Celestyal Crystal

[dogd1]

Hello. We are booked on the Celestyal Crystal 19th September 2020 Athens to Athens. Anyone else out there thinking of going of this Med Cruise? We'd love to hear from you or from anyone who has cruised on the Crystal before with any hints or suggestions

[Shadowstar]

We were on the Crystal just a couple of months ago.  Our itinerary was the Eclectic Aegean with a stop in Istanbul. We were quite happy with our cruise.  We booked a junior suite which was the best thing we did.  The room was about the size of a balcony room on other ships, and we loved our balcony.  Do not expect endless buffets, but good enough food.  The itinerary is port intensive so try the local food.  We booked several private tours and we made sure we were ready early and got off the ship before the ships tours.  It was easy.  If you have any specific questions please do ask!

[jeaningeorgia]

Did anyone use a taxi for a tour with group of 4?  If so how much was the tour for the day in Santorini?

[dogd1]

Thanks SHADOWSTAR for your reply. We have read some very ordinary reviews about the ship. We've booked a junior suite, so we were pleased to read that was a good decision. I might come back to you with a question later on in the New Year. Thanks again

[helengp]

Hi. We just got off this ship on Monday, after doing the Athens to Athens 3 Continents cruise. We had a fabulous time. This ship tends to do port intensive itineraries and that is what we booked for.....the ship itself is small and old, but absolutely perfect for those wanting a more laid back experience. Even though it's an older ship, it is very well maintained.....the staff cleaning continuously, polishing the brass, sweeping the decks etc. We had an inside cabin on deck 5 which was very well appointed, plenty of storage, good en-suite shower room and lovely coastal picture painted on wall.....and lots of mirrors to make cabin feel bigger. It was very comfortable. Our cabin staff were excellent, everything was clean and tidy. 

The food is good.....we ate in the buffet as we like to try various things, but you could have had a more formal dining experience too. We didn't go to any of the evening entertainment as we we're knackered by the long days in port, but fellow passengers said it was good and as expected. the 3 included tours were excellent, with good guides and in Egypt we had excellent security with an armed tourist policeman on every coach, and an escort. We felt very safe. 

And lastly the staff.....they were so nice and friendly, and couldn't do enough for us...and what interesting young people they were....from all corners of the world. 

I would thoroughly recommend this ship and company and are already looking to book again next year!

[TwizzlersAddict]

9 hours ago, helengp said:

= with good guides and in Egypt we had excellent security with an armed tourist policeman on every coach, and an escort. We felt very safe. 

 

Hello

Thanks for the information. Im doing the 14 day cruise in 2021. Im curious about the time with the Pyramids. Was the time rushed or did you have some free time to explore on your own?

[helengp]

Hello Twizzlers.....the time at the pyramids was ok.....we stopped first at the viewing platform area to get the whole panoramic experience, and then the coach took us back to the main pyramid where we had free time to explore around the pyramids and to go inside if you wanted. We then got back on coach to return to the sphinx and had time there to view that and take pics and buy any souvenirs from the many side stalls. It was a bit rushed.....but considering we had to pack so much in to one day, I think they did it very well. After the pyramids the coach took us to a papyrus workshop and shop....just for half hour, which was a bit pointless, but obviously trying to get tourists back in to these places, and then to lunch at a hotel....excellent food, and then to the museum to see Tutankhamun exhibition which for us was the highlight.....and then back on coach for the 3 hour journey back to Port Said. It was a long day.....6.30am start but we wouldn't have missed it for the world. 

[TwizzlersAddict]

Helen

Thanks for sharing,it does sound like a very full day. I'm excited about the entire cruise,but feel like seeing the pyramids will be the highlight and where I will take the most pictures. 

[travelingman]

On 12/18/2019 at 11:56 AM, TwizzlersAddict said:

Hello

Thanks for the information. Im doing the 14 day cruise in 2021. Im curious about the time with the Pyramids. Was the time rushed or did you have some free time to explore on your own?

 

Hi TwizzlersAddict.  Just read this post and am curious as to when in 2021 you are doing your 14 day cruise?  We are booked on a back to back with the new "Steps of St. Paul" and the "3 Continents" departing Athens on November 13, 2021.

 

Stan

[TwizzlersAddict]

On 5/25/2020 at 2:34 PM, travelingman said:

 

Hi TwizzlersAddict.  Just read this post and am curious as to when in 2021 you are doing your 14 day cruise?  We are booked on a back to back with the new "Steps of St. Paul" and the "3 Continents" departing Athens on November 13, 2021.

 

Stan

Yes, I'm booked on that same cruise!! Really looking forward to it. I'm not sure why they dont offer it as one cruise on their website. 

Will look at some private excursions for Isreal 

 

 

Jeff

 

Edited June 28, 2020 by TwizzlersAddict

[travelingman]

1 hour ago, TwizzlersAddict said:

Yes, I'm booked on that same cruise!! Really looking forward to it. I'm not sure why they dont offer it as one cruise on their website. 

Will look at some private excursions for Isreal.

 

Jeff

 

 

Hi Jeff.  Good to hear from you.  We are in the Richmond, VA area.  Both retired.  We are going to arrive in Athens several days early to try to get over the jet lag and to do a few thing.  This will be my 3rd trip into Athens and my wife's 2nd trip.  We were there about 4-5 days previously and saw a lot.  We plan on doing a trip to Delphi one day.  Will stay in the Plaka area probably in an Airbnb.  For Israel I am thinking there will be a lot of people on the bus to Jerusalem at what appears to be a relative expensive trip.  The one I posted looks like a good deal.  However, we have to have a total of 8 people for the tour to run.  Can have up to 16.

Will probably look at some independent excursions in some other ports to get a comparison of the prices and see if they might be better.

I have noticed we will be in Kusadasi twice with the same excursions.  I am trying to figure out other options.

I think we will hit all of the major attractions on the first port call.  Let me know if you come up with any other options for it.

After we finish the B2B we are going to 3 or 4 Christmas Markets before heading back to the US.

 

By the way, have you been able to get into your Booking summary on Celestyal's website?  I haven't.

 

Stan

 

[TwizzlersAddict]

6 hours ago, travelingman said:

 

Hi Jeff.  Good to hear from you.  We are in the Richmond, VA area.  Both retired.  We are going to arrive in Athens several days early to try to get over the jet lag and to do a few thing.  This will be my 3rd trip into Athens and my wife's 2nd trip.  We were there about 4-5 days previously and saw a lot.  We plan on doing a trip to Delphi one day.  Will stay in the Plaka area probably in an Airbnb.  For Israel I am thinking there will be a lot of people on the bus to Jerusalem at what appears to be a relative expensive trip.  The one I posted looks like a good deal.  However, we have to have a total of 8 people for the tour to run.  Can have up to 16.

Will probably look at some independent excursions in some other ports to get a comparison of the prices and see if they might be better.

I have noticed we will be in Kusadasi twice with the same excursions.  I am trying to figure out other options.

I think we will hit all of the major attractions on the first port call.  Let me know if you come up with any other options for it.

After we finish the B2B we are going to 3 or 4 Christmas Markets before heading back to the US.

 

By the way, have you been able to get into your Booking summary on Celestyal's website?  I haven't.

 

Stan

 

Hi Stan

 

I really haven't looked at tours other than making a few notes when I booked several months ago.

 

Planning to arrive a few days early. Wondering if I can do Santorini or Mykonos. Will be looking at ferry schedules to see if it makes sense to do it pre or post cruise 

 

 

I booked with a online TA and Celestyal said I wouldn't be able to see my information on their website. So anything I want to add to my booking has to go through my Ta, seemed strange, but I'm sure it will work out.

Edited June 29, 2020 by TwizzlersAddict

[travelingman]

21 hours ago, TwizzlersAddict said:

Hi Stan

 

I really haven't looked at tours other than making a few notes when I booked several months ago.

 

Planning to arrive a few days early. Wondering if I can do Santorini or Mykonos. Will be looking at ferry schedules to see if it makes sense to do it pre or post cruise 

 

 

I booked with a online TA and Celestyal said I wouldn't be able to see my information on their website. So anything I want to add to my booking has to go through my Ta, seemed strange, but I'm sure it will work out.

 

I booked with a TA also but have not been told I would not be able to see anything on Celestyal's website on my booking.  Will have to follow up on that.  Celestyal US told me an update was being done on the Celestyal website and that is why I couldn't access my booking.  I would think we would at least have access to book excursions.

We went to Santorini on a Viking Cruise in May 2019.  It was a mad house with 4 cruise ships in port and all of the passengers wanting to be in the same spot.  I would think in November it would not be as crowded.

Even if it is crowded in the day time, when all of the cruise ships leave it it will be a lot less crowded and enjoyable.  We did have a terrific lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the caldron.

 

Stan

[TwizzlersAddict]

2 minutes ago, travelingman said:

 

I booked with a TA also but have not been told I would not be able to see anything on Celestyal's website on my booking.  Will have to follow up on that.  Celestyal US told me an update was being done on the Celestyal website and that is why I couldn't access my booking.  I would think we would at least have access to book excursions.

We went to Santorini on a Viking Cruise in May 2019.  It was a mad house with 4 cruise ships in port and all of the passengers wanting to be in the same spot.  I would think in November it would not be as crowded.

Even if it is crowded in the day time, when all of the cruise ships leave it it will be a lot less crowded and enjoyable.  We did have a terrific lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the caldron.

 

Stan

This is the email they sent me in December,  

 

Hello,

 

Thank you for your email. Please note that because you are booked through xxxxx.com, access online is not possible.

Also, as this is an unique 14 night sailing – and as well complete 2021 addition items are not fully in our system/available.

If you wish to add shore excursions – these are available on board as well.

 

 

[travelingman]

On 6/29/2020 at 7:28 PM, TwizzlersAddict said:

This is the email they sent me in December,  

 

Hello,

 

Thank you for your email. Please note that because you are booked through xxxxx.com, access online is not possible.

Also, as this is an unique 14 night sailing – and as well complete 2021 addition items are not fully in our system/available.

If you wish to add shore excursions – these are available on board as well.

 

 

 

I emailed Celestyal asking the question and they confirmed what you said.  Have to go through the travel agent.

Did you see where Celestyak has ceased any sailings until March 6 2021?

 

Stan

[TwizzlersAddict]

On 7/1/2020 at 2:46 PM, travelingman said:

 

I emailed Celestyal asking the question and they confirmed what you said.  Have to go through the travel agent.

Did you see where Celestyak has ceased any sailings until March 6 2021?

 

Stan

Yes, that caught me off guard, but in reality I dont think any line will be sailing until then. I see they bought a Costa ship, so they must be sound financially, which is a good thing. Im sure they probably got it at a great price, since Carnival Corp is desperate to sell/scrap a few ships to get capital. 

[saltshell]

Hey Travel and Twix. I'll be joining you on this cruise, and looking forward. 

[travelingman]

23 hours ago, saltshell said:

Hey Travel and Twix. I'll be joining you on this cruise, and looking forward. 

 

Sorry for the delay in responding.  Welcome aboard.  Glad to see someone else will be on the ship with us.  If you find any independent tours that look good let us know.  We are looking at some in various ports that might have a better price than Celestyal.

I see you are from the Southeast US.  Where from  I live in Richmond, VA area now;  originally from Columbus, GA; and came here by way of Baton Rouge, LA.

Let's just hope Covid is out of the way by Nov. 2021.

 

Stan

[saltshell]

Hey Stan. My name is Gayle and I'm traveling solo. I grew up in Atlanta and Pensacola and currently live in Montgomery. I want to take independent tours in Istanbul and Jerusalem feeling that a lone female could have problems. Traveled on Celestyal when it was Louis and found it a great experience.  Not a particularly religious person, but praying for a cruise. 

[travelingman]

51 minutes ago, saltshell said:

Hey Stan. My name is Gayle and I'm traveling solo. I grew up in Atlanta and Pensacola and currently live in Montgomery. I want to take independent tours in Istanbul and Jerusalem feeling that a lone female could have problems. Traveled on Celestyal when it was Louis and found it a great experience.  Not a particularly religious person, but praying for a cruise. 

 

Thanks for your reply Gayle.  My wife  (Karen) and I have been to Athens (me twice and her once).  We are going a few days early and hope to schedule a trip to Delphi.  This will be her first trip to the remaining ports.  I have been to Thessolonica and Phillipi previously.  Many trips to Atlanta and was in Pensacola 22 weeks for Navy training.  I have not checked on Istanbul independent tours yet but the Celestyal tour seems to cover all of the major places.  Will have to check on independent tours and see how they are in comparison.  As far as Jerusalem, I have found one tour from Asdod port that seems pretty good.  However, we have to have 8 people before the tour will take place.  Price is good compared to Celestyal.  On the back to back cruise we will be stopping in Kusadasi twice.  I am still trying to figure out what to do on the second stop.  The Celestyal tour seems to cover the major areas and is the same for both stops.  Keep in touch with any info or independent tours you come across.

 

Stan

[travelingman]

Gayle, forgot to ask you about your opinion of Celestyal.  I have read all of the reviews I could locate.  Like most reviews of anything they are some good ones, bad one and middle of the road ones.  I take it you were satisfied since you are going again.  A lot of the negatives I read were related to the food not being up to par and the cabin sizes.  I feel some of these may have been comparing them to some of the newer ships with several restaurants and newer cabins.  Knowing the history of the ship we hopefully know what we are getting into as far as the ship.  But you can't beat the price.  Saw some interesting you tube videos on the ship and the ports of call.

 

We mentioned the cruise to some friends of ours several days ago and they are going to check on the cruise this week.

 

Stan

[thekidsandi]

1 hour ago, saltshell said:

Hey Stan. My name is Gayle and I'm traveling solo. I grew up in Atlanta and Pensacola and currently live in Montgomery. I want to take independent tours in Istanbul and Jerusalem feeling that a lone female could have problems. Traveled on Celestyal when it was Louis and found it a great experience.  Not a particularly religious person, but praying for a cruise. 

Gayle, I am also a single female traveling on this cruise. There will be several other singles from a singles group that are on this cruise as well. Fingers crossed that everything goes as planned.

[travelingman]

1 hour ago, thekidsandi said:

Gayle, I am also a single female traveling on this cruise. There will be several other singles from a singles group that are on this cruise as well. Fingers crossed that everything goes as planned.

 

Hi Sandi.  Glad you are hooking up with Gayle and that there will be a group of singles there for you guys to hang out with.  As I mentioned to Gayle above if you come across any interesting excursions please let us know so that we can also check them out.  I know many of them require a minimum number for an excursion to take place,  But you might have enough in your singles group to make the minimum.

 

Stan

[saltshell]

Started exploring private cruise excursions but we're so far out that exploration is the extent. Looking forward to a great cruise. Really liked Kusadasi, spent the day roaming the village. Plan to do the historic site this time.

[travelingman]

On 7/26/2020 at 2:38 PM, thekidsandi said:

Gayle, I am also a single female traveling on this cruise. There will be several other singles from a singles group that are on this cruise as well. Fingers crossed that everything goes as planned.

 

Hi Gayle.  Curious as to how many are in your singles group that are traveling with you.  Thinking about private excursions and how many passengers are required for them.  Don't know if you guys are thinking about any private excursions or f you are just going to do the included.

 

Stan