Steps of St Paul Cruise onboard Celestyal Experience sailing from Athens, Greece, 22 October 2022, 7 nights, fares from £1761
Small Ship Authentic Greek Cruises onboard Celestyal Experience
We are delighted to introduce you to Celestyal Cruise’s brand new flagship, the Celestyal Experience. Take advantage of our Book Now, Pay Later Option and reserve your cabin and dialysis place onboard.
The Celestyal Experience offers spacious suites and staterooms, a thalassotherapy spa, healthy Mediterranean food and, of course, renowned Greek hospitality.
Features include four restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools, two jacuzzis, a beach club, sundeck and jogging track. The ship also has nightly entertainment with a casino and a library, meeting rooms and onboard boutiques.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Greeks have a penchant for generosity and fine cuisine and as ambassadors of hospitality, Celestyal Experience’s amiable staff welcome you onboard to indulge in authentic recipes, premium beers, fine wines and selected spirits.
With the all-inclusive drinks package, wholesome meals three times a day, a full program of entertainment, and excellent amenities, life onboard has everything you could wish for.
During your time with Celestyal, your stateroom Steward will provide room service and a handpicked selection of included shore excursions ensure you see the most iconic archaeological sites without having to pay additional fees.
All Inclusive – Your cruise includes 2 complimentary shore excursions, unlimited drinks package and prepaid gratuities (tips).
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE BEACH CLUB
Suite and Wellness class guests are granted exclusive access to the onboard beach club – as tranquil and classy as any chill-beach club in Greece.
The adults-only area allows you to relax in premium comfort, laze around the pool, shade in a private cabana and soak up the beguiling panoramic views of the Greek Isles.
STATEROOMS
The Celestyal Experience boasts a range of premium accommodation options and a first-class personal service to match. Almost all of the comfortable staterooms have a private balcony where you can kick back and relax and enjoy ocean views or gaze at the stars.
The six Grand Suites boast large terraces where you can enjoy breakfast served by your personnel concierge. Fresh towels and toiletries are provided twice a day and amenities are provided including adjustable air-conditioning, hairdryer, security box, TV and refrigerated minibar.
BARS & RESTAURANTS
With seven ambient bars and lounges aboard the Celestyal Experience, you have the option to choose whilst you sip the complimentary drinks and selected wines. Relax as you watch the sunset over pristine landscapes, mingle with other guests or enjoy the romance of the glittery night sky.
The sumptuous tastes of the Mediterranean are the signature dining experience and there are extra-special delicacies for you aboard the Celestyal Experience. The world-class chefs will tempt and delight you with a wide range of dishes from Greek grills, authentic wood-oven pizzas, healthy deli options and vegetarian dishes. There are also specialty dishes from the chef’s mouthwatering personal menu.
SPA & GYM
Retreat into a tranquil personal space in the expansive panoramic spa complete with thalassotherapy baths, massage rooms, saunas, thermal suites – and stunning panoramic views. A fully-equipped gym also enables you to maintain your fitness program.
BEAUTY SALON
When you’re surrounded by the beauty and romance of the Greek Islands it is understandable that you may want to look and feel glamorous. The onboard expert beauticians, hairdressers, manicurists and pedicurists will sprinkle you with a touch of magic.
SERVICES
Celestyal’s range of onboard services ensures you have access to everything you need. Browse through the selection of shops for last-minute shopping and gift ideas, check-in back home using telephone or wi-fi and ask the professional photographer to capture your special moments.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
You don’t have to venture to the restaurants to enjoy the delectable recipes abroad the Celestyal Experience. Take advantage of room service and enjoy a romantic dinner or family meal in private.
SPECIAL MENUS
In addition to the wide selection of all-inclusive menu, you also have the opportunity to upgrade your dining experience and sample the chef’s exclusive dishes for an additional fee.
DRINKS PACKAGE
The complimentary drinks package invites you to enjoy premium beers together with a solid selection of delicious wines and spirits.
Celestyal Experience is the only way to experience Greece in a few days.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL TO THE VERY BEST OF GREECE AND THE GREEK ISLANDS CRUISE HOLIDAYS
The Epic Journey of St Paul
The epic journey of St Paul tells of many trials and tribulations. His teachings inspired countless followers and were the inspiration behind The Temple of the Artemis in Ephesus – one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. However, his journey also incited riots and the Apostle was forced to flee from angry merchants. The Steps of St Paul cruise takes you on a mesmerising journey of your own and recounts fascinating insights into St Paul’s experiences along his journey – plus much more! Discover the romance and mystery that surrounds the ancient worlds of Greece and Turkey, and visit iconic landmarks including Hagia Sophia, the Acropolis and the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse. For history buffs that love an adventure the Steps of St Paul is an enchanting experience that offers much more than a typical run-of-the-mill cruise.
Destinations
Thessaloniki (Greece), Kavala (Greece), Istanbul (Turkey), Dikili (Turkey), Kusadasi (Turkey), Patmos (Greece), Athens (Greece)
Complimentary Shore Excursions
- Veria (Berroia), level of difficulty (3) Half Day
- Includes bus and guide

- Ancient Ephesus & Miletus, level of difficulty (3) Up to 12 hours
- Includes guide, bus transfer
A spectacular day. Your first stop after leaving lovely Kusadasi is the House of the Virgin Mary on Mount Bulbul (“canary”). Prior to his crucifixion, Jesus Christ entrusted his mother to St. John the Evangelist, who took her to Ephesus and hid her in a hut at the foot of Mount Bulbul, where he brought her food and water every day. The Virgin lived here until the 101st year of her life, around 60 A.D.
In 1957 the Vatican recognized the House of the Virgin Mary as the dwelling in which the Virgin spent the final years of her life, and for the last five-and-a-half decades it has been an important pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims. There is a fountain here whose waters are said to be therapeutic.
You will then visit St. John the Evangelist’s Basilica, a cross-shaped chapel built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Modeled after the now lost Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, it was one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites of the Middle Ages.
Your next stop is Ancient Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia. This is a stunning marvel in the hills above the Aegean coast, one of the world’s largest open-air archeological museums. Founded by the ancient Greeks circa 2000 BC, it was the wealthiest of the Ionian cities and one of the most important cultural centers in the Mediterranean. The city was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and its Artemision, a temple in her honor, took 120 years to complete and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus later became the second-largest city in the Roman Empire, at one time home to a quarter-million people. It was the first and most significant city in the Roman province of Asia and one of its key ports.
Millennia ago the Aegean receded west, stranding the city on its sun-seared hillsides. It is believed Paul wrote his Letter to the Ephesians here. It was the most important Christian city between Rome and Antioch. Ephesus is rivaled only by the Forum and the Acropolis as one of the most complete classical cities in Europe, even though only 13% of the city has been uncovered!
You can wander through the Odeon and the Prytaneion, then stroll between the marble colonnades of Curetes Street to visit Trajan’s Fountain, Hadrian’s Temple, the Scholastica Baths and the astonishing Terrace Houses. Nearby, where Curetes Street becomes Marble Street, is the spectacular Library of Celsus, which has been almost entirely reconstructed, and the Agora.
Every step here takes you deeper into the Hellenistic, Roman and early-Christian eras; you’ll notice inscriptions on many of the city’s columns. The Great Theater of Ephesus, where St. Paul once preached, was carved into the side of Mt. Pion in the 4th century BC. It held up to 24,000 spectators and is still renowned for its outstanding acoustics – even today it hosts concerts and other performances.
From Ancient Ephesus your coach will drive to the Rug Village for lunch and a demonstration of traditional Turkish carpet weaving. From the Rug Village journey to the ancient city of Miletus, near the coast, which was one of the greatest and wealthiest cities in the ancient Greek world. St. Paul stopped here on his Third Missionary Journey, on his way back to Jerusalem.
Miletus was located at the mouth of the River Meander, and its four harbors and strategic location made it an important port and commercial center. Miletus became the most important of the 12 cities of Ionia and was one of the first cities in the ancient world to mint coins – Homer mentions Miletus in The Iliad. The city’s fortunes declined, however, as the Meander silted up its harbor. There are many well-preserved ruins here, including a Temple of Apollo, a Byzantine church and the theater. After our tour of Miletus we return to the ship.
Shore Excursion Brochure
To view the full Shore Excursion Brochure for this cruise click here
Itinerary
Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
---|---|---|---|
Sat | Piraeus (Greece) | – | 17.00 |
Sun | Thessaloniki (Greece) | 08.00 | 20.00 |
Mon | Kavala (Greece) | 08.00 | 16.00 |
Tue | Istanbul (Turkey) | 09.30 | 20.00 |
Wed | Dikili (Turkey) | 12.00 | 20.00 |
Thu | Kusadasi (Turkey) | 08.00 | 23.30 |
Fri | Patmos (Greece) – possible tender port | 07.00 | 18.30 |
Sat | Piraeus (Greece) | 06.00 | – |
Cabin Categories
Grand Suite (SG)
Grand Suites are located on deck 11 and 12. They have a floor area of 72-74sqm (including terrace of 17-18.5sqm) and can accommodate up to 4 person(s), with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth. Inside the suite there are large sliding glass doors leading out to a sea-view terrace, bathroom with a shower and separate jacuzzi bathtub, air conditioning, a 40” flat-screen HD satellite television, telephone, chilled minibar, hairdryer, safety deposit box and 24/7 room service menu always available.
This category has access to the Celestyal Cruises Suite Concierge service, which, among a number of exclusive services offered in the suite, features a dedicated priority check-in counter, expedited embarkation, a dedicated dining area onboard, and express luggage delivery service including assistance with unpacking. Celestyal Cruises Suite Concierge will always be available to assist guests with specific tailored service requests. This category has complimentary unlimited access to the new, exclusive Beach Club concept.
Suite (S)
Suites are located on deck 11. They have a floor area of 36,6sqm (including balcony of 6sqm) and accommodate up to 4 person(s), with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth.
Inside the suite are large sliding glass doors leading out to a sea-view balcony, bathroom with a shower and separate jacuzzi bathtub, air conditioning, a 40” flat-screen HD satellite television, telephone, chilled minibar, hairdryer, safety deposit box and 24/7 room service menu always available
This category has access to the Celestyal Cruises Suite Concierge service, which, among a number of exclusive services offered in the suite, features a dedicated priority check-in counter, expedited embarkation, a dedicated dining area exclusive dining area onboard, and express luggage delivery service including assistance with unpacking. Celestyal Cruises Suite Concierge will always be available to assist guests with specific tailored service requests.
This category has complimentary unlimited access to the new, exclusive Beach Club concept.
Junior Balcony Suite (SJA)
SJA Junior Suites are located on deck 6 and 7. They have a floor area of 21.5sqm (including balcony of 5 sqm) and accommodate up to 2 person(s), with 2 lower beds.
Inside each junior suite there are large sliding glass doors leading out to a sea-view balcony, bathroom with a shower, air conditioning, a 40” flat-screen HD satellite television, telephone, chilled minibar, hairdryer, safety deposit box and 24/7 room service menu always available.
Cabin with Window
Cabins with window have a floor area of 16.6sqm and can accommodate up to 4 person(s), with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth.
Inside this stateroom there is a large seaview window, bathroom with a shower, air conditioning, a 40” flat-screen HD satellite television, telephone, chilled minibar, hairdryer, safety deposit box and 24/7 room service menu always available.
Interior Cabin

Inside this stateroom there is a bathroom with a shower, air conditioning, a 40” flat-screen HD satellite television, telephone, chilled minibar, hairdryer, safety deposit box and 24/7 room service menu always available.
*As a general rule, all staterooms feature single beds that can be converted to double bed, upon request. Exceptions may apply, even within the same stateroom category. Contact us for more information.
Fares
Twin Occupancy Fares (per person) | ||||
Category | Type | Occupancy | € Fare (pp) | Approx £ |
Interior | Interior | Twin | €2096 | £1760 |
Window | Window | Twin | €2359 | £1982 |
Wheelchair Accessible | Window – wheelchair access (on request) | Twin | Please enquire | |
SJA | Junior Balcony Suite | Twin | €2840 | £2388 |
S | Balcony Suite with Bath & Separate Shower | Twin | €3205 | £3693 |
SG | Grand Suite with Bath & Separate Shower | Twin | Please enquire |
Please enquire for single occupancy fares.
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