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In a sea of over-the-top mega ships, Celestyal Journey stands out by dialing things back and focusing on what truly matters: the destination. This 1,260-passenger vessel doesn’t try to compete with floating amusement parks. It delivers a more grounded, culturally rich cruise experience. Originally launched in 1994 as Holland America Line’s Ryndam, the ship underwent a $20 million renovation in 2023 that brought it up to date without stripping away its classic character.
Celestyal Journey is designed for travelers who care more about where they’re going than what bells and whistles are on board. Its itineraries are rich in culture and history, perfect for those looking to explore the Mediterranean in depth. On my recent sailing through the Adriatic, I experienced this firsthand. You can read about that voyage in my Heavenly Adriatic review, where I visited ports like Dubrovnik, Kotor, and Corfu.
Ship Design with Intention
The interior of Celestyal Journey is warm and modern, with Mediterranean-inspired decor that reflects the regions it sails. Of the ship’s 630 staterooms, 149 offer balconies—ideal for watching the coastline drift by. From cozy inside cabins to spacious suites, accommodations are tailored for comfort rather than show.
Take a look at my Grand Suite (Cabin #10018) on Celestyal Journey below:
The ship offers a total of seven dining venues and eight bars and lounges, each with their own personality. While Thalassa Restaurant handles most of the daily dining needs with rotating Greek and international dishes, spots like Pink Moon (Asian fusion) and Grill Seekers (steakhouse) let you elevate the experience with à la carte options. Celestyal has introduced a new prepaid system called CelestyalPay, which you can load with funds ahead of your cruise—or once onboard—and use toward specialty dining and drinks. Guests who preload credit before sailing can even receive bonus onboard spending as an incentive.
Dining is one of the highlights onboard. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients, well-executed meals, and a relaxed pace that encourages guests to truly savor each dish. And because this isn’t a party ship, the dining rooms tend to be calmer and quieter—just the way I like it when I’m trying to remember what sea day relaxation feels like.
A Calmer Kind of Cruise
Celestyal Journey isn’t trying to wow you with excess. Instead, it provides thoughtful leisure spaces and wellness options. The Sozo Health Spa offers a full menu of treatments, and two swimming pools—one with a retractable roof—mean you can unwind no matter the weather. There’s also a gym, a handful of lounges, and a rotating lineup of entertainment, including live music and magic acts.
The ship also includes a multi-purpose amphitheater-style showroom, a Greek deli, Cafe Nation (specialty coffee bar), juice bar, and a Chef’s Table experience for those who want to take the culinary aspect even further. Wi-Fi is included in the fare and works well for basic browsing and messaging, with higher-speed packages available for purchase if you need more bandwidth.
Ideal for Travelers Who Want More Than Just a Vacation
This ship isn’t about glitz. It’s for people who want to travel with purpose, who get excited by new cultures and prefer authentic experiences over theatrics. Celestyal Journey offers just enough comfort to relax, just enough structure to feel supported, and just enough freedom to make the trip your own.
If you’re looking for a cruise that goes deeper than surface-level sightseeing, Celestyal Cruises might be the cruise line you’ve been hoping for.
