Greek Island Hopping by Cruise Ship: My Week Aboard Celestyal Journey

Five Greek islands, a stop in Turkey, seven nights at sea and a surprisingly affordable price tag. When my friend’s milestone birthday called for a Greek island-hopping adventure, I found a way to make us both very happy indeed.

When one of my closest friends suggested Greek island hopping to celebrate her milestone birthday, I smiled enthusiastically, nodded along and quietly began to panic.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Greece. Sunshine, turquoise seas, waterfront tavernas and an entirely acceptable excuse to drink wine at lunchtime? Sign me up. But island hopping? That sounded suspiciously like a holiday involving backpacks, ferry timetables, hauling luggage up cobbled streets and an alarming amount of spontaneity.

I’m sure it’s wonderful if you’re 23, own a pair of sensible sandals and consider sleeping in a room above a bar all part of the adventure. Unfortunately, I’m none of those things.

I like a plan. I like knowing where I’m sleeping. Preferably somewhere with air conditioning, a decent bathroom and absolutely no requirement to drag a suitcase through a ferry terminal at six in the morning. I’m perfectly capable of travelling light. I just have absolutely no desire to travel like a backpacker.

So, faced with the prospect of either crushing my friend’s birthday dreams or spending a week pretending to be a carefree free spirit, I came up with a rather cunning compromise.

We could hop around the Greek islands to our hearts’ content. We just wouldn’t be doing any of the actual hopping ourselves.

Why Cruising Was the Perfect Compromise

Now, cruising is hardly new territory for me. I’ve sailed with some of the big-name cruise lines before and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There’s something rather wonderful about going to bed in one place and waking up somewhere completely different, preferably with a coffee in hand and a new coastline appearing on the horizon.

Cruising does seem to divide opinion, though. People tend to fall into two camps: those who absolutely love it and those who would rather swim to their next destination than spend a week on a ship.

Some people can’t imagine anything better, while others can’t think of anything worse. Personally, I’m firmly in the first camp.

I love the convenience of it all. The chance to explore somewhere new every day without the endless packing, unpacking, checking in, checking out and generally wasting precious holiday time getting from A to B.

And when you’ve had enough exploring, there’s a floating hotel waiting to welcome you back, usually with a cold drink and something delicious to eat. What’s not to like?

So, with my friend’s Greek island-hopping ambitions firmly in mind, I started investigating cruise itineraries that might offer the perfect compromise. She could have her Greek adventure, I could have a little organisation and neither of us would need to spend our holiday wrestling with ferry schedules.

That’s when I stumbled across Celestyal Cruises, a cruise line I hadn’t previously sailed with, offering what appeared to be the answer to both our prayers.

Discovering Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal is a cruise line with strong roots in Greece, specialising in itineraries exploring the Greek islands and the wider Mediterranean.

Unlike some of the enormous cruise ships that resemble floating cities, Celestyal operates a smaller fleet of two mid-sized vessels, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery.

The emphasis is very much on the destinations rather than simply the ship itself. With itineraries designed to make the most of the region, including smaller ports and longer stays in some destinations, it sounded like a particularly good way to explore the Greek islands without spending half the holiday in transit.

And while the ships still offer the restaurants, bars, entertainment and other facilities you’d expect from a cruise, the smaller scale appealed to me.

I’ve enjoyed the big ships, but I wasn’t particularly looking for a floating shopping centre with a water park attached. This holiday was supposed to be about Greece.

What really caught my eye was Celestyal’s seven-night Idyllic Greece itinerary aboard Celestyal Journey.

Departing from Athens, it promised a week exploring Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos and Milos, with a stop in Kuşadası, Turkey, thrown in for good measure.

Five Greek islands, two countries, seven nights and not a ferry timetable in sight.

My friend could have her island-hopping adventure, I could have my creature comforts, and we’d both get to celebrate her birthday somewhere considerably more exciting than our local pub.

On paper, it was perfect.

Athens, Here We Come!

A short and smooth easyJet flight from Manchester to Athens on a Friday morning in October marked the beginning of our Greek adventure.

Suitcases collected and holiday mode firmly switched on, we hopped into a taxi and headed for the port city of Piraeus, where we’d sensibly booked an overnight stay ahead of embarking on our cruise the following morning.

After a seamless check-in at our pre-booked hotel, we headed out to find a local taverna for dinner and a glass or two of wine.

Nothing too wild, mind you. We were determined to be sensible, responsible adults and get a decent night’s sleep before our maritime adventure began. A rather novel concept for two friends celebrating a milestone birthday, but there was plenty of time for mischief ahead.

The following morning, we were up with the lark, full of excitement and ready to set sail.

After a quick breakfast and a final check that we had passports, tickets and all the other essentials required to avoid an international incident, we jumped into a taxi and headed for the cruise terminal.

Our Greek island-hopping adventure was officially about to begin.

First Impressions of Celestyal Journey

There’s something about boarding a cruise ship that I absolutely love.

The whole process is generally so seamless, and that feeling when you first step on board, knowing you’ve got a week of new destinations, good food, a few cocktails and absolutely no responsibilities beyond deciding what to wear for dinner, is pretty hard to beat.

For me, that first moment of embarkation is one of the highlights of any cruise. The anticipation, the excitement, the sudden realisation that your holiday has properly begun. It’s a feeling that never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve cruised before.

Now, Celestyal Journey doesn’t have the enormous, glittering atriums, sweeping staircases and spectacular entrance halls that some of the larger cruise lines boast.

There’s no grand, jaw-dropping arrival designed to make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a five-star hotel in Las Vegas.

But did that dampen my enthusiasm? Not one bit.

We were on board, we were heading for the Greek islands, and we had seven glorious nights ahead of us.

Quite frankly, I couldn’t have been happier.

A Little About Celestyal Journey

Celestyal Journey is the larger of the two ships in the Celestyal fleet, accommodating up to approximately 1,260 passengers across 630 cabins and suites.

Compared with some of the enormous cruise liners carrying upwards of 5,000 guests, it’s a relatively modest affair, but certainly not lacking in facilities.

Spread across 14 decks, the ship offers a selection of restaurants and bars, two swimming pools, a spa and wellness centre, a gym and a programme of entertainment to keep guests occupied between destinations.

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation too, from interior cabins and sea-view rooms to suites with balconies.

What appealed to me was the idea of enjoying all the familiar comforts of cruising without quite so much of the hustle and bustle that comes with the mega-ships.

It’s a more traditional style of cruising, where the destinations take centre stage rather than waterslides, rollercoasters and shopping malls.

And let’s face it, with five Greek islands and a Turkish port of call on the itinerary, we weren’t exactly going to be short of things to do.

Our Cabin – Small but Perfectly Formed

Our twin sea-view cabin was small but perfectly formed, with more than enough room for two friends to share without feeling as though we were constantly under each other’s feet.

We each had a comfortable single bed, along with a dressing table, a sofa and plenty of clever storage space.

The wardrobe was surprisingly generous too, which was just as well considering the frankly ridiculous number of outfits we’d brought for seven nights at sea. Apparently, neither of us had received the memo about packing sensibly.

The bathroom was another pleasant surprise. Well-appointed, spotlessly clean and, much to our delight, complete with an actual bath!

Not something you necessarily expect to find in a cruise ship cabin, particularly one that isn’t a suite.

We also discovered fluffy dressing gowns and slippers tucked away in the wardrobe, along with some rather lovely bathing products in the bathroom.

Little touches, perhaps, but exactly the sort of things that make a cabin feel that bit more comfortable.

Of course, we hadn’t booked this holiday with the intention of spending much time in our room, but it’s always reassuring to know you’ve got somewhere comfortable to retreat to after a long day exploring.

All things considered, it was a really decent cabin, with everything we needed and a few unexpected extras.

We were both more than happy with our home for the week.

The £879 Cruise Bargain That Almost Seemed Too Good to Be True

I should probably mention at this point that we’d managed to bag ourselves an absolute bargain.

Having booked the cruise barely a month before sailing, we snapped up one of the very last available cabins for the rather astonishing price of £879 each.

I genuinely couldn’t believe our luck.

Seven nights cruising the Greek islands, with accommodation, meals, entertainment and a different destination to explore almost every day, for less than £900 per person.

I’d have struggled to put together a traditional island-hopping holiday for that price, particularly once you started adding up hotels, ferries and all the other bits and pieces that inevitably send a holiday budget spiralling.

Now, to be clear, that was the price of the cruise itself. Our easyJet flights, overnight hotel stays in Greece, transfers and onboard extras were all additional costs.

Nevertheless, I thought we’d secured a fantastic deal.

I’m also under no illusion that everyone will find the same bargain.

I suspect we got incredibly lucky with our timing, and if you’ve got your heart set on a balcony suite or more luxurious accommodation, I’d certainly recommend booking further in advance.

Celestyal Journey is a relatively small ship compared with some of the cruising giants, so those more desirable accommodation categories are naturally more limited and likely to command a higher price.

But for us? A sea-view cabin was absolutely fine.

We weren’t planning to spend our days sitting on a private balcony admiring the horizon. We wanted to be out exploring the Greek islands, enjoying everything the ship had to offer and making the most of our week away.

Our cabin was comfortable, well-equipped and perfectly suited to the holiday we had in mind.

And at that price, we were feeling rather pleased with ourselves.

Sometimes, leaving things until the last minute really does pay off.

Food, Glorious Food – Dining Aboard Celestyal Journey

Now, food is a fairly important part of any holiday for me, and cruising certainly isn’t somewhere I expect to go hungry.

Fortunately, Celestyal Journey offers a good selection of dining options, from casual buffet meals to more sophisticated speciality restaurants.

And while the ship might be smaller than some of the cruising giants I’ve sailed on previously, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall standard and variety of food on offer.

The Taverna – Buffet Dining Without the Bedlam

Let’s talk about the buffet, because anyone who’s cruised on a particularly large ship will know that navigating breakfast can occasionally feel like participating in a competitive sport.

There’s the hunt for a table, the queues, the people who apparently need to inspect every individual sausage before making their selection, and the general feeling that you’re dining with half the population of a small town.

Thankfully, there was none of that aboard Celestyal Journey.

The Taverna, the ship’s buffet restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a surprisingly calm and civilised environment.

It felt much more like visiting a relaxed restaurant than battling your way around a traditional cruise ship buffet.

No endless queues, no jostling for tables and no need to deploy sharp elbows to secure a seat. Just a pleasant, unhurried dining experience, which suited us perfectly.

The food itself was consistently good, with plenty of freshly cooked hot dishes, a generous selection of salads, vegetables and accompaniments, and enough variety to keep things interesting throughout the week.

And the desserts deserve a mention too.

I’m not a fan of those suspiciously fluorescent puddings and mountains of artificial whipped cream that occasionally appear on holiday buffets. You know the sort. They look spectacular from a distance but taste of absolutely nothing.

Thankfully, Celestyal seemed to have missed that particular memo.

We enjoyed proper cakes, lovely cheesecakes and desserts that actually tasted as though somebody had taken the trouble to make them.

All in all, a very respectable offering, particularly considering the price we’d paid for the cruise.

For those who prefer a more traditional restaurant experience, the ship also has Thalassa, its main dining room offering table service, alongside several speciality dining venues.

Grill Seekers – An Evening Worth Splurging On

If there’s one dining experience aboard Celestyal Journey that I’d wholeheartedly recommend, it’s Grill Seekers.

This speciality restaurant offers a more indulgent dining experience than the ship’s included restaurants, with a menu centred around premium steaks, grilled meats and seafood, accompanied by an impressive selection of sides and a rather tempting wine list.

During our week aboard, we’d made friends with some fellow passengers and decided to treat ourselves to an evening at Grill Seekers together.

And what a wonderful evening it turned out to be.

We enjoyed fantastic steaks, cooked beautifully, alongside a delicious selection of sides that made the whole experience feel like a proper steakhouse treat. The wine list was excellent too, with plenty of choice to complement the food, and we certainly made the most of it!

There was something rather lovely about getting dressed up, settling in for a leisurely dinner and enjoying fabulous food with new friends we’d met only a few days earlier. The atmosphere was relaxed yet sophisticated, the company was brilliant and the wine flowed rather freely.

It was one of those evenings that reminds you just how much fun cruising can be.

Now, I should mention that Grill Seekers isn’t cheap. This is a premium dining experience, with prices to match, and it’s certainly possible to run up quite a bill if you decide to indulge.

But would I recommend it? Absolutely.

If your budget allows for a little extra extravagance during your cruise, I’d encourage you to book a table. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply fancy treating yourself to a really good steak and a decent bottle of wine, it’s well worth considering.

And given the bargain we’d secured on the cruise itself, we felt entirely justified in pushing the boat out a little.

Quite literally.

Drinks Aboard Celestyal Journey – A Word of Advice

Now, let’s address another important aspect of cruising.

The drinks.

And perhaps more importantly, what they cost.

As with most cruise holidays, it’s very easy to become a little carefree with your onboard spending.

You’re on holiday, the sun is shining, somebody is offering you another cocktail and suddenly the sensible person who carefully compared cruise prices before booking has disappeared entirely.

I speak from experience.

Celestyal operates a prepaid onboard spending system called CelestyalPay, which allows passengers to purchase credit for drinks and speciality dining.

Depending on the offer available, purchasing credit can come with a bonus amount, making it a potentially worthwhile option if you know you’re going to enjoy a few drinks during your voyage.

My advice would be to investigate the offers before you sail, or as soon as you board, because some promotions are only available around embarkation.

It’s worth understanding exactly how the system works, though. CelestyalPay isn’t an unlimited drinks package; you’re spending from a prepaid balance, and unused credit may not be refundable.

Alcoholic drinks aren’t generally included in the standard cruise fare, and those little extras can add up rather quickly. Service charges on chargeable food and drinks also need to be factored into your budget.

For anyone planning a particularly wholesome week of early nights and sparkling water, this might not be a major consideration.

For those of us who regard a sunset cocktail as an essential part of the cruising experience, however, it’s definitely worth doing your homework.

And if you’re planning to get a little tipsy on your Greek island adventure?

Well, let’s just say that my friend and I were very pleased we’d investigated the available options.

After all, it was a milestone birthday celebration.

It would have been rude not to raise a glass. Or several.

Cocktails, Karaoke and Some Very Late Nights

There’s certainly no shortage of places to enjoy a cocktail, a coffee or a little afternoon refreshment aboard Celestyal Journey.

From relaxed poolside bars serving drinks and snacks in the sunshine to more sophisticated lounges and lively late-night venues, there’s something to suit just about every mood.

And when it comes to entertainment, the ship has plenty going on.

Each day, a newsletter is delivered to your cabin outlining the activities and entertainment programme, making it easy to plan your time aboard.

From live music and quizzes to karaoke, dancing and performances in the ship’s show lounge, there’s a full schedule to dip in and out of as you please.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that we’re not really cruise ship theatre types.

I’m sure the performances were wonderful, but sitting politely through an evening production was never particularly high on our holiday agenda.

We had other plans.

Our preferred routine involved finding a sunny spot beside the pool in the late afternoon, ordering something suitably refreshing and making the most of the last of the Mediterranean sunshine before heading back to our cabin to get glammed up for the evening.

And then, more often than not, we’d find ourselves heading for the bright lights of the ship’s nightclub.

Honestly, I don’t think I’ve stayed up so late so consistently in the last decade.

There was dancing, laughter, karaoke, new friends and more than a few moments when we probably should have called it a night but decided that one more drink was a much better idea.

It was absolutely brilliant.

One of the things I loved most about Celestyal Journey was how sociable the whole experience felt.

Being on a smaller ship made it easy to bump into familiar faces, strike up conversations and make friends with fellow passengers.

Before long, we’d developed our own little circle of cruising companions, which only added to the fun.

And that’s the beauty of a cruise holiday. You can make it whatever you want it to be.

If your idea of a perfect evening involves a lovely dinner followed by a quiet drink and an early night, absolutely fine.

If you’d rather spend the evening dancing until your feet hurt, there’s room for that too.

We definitely fell into the latter category.

I boarded Celestyal Journey expecting beautiful Greek islands, lovely food and a relaxing week in the sunshine.

I hadn’t quite anticipated rediscovering my enthusiasm for partying like I was twenty-five.

But I certainly wasn’t complaining.

Island Hopping with Celestyal – Six Destinations, Two Countries and Seven Nights at Sea

Of course, as much as we enjoyed the ship itself, the whole point of this particular adventure was to explore the Greek islands.

And one of the biggest selling points of the Idyllic Greece itinerary was the sheer variety of destinations packed into just seven nights.

Five Greek islands, a stop in Turkey and enough beautiful scenery to keep even the most enthusiastic Instagrammer occupied.

The beauty of cruising is that much of the travelling happens while you’re sleeping, eating or enjoying another glass of something cold on deck.

No ferry queues, no dragging suitcases around and no constantly checking what time you need to leave for the airport.

Every destination had its own personality, from bustling harbour towns and ancient cities to picture-perfect whitewashed villages and impossibly blue seas.

Here’s a little taste of where our maritime adventure took us.

Kuşadası, Turkey – A Taste of the Turkish Riviera

Our first port of call wasn’t actually Greek at all.

We arrived in Kuşadası, a lively Turkish resort town on the Aegean coast, best known as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus.

There’s plenty here to interest history lovers, with Ephesus offering an extraordinary glimpse into life during the Roman Empire.

But Kuşadası itself has its own appeal, with a bustling waterfront, lively bazaars, traditional restaurants and shops selling everything from leather goods to Turkish delight.

It’s a colourful, energetic introduction to the Eastern Mediterranean, with a distinctly different atmosphere from the Greek islands awaiting us.

For passengers interested in ancient history, an excursion to Ephesus is one of the big attractions of this port.

Alternatively, there’s plenty to discover around the town itself without committing to a full-day excursion.

Rhodes – Medieval Charm Meets Mediterranean Sunshine

Rhodes was one of the destinations I was particularly looking forward to, and it’s easy to understand why the island has been attracting visitors for generations.

The magnificent medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclosed within imposing stone walls and filled with winding cobbled streets, ancient buildings, hidden courtyards and charming little restaurants.

Beyond the historic centre, Rhodes offers beautiful beaches, traditional villages and the famous whitewashed town of Lindos, overlooked by its ancient Acropolis.

It’s an island that manages to combine history, culture, sunshine and seaside relaxation rather effortlessly.

Whether you fancy exploring ancient ruins or simply finding a waterfront taverna for a long lunch, there’s plenty to enjoy.

And with the cruise port conveniently located close to Rhodes Old Town, it’s a particularly accessible destination for anyone who prefers to explore independently.

Agios Nikolaos, Crete – A Charming Corner of Greece’s Largest Island

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and our stop in Agios Nikolaos offered the opportunity to discover its eastern coastline.

This attractive harbour town is built around the picturesque Lake Voulismeni, surrounded by cafés, restaurants and colourful waterfront buildings.

Fishing boats bob in the harbour, little shops line the streets and there’s a distinctly relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy your surroundings.

Crete itself has a fascinating history, wonderful traditional cuisine and some spectacular landscapes, but Agios Nikolaos is perfectly suited to a leisurely day ashore.

It’s the sort of place where you can happily lose a few hours wandering along the waterfront, browsing the shops and settling down for a Greek salad and a cold glass of wine while watching the world go by.

Santorini – Beautiful, Dramatic and Not Without Its Challenges

If there’s one Greek island that needs little introduction, it’s Santorini.

Famous for its dazzling white buildings, blue-domed churches and dramatic clifftop villages, Santorini is every bit the Greek island postcard.

The island’s extraordinary landscape was shaped by volcanic activity, leaving a vast flooded caldera surrounded by towering cliffs and breathtaking views across the Aegean.

The towns of Fira and Oia are among its biggest attractions, with narrow streets, boutique shops, spectacular terraces and some of the most photographed sunsets in the world.

However, Santorini does present something of a logistical challenge for cruise passengers.

Ships anchor offshore and visitors generally travel ashore by tender boat before making their way up the cliffs to Fira, most commonly by cable car.

And this is where my enthusiasm for exploring Greek islands met one of its few limitations.

Heights and enclosed cable cars are not exactly my idea of a relaxing holiday experience, so on this occasion I decided that admiring Santorini’s dramatic coastline from the comfort of the ship was a perfectly respectable alternative.

Sometimes, knowing your limits is all part of enjoying a holiday.

And if I’m going to be stranded anywhere by my own fears, there are considerably worse places than a cruise ship with a swimming pool and a cocktail bar.

Mykonos – Whitewashed Streets and a Touch of Glamour

Mykonos has a reputation as the glamorous party island of Greece, attracting everyone from international celebrities to sunseekers looking for beautiful beaches, chic beach clubs and lively nightlife.

But there’s much more to Mykonos than expensive cocktails and designer sunglasses.

Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, is a delightful maze of narrow whitewashed streets, blue-painted doors, bougainvillea-covered buildings and tiny boutiques.

Its famous windmills overlook the sea, while the waterfront district of Little Venice is lined with bars and restaurants occupying colourful buildings right at the water’s edge.

The island has a wonderfully cosmopolitan feel, combining traditional Cycladic architecture with a distinctly sophisticated holiday atmosphere.

One particularly appealing feature of our Celestyal itinerary was the extended stop in Mykonos.

Unlike cruise itineraries that whisk passengers away just as the evening atmosphere begins to develop, our ship was scheduled to remain until 2am the following morning.

That meant there was the opportunity to experience Mykonos by day and night, whether that involved exploring the town, enjoying a long waterfront lunch or discovering a little of the island’s famous nightlife.

And given our newly rediscovered enthusiasm for staying out late, the timing couldn’t have been better.

Milos – A Quieter Slice of Greek Island Life

Our final island stop was Milos, a destination that perhaps doesn’t enjoy quite the same international fame as Santorini or Mykonos, but is certainly no less appealing.

Known for its extraordinary volcanic landscapes, colourful fishing villages and beautiful beaches, Milos offers a slightly more laid-back side of Greek island life.

The island is home to the famous white rock formations of Sarakiniko, where the smooth, almost lunar landscape meets astonishingly blue water.

Elsewhere, traditional fishing settlements, sheltered bays and little seaside tavernas offer a completely different atmosphere from the glamorous resorts of Mykonos.

The village of Pollonia, with its sandy beach, waterfront restaurants and relaxed charm, is a particularly lovely option for anyone looking to escape the crowds.

And after a week of exploring some of the Mediterranean’s best-known destinations, the prospect of a leisurely lunch in a traditional Greek taverna overlooking the sea sounded like an absolutely wonderful way to round things off.

Milos is also a tender port, meaning passengers are taken ashore by smaller boats rather than simply walking off the ship.

It’s worth allowing a little extra time for the journey back on board, particularly if you’re planning to venture away from the main harbour.

Back to Athens – And Back to Reality

Seven nights after setting sail, Celestyal Journey returned to Piraeus, bringing our Greek island-hopping adventure to an end.

We’d covered an impressive amount of ground, experienced a wonderful variety of destinations and, most importantly, hadn’t had to unpack and repack our suitcases once.

We’d also eaten incredibly well, made some lovely new friends, enjoyed far more late nights than either of us had anticipated and laughed our way around the Eastern Mediterranean.

Our original plan had been to find a compromise between my friend’s dream of island hopping and my preference for a slightly more organised approach to travel.

As it turned out, we’d ended up having the sort of holiday that neither of us really wanted to end.

Absolutely. Look at our faces!

But I think it’s important to approach a cruise with Celestyal with the right expectations.

If you’re looking for enormous shopping arcades, spectacular water parks, celebrity chef restaurants on every corner and the sort of glitzy entertainment that rivals a West End production, there are bigger ships offering exactly that.

Celestyal Journey is a different proposition.

It’s a smaller, more traditional cruise ship with a relaxed atmosphere, comfortable accommodation, a good selection of restaurants and bars, and an itinerary that really is the star of the show.

For me, the highlights were the wonderfully civilised buffet dining, our excellent evening at Grill Seekers, the friendly and sociable atmosphere, and the sheer convenience of exploring so many destinations without the usual logistical headaches.

The entertainment suited us perfectly too, although admittedly we were more interested in cocktails, karaoke and dancing than theatrical productions.

And while our cabin wasn’t particularly spacious or luxurious, it was comfortable, thoughtfully equipped and more than adequate for the amount of time we spent in it.

Of course, it’s worth remembering that the cruise fare is only part of the story.

Drinks, speciality dining, excursions and other extras can increase the overall cost, so I’d strongly advise factoring those into your holiday budget before booking.

But at £879 each for our seven-night cruise, I genuinely felt we’d secured fantastic value for money.

Would I sail with Celestyal again? Without hesitation.

Would I recommend this itinerary to anyone wanting to explore the Greek islands? Absolutely, particularly if you enjoy discovering new places but don’t fancy spending your holiday constantly packing, unpacking and organising transport.

And would I recommend taking a cruise with one of your closest friends to celebrate a milestone birthday?

Well, judging by the amount of laughter, dancing and questionable late-night decisions involved, I’d say it’s a resounding yes.

My friend’s birthday island-hopping dream had become a reality, and I’d managed to avoid a single backpack, ferry timetable or questionable budget hostel.

I’d call that a very successful compromise indeed. Book your Celestyal Journey today – tell them I sent you…

At a Glance: Our Celestyal Greek Islands Cruise

Holiday Details	Our Trip
Cruise line	Celestyal Cruises
Ship	Celestyal Journey
Itinerary	Idyllic Greece – 7 Nights
Sailing dates	3–10 October 2026
Departure port	Piraeus, Athens, Greece
Flights	easyJet, Manchester to Athens return
Outbound flight	Friday 2 October 2026
Return flight	Sunday 11 October 2026
Cabin	Twin sea-view cabin
Destinations	Kuşadası, Rhodes, Crete (Agios Nikolaos), Santorini, Mykonos and Milos
Cruise cost per person	£879
Total cruise cost for two	£1,758
Pre-cruise accommodation	One night in Piraeus
Post-cruise accommodation	One night in Athens
Additional costs	Flights, hotels, transfers, drinks, speciality dining and excursions

Was Our Celestyal Cruise Good Value?

At £879 per person for seven nights’ accommodation, meals, entertainment and visits to six Mediterranean destinations, we considered it an absolute bargain.

Our flights, hotels, transfers and onboard extras were all separate costs, but even allowing for these, we felt we’d secured a fantastic deal.

Of course, cruise prices vary considerably depending on sailing dates, cabin category and availability, and our last-minute bargain shouldn’t necessarily be taken as a typical fare.

For further information and to explore upcoming itineraries, visit www.celestyal.com.

This review is based on our personal experience sailing aboard Celestyal Journey in October 2026. All travel and accommodation costs quoted reflect our own booking.

Joanne Brook-Smith is a writer and editor with two decades of publishing experience. She launched Crave Magazine during the Covid period to create a fresh, inspiring space for food, travel and lifestyle content.