Cruise

Visit Three Continents on Celestyal’s Newest Cruise Itinerary

by Olivia Liveng

Picture this: you’re standing, humble and in awe, under the grandeur of Egypt’s pyramids, which for centuries have equally puzzles and captivated science and humanity. Now you go to sleep and wake up on a new continent, in a country that has birthed three religions and today carries that history in the walls of its beloved cities. Close your eyes, and now you’re standing in the shadow of the Acropolis, the wisdom of the Greek philosophers seeping into your bones. No, this isn’t some lucid dream you’re having. You’re a passenger on Celestyal Cruise’s Three Continents cruise, which sails for seven nights throughout the eastern Mediterranian.

Celestyal invites guests to venture aboard on one of their three Cyrpian-owned and Greece-based passenger ships starting in late November 2021. However, this is hardly any run-of-the-mill cruise itinerary, as guests have the unique opportunity to step foot in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Travel to the best beaches of the Mediterranean, reflect at the world’s most famous historical landmarks, and immerse themself in the culture along the Mediterranean sea–all while sailing on one of Celestyal’s stoic vessels.

Day 1: Athens, Greece

Known as The Cradle of Western Civilization for its many contributions to the arts, sciences, a visit to Greece evokes the feeling of stepping back in time. Before setting foot on the Celestyal ship for the seven-night adventure, intrepid explorers should plan a few days to discover the ancient Greecian city of Athens. Get your historic fix by visiting Acropolis and the Parthenon (and, especially as the cruise dates avoid high season, good chance you can avoid the crowds as well!) The famous landmark views also include the Erechtheion, the Arrhephorion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. If history isn’t your thing, explore the capital on foot, stopping for a gyro or two on the way. The cruise will depart from Athens after a day of exploration and make its way to Egypt.

Day 2: at sea

Passengers aboard the Celestyal ship can enjoy a day at sea as the boat slowly makes its way south, from Europe to Africa. The cruise line is famous for its award-winning at sea programs that authentically weave in cultural immersion experiences, such as cooking demonstrations or learning traditional Greek dances. Of course, you can also relax and enjoy the bountiful amenities that the ship offers, including seven bars and lounges, signature dining experiences, an expansive panoramic spa and pool deck, and a fully-equipped gym.

Day 3: Port Said, Egypt

On the third day, the ship arrives at the northern end of Egypt’s iconic Suez Canal, the equally important and historic city of Port Said. This buzzing welcome offers a raised pedestrian boardwalk known as The Cornish, which runs along a scenic waterfront for eight kilometers and breathtaking views of the canal’s entrance point. You can choose between visiting iconic landmarks and architectural structures surround Port Said, such as De Lesseps Statue Base, Port Said Lighthouse, and Casa D’italia. As a coastal town on the Mediterranean Sea, the white sandy beaches and calm blue waters surround bustling beach cafes, restaurants, and comfy lounge areas.

Day 4: Ashdod, Israel

Welcome to the Holy Land. Day four of this enthralling itinerary transports guests to the striking coastline of Ashdod, Israel, which has been pivotal to the evolution of human’s religious history since the biblical prophet Jonah. Ashdod will allow the passengers to explore two of the world’s most famous cities, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Celestyal can arrange tours that include Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, or the Wailing Wall. Sites like these can be overwhelming without the help of an experienced tour guide, and Celestyal’s local guides help make thousands of years of history more digestible. For those who consider themselves more spiritual than religious, Israel’s coast is dotted with spectacular beaches where locals and foreigners alike rejuvenate in the sea.

Day 5: Limassol, Cyprus

If you’ve never experienced the bustling coastal town of Limassol, Cyprus’s hub and tourism center, then you are in for a treat on day five. Enjoy being a spectator or indulging in some of the action along Molo’s main promenade and focal social area, which is lined with lively and colorful cafes, bars, and restaurants. History buffs may enjoy instead venturing to the historical Limassol Castle, snuggled sitting by the old harbor and in the center of the nearby city, caters to thrill-seekers, history enthusiasts, and families.

Day 6: Rhodes, Greece

It’s a city that has withstood modernization tests, managing to preserve its culture, history, architecture, and majestic medieval fortification ruins. Simply put, Rhodes is a jewel of Europe. Celestyal cruises guests have the unique opportunity to explore some of its treasures, such as the ancient Acropolis of Lindos and the historic Rhodes Old Town, a declared World Heritage City by UNESCO. For a relatively small island, passengers won’t be for lack of activities or ways to explore. Rent a bike to explore the stunning coves that dot the shoreline or find serenity in the calming idyllic Greek Island.

Day 7: Kusadasi, Turkey

On the last full day of the cruise, the Celestyal ship will dock at Kusadasi, one of Turkey’s historic cities cusping the coast. Known as the “Island of Birds” for its distinctive shape reminiscent of a bird’s head, Kusadasi boasts both a vibrant town and seaside. Passengers can visit Kadinlar Denizi (Women’s Sea), a female-only beach during the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is popular for sunbathing and swimming for dually locals and tourists. And while the beaches are a destination in themselves, Kusadasi is also known for its world-famous historical sites. A half-hour journey from the port lies the ancient city of Ephesus, whose excavated remains reflect centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire. A week-long journey that traverses three continents and provides insight into some of humankind’s most paramount cultural and historical phenomenons, this Celestyal cruise is sure to make a lasting impact in the hearts of all intrepid travelers.

www.celestyal.com