In an exciting nod to Olympic history and athletic excellence, Celestyal Cruises, a boutique cruise line known for its intimate voyages and immersive experiences, has announced an extraordinary offer: free cruises for every member of Team USA who won a medal at the recent Paris 2024 Olympics.
A Celebration of Triumph and History
This unique offer from Celestyal celebrates the athletes’ achievements while paying homage to the deep-rooted connection between Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and modern-day Olympians. With the U.S. leading all nations at the Paris Games—securing an impressive 257 medalists and 126 medals—this generous gesture is a fitting tribute to Team USA’s dedication, hard work, and success.
The Paris 2024 Olympics marked a historic moment for the U.S. team. Competing in 47 out of 48 events, the athletes brought home 40 golds, 44 silvers, and 42 bronzes, setting a new record for the most medals won by the U.S. at a non-boycotted Games held outside the U.S. Particularly noteworthy is the achievement of gender parity among the Olympians and the fact that 65% of these medalists were first-timers, making the success even more remarkable.
A Selection of World-Class Voyages
To honor these incredible athletes, Celestyal is offering a selection of complimentary cruises on its newly launched ship, the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey. Medalists can choose from a variety of itineraries that showcase some of the world’s most stunning destinations:
- ‘Steps of Paul’ Voyage – A seven-night journey departing Athens on October 12, 2024, which explores historical and spiritual sites in Thessaloniki, Kavala, Istanbul, Dikili, Kusadasi, and Patmos.
- ‘Desert Days’ Voyages – A series of seven-night cruises departing from Doha between December 2024 and March 2025, with stops in Khalifa Bin Salman, Dubai, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi.
- ‘Idyllic Aegean’ Voyages – From May to October 2025, medalists can experience the beauty of the Aegean Sea on a seven-night cruise visiting Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini, Mykonos, and Milos.
- ‘Heavenly Adriatic’ Voyages – Sailing between April and August 2025, these seven-night cruises explore the Adriatic coast with stops in Kotor, Split, Venice or Bari, and Katakolo, offering a chance to visit the legendary Ancient Olympia.
A Deep Dive into Olympic Heritage
Beyond these luxurious voyages, Celestyal offers a truly special experience: the ‘National Geographic Day Tour – The History of the Olympic Games in Athens’ shore excursion. Led by National Geographic-trained guides, this tour allows guests to explore the rich history of the Olympic Games, tracing their evolution from ancient Greece to the present day. Highlights include visits to iconic Olympic sites and an exclusive meeting with a former Olympic athlete at the Olympic Sports Complex.
Onboard Luxury and Relaxation
Celestyal Journey promises an onboard experience tailored for relaxation and rejuvenation, which is exactly what these Olympic athletes deserve after years of intense preparation and competition. The Sozo Spa offers a range of Ayurvedic treatments, thermal beds, and steam rooms, while the fully equipped gym ensures athletes can maintain their fitness regimen. Dining on board is a culinary adventure, with options ranging from traditional Greek fare at Taverna to modern Asian fusion at Pink Moon.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Lee Haslett, Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed his excitement at welcoming the U.S. Olympians onboard, stating, “Following years of exceptionally hard training and the pressures of competing at an Olympic Games, both mentally and physically, there’s no better way for heroes from Team USA to unwind and relax than on a Celestyal cruise. Onboard, they can enjoy our extensive wellness program, indulge in authentic and fresh cuisine, and explore wonderful ports of call. We look forward to welcoming Team USA medalists and their guests onboard with our renowned warm hospitality—congratulations to all of our cherished Olympians.”
How to Claim the Offer
Team USA medalists interested in this exclusive offer have until September 30, 2024, to book their chosen cruise. They can do so by contacting Celestyal via email at [email protected]. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these athletes to unwind and explore the world, courtesy of a cruise line that truly values the spirit of the Olympic Games.
With Celestyal’s intimate cruises and focus on immersive experiences, these voyages promise to be a fitting reward for the hard work and dedication that Team USA’s medalists have shown.
