In an era of mega cruise ships (and mega cruise lines), it’s striking to see a Mediterranean shipping company with exactly two ships.
Celestyal, founded 12 years ago and known for its eastern Mediterranean cruises, is now expanding further into the western Mediterranean and bringing back its three Continent Cruises, which include Turkey and Egypt.
John Diorio, the company’s VP & Managing Director, North America, said Celestyal has two ships, the 1,260-pax Journey and the 1,320-pax Discovery. Positioned as “premium casual”, the line’s prices include essential wifi, soft drinks and – Diorio was careful to stress – all gratuities. Advisors can let their clients know they can prepay alcoholic beverages and certain meal upgrades in increments of €100 (commissionable at 10%) with CelestyalPay.
About 50% of the guests are from North America, with the balance primarily from the company’s “home markets” in the Mediterranean, he said.
“The Med is our playground and what we are good at,” said Diorio. “How do we stay true to it? With fewer days at sea, more overnights in port, and the opportunity to explore smaller ports of call.”
The focus of the briefing was definitely on the diversity of itineraries – from 3-4 nights right up to 14, and including the exotic-sounding Three Continents Explorer encompassing Europe (Greece), Asia (Turkey) and Africa (Egypt, to be precise, docking at Alexandria and allowing time to visit the Pyramids). Repositioning cruises take in Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey.
The line recently unveiled its winter Western Mediterranean itineraries and Diorio said sales “are way ahead of what we expected”.
While the Mediterranean is not often associated with winter cruising, the tales of astounding heat and crowds over this past summer may make this a tempting option for Canadians, as it means less crowding.
All itineraries, even into 2028, are now available, with offers in place until 02NOV this year.
And what about expansion? For the moment, Celestyal seems content with its wee fleet of two.
“We’re always looking to expand, but for the next two years our focus will be on selling the two we have,” said Diorio.
