Celestyal
Now for something rather different. Celestyal is a much smaller cruise line than Cunard or P&O, and its ships have a rather different feel. They are former car ferries, which might not sound terribly glamorous, but actually gives them a more intimate and informal atmosphere. This is cruising without too much fuss.Based in Greece, Celestyal concentrates mainly on the Greek Islands and Türkiye, so if your idea of a cruise is waking up somewhere different most mornings, wandering ashore and exploring rather than spending endless days at sea, it is well worth considering.
The smaller ships are probably the biggest attraction for me. You don't get that slightly ridiculous feeling of being one of several thousand passengers all trying to get through the same door at the same time. Everything is more manageable, and there is a friendly, relaxed atmosphere on board. There is no great need to dress up and parade around the ship as though you're auditioning for Downton Abbey.
Another particularly good feature is that shore excursions are often included in the price. This can make a real difference, especially when the excursion takes you somewhere you actually want to see. Of course, if the included trip doesn't appeal, there is no great need to go just because it is free.In fact, one of the joys of a smaller ship is that you can simply tell them you aren't going on the excursion and do your own thing. Or, if the destination doesn't particularly interest you, stay on board and enjoy the peace and quiet. Once most of the passengers have disappeared ashore, you can have what feels like a private cruise ship to yourself.
That is something I rather like. On the big ships, staying on board while everyone else goes ashore doesn't necessarily make you feel alone. With Celestyal, it can be almost blissfully quiet.
The itineraries are also a major part of the attraction. The Greek Islands are ideal cruising territory, with plenty of history, scenery, beaches and picturesque towns packed into a relatively small area. Add Türkiye to the mix and there is an excellent variety of places to visit without spending half your holiday simply getting from one destination to the next.
This isn't luxury cruising in the Cunard sense, and nor is it trying to be. Celestyal is much more about the destinations, the relaxed atmosphere and the experience of travelling around the eastern Mediterranean without all the bells, whistles and enormous water parks found on some of today's cruise ships.And perhaps that is exactly why it appeals to me. It feels like a cruise rather than a holiday resort that happens to move.
If you want a huge ship with dozens of restaurants, entertainment venues and enough activities to keep you busy from breakfast until midnight, look elsewhere. If you'd rather have a smaller ship, a more informal atmosphere and some excellent Mediterranean destinations, Celestyal is a rather good alternative.
And remember, if you don't fancy the excursion, just stay on board. By the time everyone else has gone ashore, you may have the whole ship practically to yourself.
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