Celestyal Cruises, celebrated for its immersive Greek itineraries and authentic onboard experience, is embarking on a significant transformation aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and travel advisor engagement. Beginning December 11, 2023, travelers booking voyages starting March 21, 2024, will notice a streamlined fare structure as the cruise line consolidates its previous packages into a single, comprehensive option called Celestyal One. This shift not only simplifies the booking process but introduces new features intended to offer better value for guests.
The previously existing Experience and Experience Plus packages, which often confused potential cruisers with their varying inclusivities, are being replaced. Celestyal One brings together essential services to provide a more straightforward and inclusive experience. Guests will enjoy basic WiFi suitable for browsing and engaging with social media, a selection of complimentary beverages encompassing filtered coffee, tea, water, juice, and unlimited soft drinks available at the main restaurant. Furthermore, this package consolidates port fees, taxes, and crew gratuities, which earlier required separate consideration.
One notable enhancement with Celestyal One is the inclusion of basic WiFi for all travelers. Previously, only those who opted for the Experience Plus package had this luxury, a move that seemed to create inequities among guests. By standardizing this benefit, Celestyal aims to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital-driven travel industry where connectivity is non-negotiable.
Adapting to contemporary consumer expectations, Celestyal is discontinuing its beverage packages in favor of a modern digital wallet system called CelestyalPay. This technology-driven approach allows guests to preload funds for specialty dining and premium drinks, offering financial flexibility and enticing bonuses for advanced loading. For instance, guests loading €1,000 will enjoy an additional €250 in bonus credits, creating a substantial incentive for pre-departure planning.
This shift not only benefits the guests; it also provides an attractive commission structure for travel advisors, with a 10% commission on CelestyalPay sales. By fostering a cooperative relationship with travel advisors, Celestyal is likely to expand its market reach and build stronger client relationships.
The dining experience aboard Celestyal ships is also undergoing transformation. A number of onboard eateries are becoming complimentary, enhancing the value proposition for all guests. In addition to the main and buffet dining venues—Thalassa and Taverna—complimentary offerings now include the Greek Deli and Pizza Oven available during specific hours. This approach allows guests more freedom to select meals without the burden of additional costs.
However, Celestyal is placing a considerable focus on specialty dining with unique venues such as the South Asian-inspired Pink Moon, Mediterranean-themed Smoked Olive, and Grillseekers steakhouse, allowing guests to indulge in elevated culinary experiences without compromising affordability.
In a significant move to enhance guest comfort and capacity, Celestyal is set to complete a major refit of the Celestyal Discovery in April 2024. This will add 47 new cabins to the ship, including innovative Grand Horizon Suites designed with expansive balconies, Junior Dream Suites offering luxurious space, and new interior cabins. This increase results in a 7.4% capacity enhancement, bringing the maximum guest count to 1,300.
Additionally, new guest-centric amenities will be introduced, such as exclusive access to premium areas and special services for suite attendees. A pop-up restaurant will also feature personalized dining experiences that reflect the ships’ itineraries, showing Celestyal’s dedication to curated travel experiences.
Celestyal Cruises is not only enhancing its onboard offerings but also reshaping the way cruise vacations are experienced and marketed. These developments—from the introduction of Celestyal One to the innovative CelestyalPay system—indicate a forward-thinking strategy that prioritizes guest satisfaction and advisor collaboration. As the company prepares for these pivotal changes, it is poised to attract a broader audience seeking rich cultural experiences intertwined with luxurious comforts on the Mediterranean. Celestyal’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience reaffirms its mission to elevate cruising in Greece and beyond, promising an exciting journey for travelers embarking on their voyages.