fruit, canapés before dinner and petit fours after dinner.
Each on-call suite concierge will also handle dietary requirements and make arrangements and reservations for additional activities such as private shore excursions and spa and beauty appointments. The concierge service is only available onboard Celestyal Crystal for guests in the Grand Suite, balcony suites and suites, as well as those staying in Celestyal Olympia’sGrand Suite or Balcony Suite.