Celestyal Journey has a cosy Hellenic vibe that reflects the distinctive Greek heritage of its owners, Celestyal Cruises. As one of two medium-sized ships (the other is Celestyal Discovery) belonging to the Athens-based line, Celestyal Journey prides itself on offering a more authentic flavour of the destinations it visits, particularly the lesser-known isles around Greece.
The former Holland America Line ship dates from 1993 and joined the Celestyal fleet in 2023, though multi-million-pound upgrades have breathed new life into its facilities.
Overall score 7/10
Style and Character 7/10
Celestyal Journey combines classic style with more modern flourishes as a result of recent refits, the latest completed in early 2025. Corridors can be a little dingy and cabin design can appear old-fashioned (though with modern décor), but public areas, most notably bars and restaurants, have been stylishly modernised and well maintained, giving a feeling of plushness.
The international flavour is underpinned by a mix of passengers from the US, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. However, Celestyal Journey’s predominant style hails from the Mediterranean with Grecian influences extending across menus, entertainment and the spa.
Cabins 7/10
With five cabin types, Celestyal Journey promises accommodation for every budget, from interior and exterior cabins (the most available category with 318 on offer) to three categories of suites. Note, though, that the Junior Dream Suite, accommodating up to three guests, is more akin to a balcony cabin. Grand Dream and Stargazer suites, taking up to four people, come with a host of extras.
Décor is crisp and bright in cream and sapphire, and cabin sizes are on the generous side. I loved my Grand Dream Suite, of which there are 28 available, with its super-sized balcony and walk-in wardrobe.
However, while well-maintained, the ship’s age shows through dated en-suite facilities.
Food and Drink 7/10
Standards are high with an array of cuisines, though the consistent thread is the pleasing array of Greek specialities, such as cheese saganaki and traditional moussaka, highlighted on menus. There’s a takeaway Greek Deli Corner on the pool deck serving tasty gyros. The main Thalassa Restaurant is pleasant, but suite guests can opt for the exclusive Smoked Olive and an alternative, which has a more select feel.
The seven restaurants include speciality haunts Pink Moon, which serves Asian fare, and the Grill Seekers steakhouse.
I was impressed with the tally of eight bars, each having a different look and feel, with the Martini piano bar the place for sophisticated tipples; the Blue Bar for alluring concoctions from its Alchemy cocktail menu; and Horizons Lounge and disco for lively late-night carousing.
Service and Facilities 6/10
There are 500 crew members to the ship’s 1,260 passengers, and service is friendly and efficient.
Of the two pools, one has a useful retractable roof and the other overlooks the back of the ship. There’s reasonable space to sit on deck, though suite guests benefit from their own private area called Rays, complete with fake grass, cabanas and sunbeds, plus some bean bags, at the ship’s loftiest point on deck 14.
After running off steam in the tennis and basketball courts, you can recover in the Sozo Spa, which is themed along the Hellenic traditional ideas of healing, or the Glow Bar beauty salon. Health and wellness facilities take up most of deck 11, with a gym and fitness area.
Entertainment and Excursions 7/10
Celestyal sailings tend to be port-intensive with fewer sea days, though you’ll still find daily activities such as quizzes, games and craft sessions.
Dance classes, cocktail demonstrations and ice-carving are also popular draws, while evenings are led by slightly bonkers but always entertaining productions in the Amphitheatro main venue, and rounded off with dance parties in the Horizons lounge.
Shore excursions are numerous and varied, with prices at more reasonable levels than the norm.
Value for Money 9/10
Celestyal Journey is right up there for its charming blend of excellent value. The line’s ships are more classic than contemporary, but it ticks all the boxes of what constitutes an all-round good cruising experience at a competitive price.
Access for guests with disabilities?
As an older ship, facilities are more limited for guests with mobility issues, though there are six wheelchair-accessible exterior cabins with ocean views, and all decks are wheelchair accessible.
Family-friendly?
Celestyal Journey, unusually, takes youngsters from just three months (most ships only take them from six months) and the relaxed on-board ambience suits family groups. There are cabins sleeping up to four, plus 26 pairs of interconnecting cabins, a kids’ club and a video arcade.
About our expert
Sara Macefield
After finding her sea legs 20 years ago, Sara has gone on an estimated 200 voyages (and counting) across the world’s oceans and rivers, with Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands scoring as all-time favourites.