Celestyal has announced that it will be the first cruise line to resume operations in Santorini, with its first stop scheduled for March 23, 2025. After completing its winter season in the Arabian Gulf and returning to its home port in Athens from Doha, the company is finalizing preparations for the summer season.
In light of recent uncertainties regarding Santorini, Celestyal confirmed that there will be no changes to its itinerary, and it will continue its scheduled stops in Santorini, in alignment with the latest decisions from Greek authorities.
“We Are Returning to Santorini”
Celestyal issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to Santorini as part of its Greek Islands program, which had temporarily put the island on hold due to evolving conditions. The company stated:
“We continuously monitor global operations in response to regional developments and government directives. Following the latest recommendations from the Greek government, we can now confirm that as of March 23, 2025, we will resume our Santorini itinerary. This decision applies to all ‘Iconic Aegean’ departures starting in March 2025 and all ‘Idyllic Aegean’ departures starting in May 2025.
Until further notice, we will disembark our guests at Athinios Port, which is a short 20-minute drive from the main town of Fira. The safety and comfort of our guests and crew remain our top priority, and we are proud to be the first cruise line returning to Santorini following the Greek government’s temporary restrictions.”
A Step Toward Normalization
Celestyal Turkey’s Director, Özgü Alnıtemiz, emphasized the importance of the company’s return to Santorini, highlighting that it marks a significant step toward the region’s tourism recovery.
“Celestyal’s return to Santorini signifies the normalization of the region. The recent seismic activity created uncertainty, affecting not only the cruise sector but also tourism in both Greece and Turkey. Celestyal’s decision to restart Santorini sailings will set a precedent for other cruise operators to follow. The arrival of cruise ships in Santorini also means increased activity for Turkish ports, supporting tourism recovery in the region.”
Celestyal Discovery to Resume Greek Islands Cruises
Celestyal’s Discovery ship will set sail from Athens on March 22, 2025, making its first stop in Kuşadası at 07:00 AM before heading to Santorini on March 23. The three-night Greek Islands itinerary includes stops in Patmos, Crete, Santorini, Athens, and Mykonos.
For four-night sailings, the itinerary will include Rhodes, while the cruise line’s seven-night program will operate from March through November, with regular stops in Santorini and Turkish ports such as Kuşadası every Monday.
Alnıtemiz further explained:
“The Discovery ship will begin its season on March 22, departing from Athens and arriving in Kuşadası at 07:00 AM. The itinerary includes Patmos, Crete, and Santorini, with the first stop in Santorini scheduled for March 23. Our three- and four-night Greek Islands programs will continue through November, with departures every Tuesday and Saturday from Kuşadası. Additionally, our seven-night program will see an extra ship arriving in Kuşadası every Monday. This ensures that, until November, our ships will visit Kuşadası three times per week, reinforcing Celestyal’s position as the leading cruise company for Turkish ports.”
Celestyal remains one of the most frequent cruise operators visiting Turkish ports, reaffirming its commitment to regional tourism. As cruise schedules return to normal, the company expects to play a key role in boosting both Greek and Turkish tourism as the Mediterranean cruise industry gains momentum.
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