Celestyal Cruises Launches New ‘Shore Experiences’ Program for its Guests

Celestyal Cruises is introducing the “Authentic Encounters”, a new small-group shore experiences program allowing its guests to go deeper into destinations and pursue personal passions such as food and wine; art and archaeology; culture and adventure.

Shore excursions are already offered by Celestyal at ports in Greece and Turkey, for groups ranging from two to 20 persons.

“Today’s traveler is looking for more immersive and experiential vacation options. We have reimagined our shore excursion program with this in mind and have created a bespoke destination rich program exclusively for smaller groups,” said Celestyal Chief Commercial Officer Leslie Peden.

According to Peden, Celestyal’s shore excursions now include more interactive experiences such as art making, cooking and adventure activities.

In Celestyal’s “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary, shore experiences range from wine tasting in Thessaloniki, hiking on Santorini and pottery making on Rhodes to home cooking on Mykonos and sea kayaking on Milos.

On the “Eclectic Aegean” itinerary, guests can explore the mountainous Pelion peninsula in Volos. The exclusive olive oil production and tasting experience begins with a drive along the coastal side of south Pelion. At the village of Koropi, guests will stroll through the olive groves and learn about various olives, the production process and some secrets from the local producer. They will also have the chance to participate in the harvest, visit the olive mill and watch the extra virgin olive oil being produced.

Among Celestyal’s special new excursion experiences offered in Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, is the opportunity to learn the art of baklava making in a local factory.

A special wellness and grooming experience awaits gentlemen in Istanbul’s Cemberlitas Hamami, a historic Turkish bath built in 1584.

Celestyal also offers visitors to Kusadasi a buggy safari adventure.