An insider’s guide to life on board Celestyal Journey

Choosing your next holiday can be daunting, but the more information you have, the more at ease you can feel about your decision. Here at Riviera Travel, we always want to ensure you know everything you need to book with confidence. From information about your itinerary to pictures of your accommodation, it's our job to answer every question you have (even some you might not have thought of yet). Part of my job as Riviera's Content and Social Media Manager is to ensure that there are pictures of everything you might want to see ahead of time. And I'm lucky enough to travel to some of our favourite places, stay in our favourite hotels and sail on our favourite ships, all in search of that perfect photo that makes you say, "Let's book!"

In November 2023, I got a sneak peek at the newly refurbished Celestyal Journey ahead of guests joining us on our new ocean cruises, including the newly launched Greece, Italy & Montenegro cruise aboard Celestyal Journey. While I didn't experience any excursions, I did explore all nine passenger decks of the incomparable Celestyal Journey. So, here's everything you need to know about life onboard.

Getting onboard   

I boarded in Piraeus. (This port is also where you'll board Celestyal Journey our ocean cruises.) Just a 30-minute drive from the centre of Athens (traffic dependant), this is one of the largest passenger ports in Europe, with all the modern amenities and security you'd expect.  

The security process to get on board Celestyal Journey is much like any ocean ship; you arrive at a boarding station, go through your security, hand over your passport and have your photo taken to make your photo card ID. Stick to your ID - this is your ticket on and off the ship. On board, you can use it to charge things to your room instead of the hassle of fiddling with cash and foreign currency. Try not to lose it, but if you do, head to the Reception on Deck 7 for assistance. The security crew are friendly and professional, and your expert Tour Manager will be with you throughout this process - as will other guests in your group - so there's no need to feel nervous.

First Impressions

After getting through security, the sheer size of the ship made me stop in my tracks. Having been on more than a few river cruise ships during my tenure at Riviera, I thought I knew spacious vessels, but this one was huge! And with all that space comes a whole lot more choice.

Dining onboard 

Let's face it: food can make (or break) a holiday. More than just sustenance, the right meal can immerse you in a new culture, expand your palette and introduce you to delicious new flavours. And nothing compares to Greek food. Here, you are not just enjoying another dinner with friends; you're consuming a piece of history. A bite of dolma or a spoonful of lentil soup can transport you back to ancient Greece when they were invented.

All Riviera guests can enjoy full board while sailing aboard Celestyal Journey in two of the seven onboard restaurants. The ship's main restaurant, Thalassa - located on Deck 7 - is a la carte in a sophisticated dining room with table service. The Taverna, located on Deck 11, is buffet-style, with options to suit every palate, from classic Greek options to spaghetti and Sunday dinner. (You'd better be wearing something stretchy!) As the Tavenera is higher up, as you eat, you can also enjoy some amazing sights with tables organised to make the most of the sea views.  

Both offer alternative vegetarian and vegan options and facilitate people with food allergies.

There are also several smaller, speciality restaurants which I highly recommend:

• Pink Moon - serving fragrant Asian-inspired dishes
• Smoked Olive - serving an array of delicious Mediterranean dishes
• Chef's Table - this private dining room is intimate and cosy
• Grill Seekers - stylish and modern, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of grilled dishes

These offer a more intimate dining experience, perfect for a special occasion. I tried the Grill Seekers restaurant and was not disappointed. They offer a wide variety of perfectly cooked grilled meats and seafood. Additionally, the waitstaff provided impeccable service - my glass was always full. If I went back, I would try Pink Moon and Smoked Olive, as their menus were very tempting. As an added bonus, guests who book a suite can enjoy complimentary dining from the main menu in these restaurants - so if you're on the fence about an upgrade - splurge, you won't regret it!

Other food and beverage choices include delicious juices and gelato (best paired with fresh fruit) at the Fig and Honey and tempting Greek snacks at the poolside deli.

Evening entertainment

There's something to delight and entertain around every corner in the evenings, with a singer, musician or band in every bar. (And with no less than eight bars onboard, that's a lot of choice!)

You could sink into a sofa in the Blue Bar & Lounge and listen to the mellow sounds of a piano or enjoy something a bit more fast-paced in the Fizz Club, where the potion-like cocktails were as spellbinding as the beautiful singer entertaining the guests. Whatever entertainment you happen upon, if it isn't the style you enjoy, you can walk a few feet to find something new. I settled in the Martini Bar & Lounge, listening to a skilled violist perform a mix of classic and modern tunes.  

As well as bars and restaurants, there's also a varied schedule of performances in the ship's Ampitheatro Show Lounge - I caught a lively dance show performed to well-known songs like Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! by Abba that had me bopping away. It's fun for all ages. For those over 18, there's the casino where you can try your hand at slot machines, roulette and more, and an onboard nightclub - Horizon's Lounge and Disco - the perfect place to end your evening.

For the most part, I couldn't feel the ship move while we were sailing. The only time I felt it sway slightly was in the open water between Milos and Crete, where the sea is less protected by large landmasses. Of course, at the time, I was on the dance floor in the Horizons Lounge and Disco - so maybe I was just moved by the music, who knows?!

Health and Wellness  

Greece has a great tradition of health and wellness practices passed down through the generations since ancient times. They see man as an invisible whole - mind, body and spirit - and good health as a balance of the three. So, it's only fitting that Celestyal Journey has a spa and gym onboard. Whether you want to work up a sweat or wind down and relax, get 'in the zone' or zone out, they've got you covered. I didn't take advantage of services like Indian head, Balinese hot stone or Shiatsu massage while aboard (unfortunately, I was there to work), but I did get a sneak peek into relaxation rooms and thermal suites on Deck 11. It's the perfect place to refresh your weary body after a day's adventure onshore.  

In the afternoon and early evening, you'll find guests relaxing in the loungers of Halara Cove on Deck 11 - a great place to unwind after a day's adventure onshore. There's a small swimming pool and Jacuzzis if you want to cool off with a dip. Or, if you're feeling a little peckish between meals, you can enjoy a Gyro at the Greek Deli or ice cream topped with fresh fruit from Fig & Honey.  

Alternatively, head out to the tables and chairs on this level or Deck 12 to enjoy a sea view as we sail or panoramic views of our host port. I watched the sunset here on our first night as we sailed out of Piraeus on our journey to Crete, and it was magical - a highlight of the trip for me.  

Other things to do

If you'd like to shop while you're away, you don't even have to step on shore. The Celestyal Journey has an array of shops on Deck 8 selling everything - I saw handbags, jewellery, clothing, hats, little keepsakes and more, plus a duty-free shop selling all the usual goodies.  

But, if you'd like a keepsake from your time away, why not head to the photo booth on Deck 7 and have your portrait taken? When I went to take a look, there was a family taking photos in funny costumes! It looked like a lot of fun.

Cabin

While you're away, your cabin is your sanctuary. I stayed in an outside cabin on Deck X - which will be the standard cabin type for all Riviera Guests. It was a roomy 19 square metres with a proper double bed, a wardrobe, a desk, a table and chair and a private en suite bathroom with a shower - basically everything you need to feel at home. With two porthole windows, there was plenty of natural light - which always makes a big difference in the morning when I'm struggling to get out of bed!

On our Celestyal cruises, you can upgrade your suite to a junior balcony suite, giving you more room inside and (as the name suggests) a spacious balcony. I took a look inside and was instantly a little jealous. With floor-to-ceiling windows, a jet tub bath and shower, and a sofa to relax on during the day, it's well worth the upgrade if you plan to spend time in your room (or if you want to enjoy those sea views privately).

Last thoughts

Overall, I absolutely loved this cruise! The ship was the perfect size—not too big, not too small—with plenty of activities and fantastic entertainment. I enjoyed exploring on excursions during the day and then unwinding on board with a cocktail or ice cream while watching the evening shows. I highly recommend this cruise to anyone looking for a fun-filled experience and a chance to explore the beauty of Greece.

If you want to see more of the content I gather on my travels, ask me questions about my time away, or talk to other like-minded travel enthusiasts, head over to our social media pages and join the conversation. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram, talk to us on X (formally Twitter) and watch our videos on YouTube. I'll see you there!