By: Soazig Vadel & Tamara Jones CTA, Senior Travel Agents
We started out in Cannes, France. We arrived a day early and explored the coastal city, known for the Cannes Film Festival. We ate plenty of good food including pizza which was absolutely delicious.
We boarded the sailing vessel by tender. We would experience tendering everyday on this particular sailing, so for people with special ambulatory needs, this itinerary might not be the best.
What the ship lacks in entertainment, it makes up with its delicious local menu and nightly wine pairing.
First stop was Portofino, a hillside town on the Italian Riviera, known for its colorfully painted buildings that adorn the shoreline. It is important to note that there were excursions offered at many of the ports of call, but due to lack of participation, several were canceled. We chose just to freestyle our days to make the most of our time. Here, we lingered along the pathway leading into the center of town admiring the colorful houses, beautiful hillside gardens and statues. Not to mention the yachts. We did some window shopping and some real shopping before stopping for a drink and snacks before heading back to the ship.
The following day was our first in Corsica at L’ile Rousse. Here we found shops with local delicacies, seaside cafes and beautiful beaches.
Next stop Calvi with its magnificent fortress, beautiful blue water and more seaside eateries.
The following day was a beach and water sports day on Plage St. Antoine in Corsica. This Ship has scuba gear, paddleboards, jet skis, as well as a small sailboat on board.
One of our favorite places was Cavalaire sur Mer in the South of France. This is a coastal resort town developed around a 3km long beach. Here we explored the shops, the many boats, the sculptures and tried some local beers and I had my first taste of a galette.
The last stop on this itinerary was St. Tropez, known for its glitz and glamour as well as the beaches and hot nightlife. Soazig discovered the Gendarmerie Nationale right away, the locale for a well known French movie, The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez. I thought the local artwork was fascinating.
We had a truly amazing time in the south of France on Star Clipper. We made new friends and met up with old. Had wonderful food, saw the bluest water and enjoyed the local culture. We would definitely recommend Star Clipper and a visit to the South of France and Corsica.
From the time of drop off to actually being on board was maybe 10 minutes max. By far the quickest I have ever experienced. Princess uses the Medallion system that they mail you about 2 weeks prior. This is their newest and largest ship in the fleet with 4300 passengers and 1600 crew. Her maiden voyage was Early 2024 and this was the inaugural Christmas voyage. Of course there were a few bugs as with every new ship. We went to get lunch at “The Eatery” the new buffet area for Princess. They now serve you and no passenger can get their own food. This was praised and criticized the entire cruise by fellow passengers. On one hand it is more sanitary but on the other… It really SLOWS things down. Lines tended to be quite long. The other new part to “the Eatery” is it is now on deck 9 not the Lido deck, again causing quite a fuss among the passengers. I personally think they were trying to get people to stop going in their soaking wet bathing suits and from what I could seek, it worked.
The elevators are now called “Smart Elevators”. I have to say it went a little better than on my last MSC cruise. Except for the first day, it worked fairly well.
Still do not like them as you will get the occasional ‘overloaded come back later’ error message. The ship is beautiful! The Piazza is now modern and much smaller. The additional stadium seating around the upper levels did help. It is way more modern (I preferred the grand elegance of the old Piazza’s) and now is the focal point for most of the activities. That is a problem. They have the majority of people trying to get into an area that does not have the capacity for such crowds. You will see a pattern here shortly.
We always decorate our door for Christmas. The floormat actually makes it so you know exactly where your room is when you turn the corner. The couple across the hall thanked us for that!
This evening we went to dinner in the MDR and it was good as Princess is rated as one of the highest in the Food category. I will say that I felt, over all, that it has declined. After dinner we went to the show in “Arena”. Why would a ship with 4300 passengers have their biggest entertainment venue only seat 990 passengers?!?!? Needless to say, there were a lot of upset people that could not get in. The Arena is now round and everyone sits around the show. If you are directly in the center of the stage, all is great. On the sides, not so much. You see the side profiles of all of the singers and dancers. I prefer the old arenas that everyone gets a great view.
DAY 3: COZUMEL Surprisingly mom agreed to go ashore with us. This is a BIG boat and there is a lot of walking (averaged 7500 steps per day) and she is 85. We had a great time walking around the port shops. I even taught mom how to ‘negotiate’ with the stores. She stopped to rest several times but really hung in there! Here is where the first funny came out for having mom with us. She was carrying her HUGE purse. I said “Mom, why did you bring your purse with you?” she said she wasn’t leaving it in the room to have money missing. I told her to put it in the safe to which she replied that she did not have one. (I helped her unpack and know better!) I reminded her that it was in her closet to which she said “I have a microwave in my closet”. I thought my husband was going to fall down laughing! Later that day I taught my mom how to work her “microwave” and the purse stayed in the stateroom. We did not do any excursions this trip and got back onboard.
DAY 4: BELIZE Mom stayed onboard today as she walked too much the day before. This is a tender port and an Extremely small area for the ships as far as shops. I had been here before and it is probably half the size that it was. I felt they were very pushy and the quality was greatly reduced also. We went back to the ship.
DAY 5: MAHOGANY BAY This post is very beautiful. They have changed it from the last time I was here and it is much better! Tons of shops and places to grab a bite or drink. We were going to do the ski lift type ride to the beach but the line was too long. It was really quite hot and humid this day (I am from Florida and thought I would be used to it) and the bugs were pretty aggressive! This was the port on Christmas day.
SEA DAYS: We had 3 sea days this cruise and enjoyed the pools, CASINO (maybe too much), and areas around the ship. Formal nights were the first day at sea and then the 26th (my Birthday!). We did go to The Crown Grill Steakhouse and it was fabulous as always. We usually get the Surf and Turf, which we did again, but this time they charged an extra $14 for the lobster tail on top of the $49pp for the dinner. I tried to get to the Japanese steak house but it was sold out before sailing. We were invited to the Captains party for the elite (by passing that course!) that was held in the Dome. Another beautiful area but WAY TOO SMALL. It only holds 260 passengers (on a ship with 4300!). The sound system was horrendous and just not what I expected.
DAY 8: DISEMBARKATION Princess really had the boarding and unboarding down. We were off the ship as quickly as we got on. Only downfall, we totally forgot about the suit bag when collecting the luggage. We were focused on making sure we had everything for mom we forgot our own. They said they will look for it and ship it to me when and if they do find it.
THE GOOD, BAD AND THE UGLY: Even though the ship can be figured out, there IS some going up to go down, the halls are narrow and getting past the room service carts is a challenge on the cabin floors. For example, as a sometimes smoker, I would often go from our deck 9 cabin to the aft elevator bank all the way to the back, and then down the far aft glass elevator to the wake view deck smoking area, but then after that to get to other parts of the ship, I had to get back on that elevator, and go to at least deck 9, then go to mid or aft elevator to get to Deck 7 or 8 for the Piazza or Princess Live, or the casino. Since they moved the Sanctuary dining to Deck 8, can’t cut through there from the Wake view area. And it is actually a bit difficult to cut through Americana as they have ropes in the way.
Entertainment was generally good in the main theater. There were 4600 guests on the cruise and the main theater holds less than 1000. This means that half of the ship has no seating for performances done twice in a night. There were lots of activities in the central piazza and usually well done. The problem is no place for the majority to sit. This leaves hundreds standing and trying to see what is going on. It is a beautiful area but seating is always a fight. The good thing was that the main entertainers often had a second show in the Piazza but there was no place for most people to sit.
Princess Live is a mess. There is never enough seating for those who want to attend (maybe 300 seats for 4600 people to fight over). There were always people standing in the hall trying to see what was going on. They had to stand and look through holes in the wall to see the production. Also it is next to the Piazza and the noise from there can be heard in princess live.
My husband and I often found ourselves bored. There is not a night club, piano bar or much of anything other than the big productions or Piazza for entertainment. The specialty dining is always great but now they have a new one, Love by Britto, that is an additional $149 per person. I see the nickel and diming starting to spread with Princess. We had the Plus package and highly recommend that. The staff overall was excellent. One waiter even had Escargot made for my birthday although it was not on the menu.
The Sun princess has a sister ship, the Star Princess coming out next year and will be identical in design. For that alone, I will not be sailing on her. The ship is too big and the venues too small to really enjoy. I have never been bored on a cruise before and that shocked both of us. For a new ship there were areas that were damaged or should not exist. At this sailing there were 7 of the huge glass panels on decks 8, 17 and 18 that were shattered and roped off. At the entrance to the Dome, there is a storage area with a folding divider that does not cover it and is easily in the view of the passengers.
Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to embark on a 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise aboard the Celebrity Summit. From long travel days to amazing excursions and unforgettable meals, this trip was packed with adventure, relaxation, and plenty of indulgence. Here’s a look back at the highlights of our journey.
Day 0: The Long Journey to San Juan
Flying from Seattle to San Juan was quite the trek—it was an overnight flight, and we were exhausted by the time we landed. To make the start of the trip smoother, we stayed one night in San Juan before the cruise at the Hotel Rumbao.
We highly recommend this property. While the elevator always seemed busy and the reception lines could get long, we found a great workaround—download the hotel’s app to check in and out, which helped us avoid the lines. The on-site bar was a standout, offering good food, friendly staff, and live music. Plus, the hotel’s location is unbeatable—it’s within walking distance of the port. We simply rolled our luggage across the street and easily boarded the ship without the need for a taxi or Uber.
For dinner, we visited Restaurant Raíces. The portions were generous, so we suggest sharing dishes. The Kan Kan pork chop was incredible—big enough for 2-3 people to share! Later, we sipped amazing rum cocktails at La Casita de Rones, which was the perfect way to toast the beginning of our adventure.
Day 1: San Juan, Puerto Rico – Setting Sail
After a relaxing morning in San Juan, we boarded the Celebrity Summit and were immediately impressed by our well-appointed cabin, which offered the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. We took some time to settle in before heading to the pool to enjoy delicious Caribbean cocktails under the sun—a fantastic way to kick off our adventure.
For dinner, we decided to try Sushi on 5, one of the specialty dining options on board. Here’s an insider tip: specialty dining on Day 1 is often less crowded, and there’s a good chance you’ll score a discount. Sushi on 5 was wide open when we arrived, and it was an amazing start to our culinary experiences on the ship.
The menu was full of tempting options, but the hands-down winner for dinner was the Spicy Ahi Tuna appetizer. The flavors were fresh and vibrant, making it an unforgettable dish that set a high standard for the meals to come.
Day 2: Philipsburg, St. Maarten – Dutch Meets French
St. Maarten offered a wonderful mix of culture, relaxation, and indulgence. We started our day with one of the best excursions we’ve ever been on: the Dutch Blonde Beach Bar and Wine and Cheese Tasting Tour. As frequent travelers who have visited the Caribbean many times, we always appreciate when an excursion has local flair, feels authentic, and truly brings people together. This experience checked all the boxes.
Our host, Sunil, was incredible—full of great stories, hilarious jokes, and a passion for creating a fun, communal atmosphere. He told us upfront, “We’re not wine tasting; we’re wine drinking,” and he delivered! The wines and cheeses were exceptional, and the group bonded so well that we all wished we could spend the entire day together. It was a surprise highlight of our trip and something we’ll be reminiscing about for years to come.
That evening, back on board, we experienced the Le Petit Chef Dinner, a truly unique dining experience where animated projections on the table brought the story of each course to life. While the creativity and presentation were outstanding, it’s not something we would choose to repeat. The food was delicious, but the four courses were simply too much, and we left the table feeling uncomfortably full. If you plan to dine here, come hungry—it’s a whimsical and hearty meal that’s best enjoyed with a big appetite!
Day 3: Castries, St. Lucia – A Relaxing Surprise
Our original plans for St. Lucia took an unexpected turn when our scheduled tour was canceled due to operational reasons. While this isn’t common, it’s something that can happen from time to time. We reviewed the other excursion options but couldn’t find anything that appealed to us, so we decided to make the most of the situation by sleeping in, relaxing, and spending the day by the pool.
What started as a disappointment turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Taking the day to recharge left us refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of our busy itinerary. The sunshine, poolside cocktails, and leisurely pace were exactly what we needed to balance out the adventure-packed days before and after.
That evening, we dined at Tuscan Grille, one of our favorite specialty restaurants on the ship. It’s been amazing in the past, and while we had some fantastic dishes this time, there were also a few misses. The crab cake, pork belly, and lobster rigatoni were standout items—delicious and well-prepared. However, not everything lived up to the high standards we’ve come to expect. Despite the inconsistency, the warm atmosphere made for a pleasant dining experience.
Day 4: Bridgetown, Barbados – Trails, Trams, and Rum
Barbados struck the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. We took part in the Trail, Tram, and Rum Experience, which offered a fascinating glimpse into the island’s history and natural beauty—but it’s not for those who want a lot of handholding or are in a rush. Barbados is wonderfully laid-back, and the people are incredibly friendly, but “island time” is definitely a thing here.
The rum portion of the tour was, without a doubt, an experience! We sampled three different rums, each with its own distinct character. The third rum stood out as the clear favorite—smooth and flavorful. The silver rum, on the other hand, had a serious bite and likely would have been better mixed into a cocktail than sipped straight.
The caves were a true highlight. We marveled at the impressive stalactites and stalagmites, some of which had been forming for thousands of years. Large caverns opened up to reveal hidden streams that added a magical, almost otherworldly feel to the experience. Exploring the caves via tram made it comfortable while still allowing us to soak in their natural beauty.
While we didn’t have much time to explore the island’s scenery on foot, we did get a glimpse of Barbados’ beauty from the bus. Our driver kept us entertained as he navigated the winding roads and potholes with impressive skill, joking that he was working on his “PhD—Pothole Dodging.” His humor and expertise added a fun, memorable touch to the journey.
Day 5: Roseau, Dominica – Nature and Beaches
Dominica’s unspoiled beauty left us in awe, but the island’s roads are not for the faint of heart. On our excursion, we traveled about 30 minutes from downtown to Mero Beach, navigating winding roads that added a bit of adventure to the journey.
Mero Beach, a stunning black sand beach, was peaceful and spacious—a perfect spot to relax. For anyone planning this tour, we highly recommend bringing cash: $20 gets you two beach chairs, an umbrella, WiFi, and access to restrooms. There’s a small bar where you can buy local beers and cocktails, but food options were limited. If you can, pack a snack—we were absolutely starving by the time we got back to the ship!
Though it rained on us a few times, the showers were brief and didn’t dampen the experience. In fact, they made it even more memorable. The rain cooled the sand, scared some people away (leaving the beach less crowded), and coaxed out adorable little crabs that scuttled along the shore. That evening, we decided to give Tuscan Grille another chance—and we’re so glad we did!
This second visit turned out to be a far better experience. Every dish we ordered was on point, and a standout was the burrata salad, which felt more like an appetizer due to its generous portion size. This meal redeemed Tuscan Grille for us and became one of the dining highlights of the trip.
Day 6: St. John’s, Antigua – Exploring Town and Relaxing
After getting a little too much sun during our day at Mero Beach in Dominica, we decided to cancel our beach excursion and opt for a more relaxed day in Antigua. This gave us the chance to slow down and enjoy both the ship and the port in a more laid-back way.
We started by enjoying a leisurely morning in our cabin followed by an early lunch onboard. Afterward, we ventured off the ship to do some last-minute shopping. St. John’s is incredibly convenient for this—there are plenty of souvenir shops and a few nicer stores offering clothing and jewelry right near the port.
One fun highlight of our visit was getting a fresh coconut from a vendor. They cut it open for us on the spot, and we drank the refreshing coconut water straight from the coconut using a straw. It was the perfect tropical touch to our relaxing afternoon. If shopping or coconuts aren’t your thing, the area also offers restaurants and even a casino for those looking for different kinds of entertainment. It was a simple yet enjoyable way to wind down our time in the Southern Caribbean.
After getting a little too much sun during our day at Mero Beach in Dominica, we decided to cancel our beach excursion and opt for a more relaxed day in Antigua. This gave us the chance to slow down and enjoy both the ship and the port in a more laid-back way. We started by enjoying a leisurely morning in our cabin followed by an early lunch onboard.
Afterward, we ventured off the ship to do some last-minute shopping. St. John’s is incredibly convenient for this—there are plenty of souvenir shops and a few nicer stores offering clothing and jewelry right near the port. One fun highlight of our visit was getting a fresh coconut from a vendor. They cut it open for us on the spot, and we drank the refreshing coconut water straight from the coconut using a straw. It was the perfect tropical touch to our relaxing afternoon. If shopping or coconuts aren’t your thing, the area also offers restaurants and even a casino for those looking for different kinds of entertainment. It was a simple yet enjoyable way to wind down our time in the Southern Caribbean.
Day 7: At Sea – A Day to Recharge
After six incredible days of island-hopping, we welcomed our only sea day as a chance to relax and reflect. We started by enjoying breakfast and packing our bags for the journey home. In the afternoon, we participated in a Food and Wine Pairing Event, which was fun and informative, although it started a bit slowly. We learned a lot about pairing wines with different foods in an interactive and engaging way.
The rest of the day was spent enjoying everything the ship had to offer. We tried our luck in the casino, visited our favorite crew members to say goodbye, and took some final moments to soak in the atmosphere of the ship. For dinner, we opted for a casual meal in the Oceanview Café, enjoying its laid-back atmosphere.
After dinner, we headed to Cellar Masters for a few nice glasses of wine before wrapping up the night with karaoke, surrounded by the many new friends we made onboard. The energy was incredible, and the camaraderie made it such a memorable evening. In fact, we’re already planning three future trips to visit our new cruise friends!
Day 8: Back to San Juan – Farewell to the Caribbean
It was an early morning as we prepared to disembark, but we made sure to enjoy our last breakfast on the ship before saying goodbye. Disembarkation was easy and fast since we had premium access. We found our bags quickly, breezed through immigration, and grabbed a taxi to the airport. For travelers who might not feel comfortable navigating independently or want to avoid potential long taxi lines, we suggest booking a transfer instead for added convenience.
Although our flight wasn’t until the afternoon, we opted to head straight to the airport. This turned out to be the right decision. While it meant a long wait, we were able to avoid the large crowds that arrived later and the long USDA inspection, baggage check, and security lines others experienced. Instead, we had time to grab lunch and relax before our flight. The rest of the journey home was smooth and uneventful—a calm ending to an incredible trip.
Reflections on the Trip
This cruise exceeded all our expectations. The Celebrity Summit provided a luxurious and comfortable home base, and the port-intensive itinerary allowed us to immerse ourselves in the culture, beauty, and flavors of the Southern Caribbean.
One of the major highlights of the cruise was the crew and entertainment. From the excellent production shows and a surprising magic act to the outstanding bar staff, every aspect of the onboard experience felt thoughtfully curated. Standouts included the ’80s-themed party, karaoke nights, and the Abba sing-along, all of which brought guests together in such a lively and joyful way.
The excursions were another major highlight, especially the Dutch Blonde Beach Bar and Wine and Cheese Tasting in St. Maarten and the peaceful day at Mero Beach in Dominica. Each port offered its own unique charm, and we loved the balance of adventure and relaxation.
Would we do it all again? Absolutely. This was a journey full of unforgettable moments, and it’s one we’ll cherish for years to come.
Top 8 Tips for First-Time Cruisers
Arrive Early: Fly in the day before embarkation to avoid travel delays.
Book Specialty Dining Early: Day 1 is less crowded, and discounts may be available.
Plan Ahead: Reserve dining and excursions before the cruise to secure your favorites.
Pace Yourself: Balance excursions with onboard relaxation to stay refreshed.
Bring Cash: Handy for beach amenities, local vendors, and tips during port stops.
Stay Flexible: Excursion changes or delays can happen—embrace the unexpected.
Engage in Activities: Join themed parties, karaoke, and onboard events to meet new friends.
Prepare for Disembarkation: Early airport arrivals help avoid long lines and ensure a smoother journey home.
Day 1 – Port Canaveral; Embarkation This was our first time cruising with MSC, and we took a 4-night, 5-day Bahamas cruise departing from Port Canaveral. I must say, it was a wonderful experience! My daughter and I flew into Orlando and took a shuttle to Port Canaveral. Our check-in time was at 1 PM, and while waiting in the Florida heat, we noticed passengers being escorted away for VIP check-in with MSC Yacht Club. Seeing this, I know that next time, I’d definitely want to experience and recommend it to clients who desire a VIP experience throughout their journey.
Yacht Club passengers were greeted by a host with champagne in hand and taken directly onto the ship. They also have an exclusive area on the ship, located on Deck 19 at the very top, which is not accessible to other guests.
As we boarded the ship, we noticed a huge replica of the Statue of Liberty in the Times Square area on Deck 5. As a New Yorker, I thought it was a nice attempt, though not quite accurate. The spa was incredible, featuring a snow room with real snow, which seemed to be very popular with guests. Another standout feature was the Infinity Bridge, a glass walkway that I loved—though my daughter wasn’t as enthusiastic about it. However, it appeared to be a favorite spot for many on the ship.
We stayed in an interior Bella room with two beds. The cabin was spacious enough for the two of us. The ship offered plenty of activities for all ages. My daughter enjoyed the teen club and water slides, while I loved the spa, karaoke, and the nightclub.
Day 2: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Bahamas Our first stop was their private island, Ocean Cay. The beach was amazing, and it was evident that the island is newly developed and still undergoing construction. I asked one of the workers about the construction, and he explained that they were expanding the island. I did feel that they could offer more authentic island food and shopping options. By looking around, you could tell that Ocean Cay is still very new and under development.
One great feature was that the ship docks there overnight, allowing guests to go out at night and enjoy a beach party by the lighthouse. The beach itself was beautiful and accommodating for everyone, including non-swimmers like me. I appreciated that you could walk far out into the water and still only be waist-deep.
On the way back to the ship, I treated myself to a massage, and they were also offering services like hair braiding and other spa treatments right outside the ship—a thoughtful touch after a long, hot day. In the evening, I went back off the ship to enjoy the Lighthouse Party. I would highly recommend this experience to your clients. It’s a lively event on the sand, beautifully lit, and enjoyable for all ages. They even teach you new dance techniques and share the history of how MSC began. We truly had a great time.
Day 3: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Bahamas/ at sea This day was pretty relaxed as the ship departed late in the afternoon. We had the entire day to explore the ship and all its amenities, and we were pleasantly surprised by the number of activities taking place. We participated in a Bob Marley trivia game, which I won and received an MSC bag—an amazing surprise!
Dining at the Marketplace, the main dining area, was convenient and offered a variety of buffet options, including pizza, pasta, and burgers. It was open all day until about 4:30 PM, which made it easy to grab a meal whenever we wanted.
We also took advantage of the game rooms and spent most of the day relaxing by the pool. It was a great way to unwind and enjoy everything the ship had to offer.
Day 4: Nassau Bahamas/ at sea The next day, we arrived in Nassau, Bahamas, docking early in the morning. However, we only had a few hours in Nassau, which felt a bit rushed. I believe this schedule was designed to allow us to spend more time on Ocean Cay rather than in Nassau.
Nassau, of course, had more options for shops and restaurants. My daughter and I decided to rent a go-kart and take a tour around the island. Nassau was beautiful, and the locals were incredibly welcoming. We stopped at the Straw Market and tried conch for the first time, as recommended by a local—it was amazing!
The port was bustling with activity, as we were docked alongside the Disney Wonder, another Disney ship whose name I couldn’t see, and two Carnival ships. The only downside was having to leave early; we had to be back on board by 2:30 PM, while the other ships remained longer. This limited the time we could spend exploring Nassau.
If your clients are looking to spend more time in Nassau or prioritize that destination, it’s worth noting that MSC seems to allocate more time to their private island, Ocean Cay, than to Nassau.
Day 5 Disembarkation day We had to vacate the ship by 8 AM, so we had breakfast at the Marketplace before taking our shuttle back to the airport around noon. Overall, in my opinion, MSC is a great cruise line for families with small children and adults in their mid to late 40s.
The only downside for me was that the food was somewhat repetitive. After experiencing other cruise lines, I don’t particularly favor the buffet-style dining. However, I would most definitely sail on another MSC ship in the future.
I was lucky enough to be invited to join Rusty Fletcher on the Celestyal Journey. There was actually a FAM on the cruise and I was able to attend the FAM presentation to learn more about Celestyal vision focusing on more North America clients and new exciting itineraries of the earthen Adriatic and middle east.
Celestyal Discovery underwent a multimillion dollar refurbishment ahead of joining Celestyal, which also operates the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey which joined the fleet in 2023, replacing Celestyal Crystal. The Celestyal Journey was previously owned by Holland America.
So lots of room on the ship. To me it felt like the Riviera on Oceania with all the space and passengers not on top of each other. The Discovery is heading into a dry dock and all of the bathrooms are being replaced and adding a new Coffee Bar.
The ship has two main restaurants, Thalassa and The Taverna, which reflect the line’s Greek heritage and serve regional specialties alongside international dishes. Thalassa is the more formal of the two with waiter service and casual buffet-style Taverna embodies the Greek tradition of trying lots of different dishes.
Onboard Celestyal Journey, the Asian inspired ‘Pink Moon’ restaurant now offers a three-course set menu, ‘The Smoked Olive’ Mediterranean restaurant offering a five-course option. In addition, the ‘Grill Seekers’ brasserie has the choice of a five-course set menu. Celestyal is known for staying in ports the longest out of the other cruise lines.
Day 1 – Athens Embarkation We arrived at the Piraeus Terminal at 12:00 PM, and embarkation was very busy with 5 other cruise lines embarking. We immediately were able to get into our Balcony Junior Suite with no waiting. That evening we had dinner in the Main Dining Restaurant, Thalassa for a great dinner and beautiful sunset.
Day 2 – Thessaloniki We arrived in Thessaloniki which is a booming cosmopolitan seaside city and the latest in Greece after Athens. Great Restaurants and little eateries.
Day 3 – Kusadasi Turkey Kusadasi is the gateway to the ancient Ephesus. We actually did a shore excursion which went to Ephesus, a Rug Making Demonstration and time to shop finding some of the best deals. Our tour guide for the shore excursion was extremely knowledgeable and one of the best I have had. Learning how Turkish rugs were made was fascinating. It can take up to 5 years to make.
Day 4 – Heraklion Crete Entering into the port we had a chance to see a snapshot of the imposing 16th century walls of the Koules Fortress. We did an excursion of the countryside where we went to an old winery and learned how they pressed the grapes from hand. Enjoyed some traditional Crete dancing and then walked leisurely through the town square and waterfront.
Day 5 -Santorini Santorini was a beautiful island with picture perfect traditional whitewashed houses and blue domed churches. To get into the town you either had to take a cable car, take a donkey or walk up steep stairs. I opted for the cable car! We took an excursion where we hiked the Santorini volcano and hot springs. As a result of this volcanic activity, the land was detached and five separate islands were created: Santorini, Therasia, an uninhabited island called Aspronisi and the volcanic islands of Palaia Kammeni and Nea Kammeni, which are all close to each other, and therefore easily accessible these days. The views were breathtaking.
We ended the day in Oai for dinner overlooking the the ocean and island lite up
Day 6 – Mykonos Mykonos is known as the “island of the Winds” and that definitely lived up to the name! We took a water taxi over to Delos Islands for our shore excursion. This island was dedicated to the Greek gods Apollo or Artemis. Later We strolled through town and had a relaxing lunch at one of the eateries overlooking the water and views the the windmills
Day 7 -Milos Milos is another volcanic island with beautiful rock formations that rise out of the crystalline waters. Absolutely stunning coastline. We did a shore excursion trek through the coast line that only about 10% of the people visiting Milos encountered. Small charming fishing villages and beauty spots. We even caught a photo shoot of models due to Milos dramatic scenery.
Milos only has 5000 people that live on the island. It is one of those islands that is still off the beaten track.
Day 8 – Athens Today we returned back to Athens and had a very quick disembarkation process. Would I cruise with Celestyal again – Yes I would!
