Greece figures prominently in Greek company's itineraries

Greece’s Celestyal Cruises says its Eastern Mediterranean sailings are ideal for cruise aficionados who love to linger in the ports they’re visiting.

Stephanie McDonald, the company’s business development manager for Canada, notes that the company — which sends people to Greek, Egyptian, Cypriot, Turkish, Montenegro and Israeli* locales, and plans to add Durbovnik — notes that its ships never sail before 6 p.m. after having begun their journeys and sometimes depart ports well after that evening hour.

Indeed, Celestyal sailings actually leave Santorini at 12:30 a.m. and Mykonos at 2 a.m., something McDonald says passengers welcome.

“European culture comes alive in the evening and if you miss that you miss so much,” she says.

As well, those visiting Santorini return to their ships by cable car and those cars are crowded with cruise ship passengers in the evening, something that Celestyal passengers with their 12:30 a.m. departure don’t experience, McDonald says,

McDonald adds that her Greek company has another plus by being Greek, ensuring that employees know the Eastern Mediterranean, with many having grown up in it.

“We’re not trying to be everything to everybody but we’re trying to give you the most authentic way to experience the Eastern Mediterranean,” she adds. “It’s a pretty niche product.

“This Greek brand wants you to experience the part of the world the way they (Celestyal staff) have been so fortunate to experience.”

Among dishes that are served on Celestyal ships are Greek ones, a reflection of the company’s homeland.

However, McDonald adds that English is the “No. 1 language” on its vessels, which have international crews and clienteles.

Some destinations visited — such as the Greek island of Patmos — generally aren’t found on what McDonald labels typical Mediterranean itineraries.

Celestyal now has 2 ships, the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey and the 1,664-passenger Celestyal Olympia, and clients can choose from 3-, 4-, 5- and 7-night itineraries.

Celestyal’s vessels are smaller than many other cruise ships sailing the Eastern Mediterranean, enabling them to visit some locales that are inaccessible to larger ships, McDonald adds.

McDonald says those on Celestyal sailings shouldn’t expect to spend entire days at sea, adding people want to spend time in ports, eager for land-based experiences, rather than simply spending time on the water.

McDonald concedes that Celestyal isn’t as well known in this country as some other cruise companies but adds she’s trying to change that, partly by participating in travel shows.

Those wanting further information can reach McDonald by calling 647-482-2640 or emailing [email protected].

*Celestyal will temporarily suspend calling to Israel until the end of November. The situation will be monitored for any itineraries departing after this date.