This post has it all: A newly refurbished ship sailing with a line unfamiliar to us, an intriguing itinerary, and a fabulous price. Our LGBTQ cruise travel enthusiasts, friends and family who are interested in getting back on board should consider this line and the special voyage we’ve discovered.

Celestyal Cruises, a Greek line, has a new flagship, Celestyal Experience (See slide show below) formerly Costa Romantica. Her inaugural voyage will be in March of 2021. Her manageable size of 1,800 guests helps make this ship very attractive to us.

How about the Greek Islands? 

You owe it to yourself to see this part of the world. Ephesus (two days) is on the itinerary which is spectacular for ancient archaeology fans. Santorini, (two days) Knossos, and Lindos are additional ports of call. The cruise may be worth it just for the two-day stop in Mykonos which is all you expect it to be.

The Ship

Celestyal Experience has a capacity of up to 1,800 guests in 789 staterooms, 166 of which feature balconies, sea terraces and bridge-view verandas. The ship recently received an extensive refurbishment will offer an intimate onboard guest experience with traditional Greek hospitality. It also is well suited for visiting smaller ports, with destinations that remain off-limits to larger vessels.

You’ll find four restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools, two Jacuzzis, a beach club, sundeck, jogging track and a 47,300-square-foot panoramic spa with a fully-equipped gym offering ocean views, thalassotherapy baths, massage rooms, saunas and a range of thermal suites. Rounding out the facilities on the ship will be nightly entertainment, a casino, library, meeting rooms, and onboard boutiques.  Top it all off with a specialty wine and cheese bar that focuses on the wines and cheeses of the Mediterranean.

Celestyal Experience features four restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools, two Jacuzzis, a beach club, sundeck and jogging track. Rounding out the facilities on the ship will be nightly entertainment, a casino, library, meeting rooms, and onboard boutiques, all topped off with a specialty wine and cheese bar that will pay tribute to Mediterranean wines and cheeses. 

The Food

Celestyal is well known for its locally inspired and sourced cuisine created according to the Mediterranean Diet by global chefs. Among the new dining venues will be a Greek grill & deli, featuring local favorites. Casual food made from traditional recipes and locally inspired pizzas prepared in an authentic wood-burning oven will also be on the ship’s menu. Premium tasting experiences featuring Mediterranean wines, olive oils, cheeses and other specialties will be just one of the new concepts Celestyal will be offering.

The Bottom Line

Amenities, you ask? Well let’s start with the drink package, which is our case often costs more than the cruise fare! Never fear, the Unlimited Classic Drinks package is included. You’re welcome. Also included are gratuities and port charges. The fare begins at only $1,519 pp.

Adam will lead this MeetMeOnBoard LGBTQ group cruise so be sure to contact him for more information.