Yes, I think they play "Don't Stop Believin" onboard
Celestyal Journey is one of the two ships from Celestyal Cruises and the older sister to Celestyal Discovery. While the ship is technically around thirty years old, it underwent a massive, multi-million-euro upgrade and was re-launched in 2023.
This mid-size ship blends retro style with modern amenities and is just as much about the amazing destinations you can visit as it is about what you can do onboard. So, is it worth taking the Journey? Let’s find out.
What we like about Celestyal Journey
Celestyal Journey looks cozy and inviting, which is impressive given that the ship’s design is more than thirty years old. That age barely shows, especially since the ship was never meant to feel like a floating mega-resort.
The Journey is designed for around 1,260 passengers, offers more balcony cabins than Celestyal Discovery, and features more bars, more restaurants, and even more open spaces. It’s incredibly clean and really does look like a ship that’s only a couple of years old, with new carpets everywhere and polished brass details throughout.
It’s nice that Celestyal Journey offers more options and more to do compared to Celestyal Discovery. It also has a Kids Club for children but, more importantly, includes a play area and an arcade that are great for the little ones. The Journey features the exclusive Pink Moon restaurant, often considered the best in the Celestyal Cruises fleet. This venue serves South Asian cuisine in a unique setting and is a must-visit during your cruise. All these small additions and extra amenities make the Journey feel larger and generally better than its younger sister.
The itineraries, however, are the real stars of the show. Much like Celestyal Discovery, the Journey specializes in cruises around the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf. However, while the Discovery focuses on short 3 to 4-night cruises, the Journey offers longer 5, 7, and even 14-night sailings through the Greek Isles, the Mediterranean, Europe, and the Arabian Gulf.
The ship’s size makes it easier for the Journey to dock at unique destinations, which is a big plus. If you’re looking to explore Greece or the Arabian Gulf over the course of a week or more, we highly recommend this ship.
What we don’t like about Celestyal Journey
This is an old ship with a brand new (and very good) coat of paint, but some things still feel stuck in the 1990s. For example, many cabins still use older light fixtures instead of LED lighting, and the water pressure in the bathrooms could definitely be better. Most rooms also don’t have a mini-fridge, which can be an issue, especially for families with children.
The ship can also feel crowded at times, though not as much as the Discovery. There are more restaurant options, sure, but still only one buffet. This means lines can get long, particularly during the summer and on certain itineraries. If you don’t mind waiting a bit, it won’t be a major issue.
Conclusion
Celestyal Journey is bigger and better than Celestyal Discovery. It has some great dining options, and the itineraries are unbeatable if you want to explore Greece or the Arabian Gulf for a full week. If you don’t mind a few outdated rooms, Celestyal Journey is a great choice for you and your family.
Celestyal Journey FAQ
How much does a cruise on Celestyal Journey cost?
Prices vary depending on the date, itinerary, and room category, but they start at $630 for a 5-day Arabian Gulf cruise and $780 for a 7-day Mediterranean cruise.
What are the main destinations of Celestyal Journey?
Celestyal Journey specializes in 5-, 7-, and 14-night cruises to the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf.
Is Celestyal Journey good for children?
It can be fun, yes. There is a Kids Club onboard, along with an arcade and a small playground for children.
What is the best restaurant onboard Celestyal Journey?
Pink Moon is the best restaurant onboard Celestyal Journey.
