Celestyal Journey, Steps of Paul & Eclectic Aegean ex Athens Return

14 Night Cruise sailing from Athens roundtrip aboard Celestyal Journey.

Trace the stories and explore the lives St. Paul the Apostle, early Christianity, and the melting pot of cultures we call home. Embarking on two adventures back-to-back, you’ll experience the combined wonder of our Steps of Paul and Eclectic Aegean Cruises.

You’ll get closer to faith as you follow Paul’s footsteps around the emerald waters of the Cyclades, taking in the Hagia Sophia, Grotto of the Apocalypse and ancient Ephesus. Then you’ll fill your heart in Oia among blue domes and golden sunshine, live a Byzantium dream on the moonlit streets of Istanbul, and do so much more. A joyous journey for modern missionaries.

Highlights of this cruise:

Athens
Sun-drenched and mythic, Athens is a big and modern metropolis with inspiring world heritage marvels at its very heart. The most important city-state in ancient Greece and the birthplace of democracy is also the sprawling capital of Greece today, but most of the major archaeological and historical sites are to be found within a compact area around the Acropolis itself. With a recorded history going back more than three millennia, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and rightly considered to be the cradle of Western Civilization. Even a short visit of the Greek capital’s highlights, starting with the iconic Acropolis, is enough to fall under its legendary spell.

Kusadasi
In the great atlas of Mediterranean antiquity, few cities shone as bright as Ephesus, part of Izmir province and the most culturally significant and best-preserved ancient city in Turkey. And Kuşadası, which dominates the gulf of the same name along this stretch of the Aegean coast, is one of the most vibrant and popular destinations in modern Turkey. It’s been an important port for centuries, hosting a variety of civilizations and for a time some of the most infamous pirates of the Mediterranean. The Öküz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai was built in 1618, confirming Kuşadası’s role as a prominent Ottoman trading center. Sizzling beaches next to sparkling blue water, lively bars and a bustling Grand Bazaar add up to exciting times in this buzzing Turkish city, but above all, it is the chief point of entry to the magnificent ruins of Ephesus. South of Kuşadası, ruins of the ancient Greek city of Miletus are located near the mouth of the legendary Meander River.

Istanbul
Few cities represent as ravishing a meeting of substance and spectacle as Istanbul, a grand and sprawling capital that ranks among the world’s truly great cities. Here are grand mosques and churches, palaces and bazaars, museums and sites of unsurpassed natural beauty and of course the legendary Bosphorus, flowing from the Black Sea past the Golden Horn and the heart of the city to the Sea of Marmara. The European part of Turkey straddles the western banks of the narrow strait and Asia starts on the eastern shore, making Istanbul the world’s only city built on two continents: the very definition of exotic! In the sixth century BC, Byzantium was a colony of the ancient Greek city of Megara, and only much later did Constantine the Great move the seat of the Roman Empire here. For more than a millennium and a half this timeless metropolis was the capital of empires— with the advent of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 Constantinople became the seat of the Ottoman Empire, before taking the name of Istanbul with the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic in 1923. Today as in the days of empires past, the convergence of cultures and multi-religious coexistence here is truly extraordinary. In Istanbul traditions from not only Islamic but also Christian and Jewish faiths rub shoulders easily with the vibrant mosaic that is contemporary Turkey.

Santorini
Few islands have the power to captivate the way Santorini does. Gorgeous and cosmopolitan, it’s famous for that classic Greek island look with white painted houses clustered along narrow winding lanes, perched atop reddish-black volcanic cliffs that tumble down more than a thousand feet to the wide caldera. It’s easy to see how this island, the pearl of the Cycladic archipelago, can lay claim to being the source of the legend of Atlantis, either. Santorini, or “Thera” in Greek, is most celebrated for the dramatic views of its volcanic caldera, formed during a massive eruption around 1646 B.C. That eruption shook up the island—making its center actually collapse—but also created some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Volos
Multifaceted Volos occupies a vaunted place in Greek mythology as the legendary home of Jason and the Argonauts and also has one of the most spectacular natural settings in Greece. This bright and sunny port city is the capital of the mineral-rich Magnesia region of Thessaly, located about midway between Athens and Thessaloniki on the Greek mainland coast. Volos can boast a truly marvelous location on the Pagastikos Gulf, opposite the Pelion peninsula that juts into the Aegean Sea. The lush green peninsula, named for the father of Achilles, King Peleus, was the mythical home of the half-human, half-horse centaurs and on its highest summit, Mount Pelion, was where the fabled ancient beauty contest between the goddesses Hera, Aphrodite and Athena took place—leading to the Trojan War. No wonder a region so green and gorgeous is steeped in legend—it’s also where Jason set out on ships with the Argonaut sailors to find the Golden Fleece. Volos is a veritable springboard to the foothills of Mt Pelion, with its rustic villages sprinkled amid forested hillsides, and is also the gateway to the ethereal cliff-top monasteries of Meteora.

Volos itself offers everything you need for an exciting or relaxing day in port. Step off your Volos cruise, and you’re greeted by a thriving university city whose energetic pace will whisk you up into its whirlwind of activity, along the edge of the beautiful natural harbor and in the tsipouradika—traditional tavernas—and set you on course to uncover some real architectural gems, both ancient and neoclassical. Wander around and you’ll find grand urban mansions sitting beside nods to the city’s long-lasting industrial heritage. And following the hum of activity will see you in Volos’ favorite local hangout Kontaratou, which is brimming with countless cafes and eateries of all kinds.

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The Crystal is a moderate size-cruise liner with a big ship feel. Spacious, comfortable and complete with a wide range of facilities and services, our friendly team welcomes you onboard for an epic adventure into the idyllic Aegean.

With delectable dining experiences, a full program of entertainment, wellness center, casino, pool and onboard sports activities, we are confident your time aboard with the Crystal will be memorable and exciting.

Take advantage of the many amenities onboard the Celestyal Crystal. Fancy trying your luck in the casino? We have plenty of tables and slots. Alternatively, pamper yourself in the spa and beauty salon, learn to dance Greek style, work out in the gym or simply relax with a cool, complimentary drink looking out over the silky, emerald waters of the Aegean.

At Celestyal, we care about your comfort and wellbeing. Each of our cosy staterooms are designed to cater for every guest. Fresh towels and toiletries are delivered twice a day and your personal steward is on hand to deliver room service 24/7 so you always have everything you need. All our cabins are comfortable and have adjustable air-conditioning, hairdryer, safe and TV. Suites also have a refrigerated minibar, an additional seating area and balcony.

Kick back and relax with a refreshing drink in the Crystal’s charming lounge bars. Whether you want to watch the romantic sunset, sip cocktails looking out over emerald waters, look up to the stars, or catch a show in the theater, there is an ambient feel in all our bars.

Our fully-equipped gym enables guests to maintain their fitness program whilst at sea. And when you’re ready to treat yourself to a massage and specialist therapies, simply book an appointment in our inviting spa.

Dining is our signature experience and our dining rooms and lounges are positioned at the heart of the Crystal for your convenience. With a wide array of authentic Greek and Mediterranean recipes to choose from, we invite you to indulge in our rich culinary delights. Our chefs are highly-skilled and prepare a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes to suit every taste.

Our range of onboard services ensures you are covered for every eventuality. We have an array of shops selling traditional Greek products and tax-free goods. Professional photographers are there to capture your special moments. For medical matters, we have a well-equipped medical centre and a doctor on board for all our cruises. Internet/Wi-Fi and telephone are also available should you want to check in back home.

Celestyal Cruises are a promise. We promise to take you to the places you’ve dreamt of, iconic harbours famed the world over and idyllic islands where you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back into a bygone Greece. We promise to spoil you with our legendary hospitality and our stellar Greek food and wines, and to give you the best of Greece with spectacular excursions and special themed events.

Naturally included are the popular ports of Mykonos, Santorini, Messina and Rhodes as well as some less known but equally as beautiful and facsinating destinations… making it that much easier to find the perfect holiday.

And when it comes to cruise holidays, we understand that getting there is half the fun and ensure your onboard experience is enjoyable and entertaining.

Not only offering intimate atmosphere and personal service they are renowned for, our ships include a wide variety of onboard facilities and entertainment such as a movie cinema, fitness centre, beauty salon, arcade style games, library, dance classes and roomy sun decks by the pool. Evenings are complete with International acts in the main lounge, sophisticated Mediterrnaean cuisine in the restaurant, the latest dance hits at the discoteque or trying your luck in the casino.

And if you have a passion for shopping there are also Cruise Value Shops onboard with a wide range of goods at “transit prices”.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Celestyal Crystal - Deck 2

Celestyal Crystal - Deck 3

Celestyal Crystal - Deck 4

Celestyal Crystal - Deck 5

Celestyal Crystal - Deck 6

Celestyal Crystal - Deck 7

Celestyal Crystal - Deck 8

Celestyal Crystal - Deck 9

Celestyal Crystal - Deck 10

Select the Cabin to view detail.

XD - Exterior Stateroom

Each of our cosy staterooms are designed to cater for every guest. Fresh towels and toiletries are delivered twice a day and your personal steward is on hand to deliver room service 24/7 so you always have everything you need. All our cabins are comfortable and have adjustable air-conditioning, hairdryer, safe and TV.

XA - Exterior Stateroom

Exterior Staterooms at deck 2 (~12 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons, with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV and a porthole.

IA - Interior Stateroom

Interior Staterooms at deck 3 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons, with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box and TV.

XBO - Exterior Stateroom (Obstructed View)

Exterior Staterooms with obstructed view at deck 6 (~13 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons, with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV and a window (obstructed view).

XB - Exterior Stateroom

Exterior Staterooms at deck 3, 5 and 6 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 2 persons, with 2 lower beds, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV and a window.

IB - Interior Stateroom

Interior Staterooms at deck 4 and 5 (~12 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons, with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box and TV.

XC - Exterior Stateroom

Each of our cosy staterooms are designed to cater for every guest. Fresh towels and toiletries are delivered twice a day and your personal steward is on hand to deliver room service 24/7 so you always have everything you need. All our cabins are comfortable and have adjustable air-conditioning, hairdryer, safe and TV.

IC - Interior Stateroom

Interior Staterooms at deck 6 and 7 (~12 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons, with 2 lower beds, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box and TV.

SB - Balcony Suite

Balcony Suites at deck 7 (~36 sqm) can accommodate up to 3 persons, with 2 lower beds and 1 sofa bed, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV, refrigerated mini bar and balcony.

SG - Grand Suite

Grand Suites at deck 6, Outside cabin (-43 sqm), can accommodate up to 3 person(s), with 2 lower beds and 1 sofa bed, bathroom with bathtub and shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV, refrigerated mini bar and large balcony with private whirlpool bath.

S - Suite

Suites at deck 6 (25 & 34 sqm) can accommodate up to 3 persons, with 2 lower beds and 1 sofa bed, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV, refrigerated mini bar and 2 windows.

SBJ - Junior Balcony Suite

Suites at deck 6 and deck 7 (15-16 sqm) can accommodate up to 3 persons, with 2 lower beds and 1 sofa bed, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV, refrigerated mini bar and balcony.

XF - Exterior Stateroom

Outside cabins in Deck 7. 2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed, bathroom with shower

IE - Interior Stateroom

Inside Cabins in Deck 6, 7 (~11,9 sqm) can accommodate 2 person(s), with 2 lower beds, TV, Hairdryer, Safety box, bathroom

ID - Interior Stateroom

Inside Cabins in Deck 5, 6, 7 (12,2 sqm) can accommodate 2 or 4 person(s), 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, with TV, Hairdryer, Safety box, bathroom