The Greek cruise ship operator Celestyal Cruises announced plans to resume operations on May 29, 2021, with 7-night 'Idyllic Aegean' sailings on the smaller ship Celestyal Crystal.
With the summer season approaching, the company is encouraged by the continued progress in containing the pandemic, especially with the launch of vaccines.
Celestyal's CEO Chris Theophilides said they were "extremely encouraged by the increased worldwide distribution and effectiveness of the vaccine, as well as the positive response" they received from their partners and passengers from around the world.
“We will continue to monitor the positive progress of the safe "opening", both in Greece and of the cruise industry in general, while we are in constant contact with the European and Greek health authorities, to ensure that we continue to provide our services responsibly to guests, crew and local communities we visit. We at Celestyal Cruises are very excited about the resumption of the cruise programs and look forward to offer award-winning, warm and unique Greek hospitality ".
Celestyal announced that the major priorities will be compliance with applicable regulations, environmental protection, health and safety of the crew, passengers, and local communities.
The company states that as a member of CLIA, it was "committed to adopting the necessary and fundamental elements of enhanced hygiene protocols, as part of the gradual resumption of cruises."
"Updated by leading scientists, expert physicians, European and Greek health authorities, these protocols will be applied to the overall cruise experience. The Safety and Hygiene measures will be constantly evaluated and will be updated based on the current developments in the course of the pandemic in Europe and the adoption of new measures for prevention, treatment and reduction of the virus."