Celestyal Cruises has become the latest cruise line to switch to a two-tier fare structure, one with more inclusions and discounts than the other. The line also unveiled its 2023/24 itineraries, which include longer stays in popular destinations and new ports of call.
“We are in constant communication with our guests and our valued travel advisor partners, and they have shared with us a desire for more flexibility and customization,” said Leslie Peden, Celestyal’s chief commercial officer. “We also know that our core guest is more of an explorer and true traveler. In response to this feedback we are charting a new course for Celestyal next year with a flexible pricing model that gives guests more choice and freedom in creating a truly customized vacation experience. We are also reimagining our positioning, itineraries and shore excursion experiences to be aligned with the expectations of our guests, which is none other than to immerse themselves in the destinations we serve.”
Fare Choices
The entry level “inclusive” fare offers complimentary dining and select drinks with meals, entertainment, daily activities, port charges and gratuities. This entry level fare also comes with a pre-bookable shore excursion discount of $80 per person. “Inclusive” experiences start as low as $339 per person for a three-night sailing.
For clients wishing to upgrade their experience, travel advisors can offer Celestyal’s “enhanced” tier with an unlimited premium drinks package, daily hour of complimentary Wi-Fi, 25% discount on specialty dining, and a pre-bookable shore excursion discount of $160 per person. “Enhanced” vacations begin at $479 per person for a three-night sailing.
At the same time, there are several additional commission-earning opportunities for travel advisors and discounts for clients by pre-booking various drink and shore excursion packages.
Expanded Time in Santorini and Mykonos
In response to guest feedback, Celestyal is lengthening its port calls to Santorini and Mykonos. For instance, on its seven-night Idyllic Aegean itinerary, the ship will now arrive early morning in Santorini for an extended whole-day visit, along with late departures in both Mykonos and Santorini.
New “Legendary” Itineraries
Celestyal is also adding several new “Legendary” itineraries, both five- and four-night options.
The five-night version includes a visit to Samos, a lesser-visited Greek isle, and a port call in Istanbul. Other port calls include Santorini and Rhodes. The four-night option calls on Chios and Kos, both new to Celestyal. Other ports visited include Mykonos and Istanbul.
And for the first time, clients can sail these Legendary Aegean itineraries as open-jaw sailings between Istanbul and Athens if they prefer.
Also new is a five-night “Legendary Ionian” itinerary that visits Kotor in Montenegro, along with Corfu and Crete.
Celestyal also returns to the Middle East in 2023 with its seven-day “Three Continents” itinerary calling on Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Cyprus. Also returning in 2023 is the line’s seven-day “Steps of Paul” itinerary with visits to Thessaloniki, Kavala and Patmos in Greece, along with Istanbul, Dikili and Kusadasi in Turkey.
A one-time 19-night Christmas sailing will call on Thessaloniki, Volos, Rhodes and Crete in Greece; Izmir, Kusadasi, Antalya, and Istanbul in Turkey; Limassol, Cyprus; Alexandria, Egypt; and overnight in Haifa, Israel. The itinerary can also be split into eight- or 11-night itineraries.
