Newsroom / CNA
Celestyal Cruises presented its largest fleet jewel, the "Celestyal Journey," at Limassol Port this Wednesday. The vessel has been part of the routes that commenced last September, scheduled to continue until June 2024, with the exceptions of January and February.
In a recorded greeting, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis congratulated the company for acquiring this state-of-the-art cruise ship, emphasizing that it stands as a worthy addition to the EU fleet and a significant investment.
The economic impact of this company, particularly in our country's local economy, is profoundly noticeable. Even in months of low demand, Celestyal Cruises' ships continue to enrich the tourist product and services, contributing to extending the tourism season.
Highlighting the significance of the cruise sector for our country, the Deputy Minister stated that Cyprus, with its unique geographical location and cultural wealth, can become an exceptional tourist destination for any cruise ship.
"I am convinced that the Celestyal Journey will further strengthen a sector that, according to the latest data, presents remarkable global growth prospects," he said, praising Celestyal Cruises for supporting our country's economy and contributing to the development of the sector and tourist flows on the island.
Stelios Cheimonas, the General Director of the Ministry of Shipping, mentioned that the cruise sector is among the Ministry's priorities, supporting any initiative that contributes to its strengthening and the development of our tourist regions and cities.
Collaboration with the cruise industry and the promotion of tourism through cruises significantly benefit the economy and have a positive impact on employment and the promotion of Cyprus as a tourist destination, he continued.
Mr. Cheimonas congratulated Louis Group's Executive President, Kostakis Loizou, and the company's CEO, Chris Theophilides, for their excellent decision to include Limassol Port in the cruise route.
Moreover, the Mayor of Limassol, Nikos Nicolaides, expressed gratitude for the company's trust in Limassol, reminding that another ship of the company, the Celestyal Olympia, used Limassol Port as its base in 2021.
"Limassol is gradually evolving into a cruise hub, with more than 200 cruise arrivals expected this year, bringing over 300,000 passengers," Mr. Nicolaides said, assuring that "the Municipality of Limassol will do its utmost to ensure that passengers visiting our city, even for a short stay, have the best possible experience and leave with the impression that our city is worth a visit."
The CEO of the company, Chris Theophilides, provided details about the new vessel, stating that the ship underwent renovations and upgrades totaling 26 million euros and is equipped with systems that reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 85%.
"Our goal was to acquire a medium-sized ship that we believe suits the destinations we visit," he said, adding that the new ship elevates the level of services offered.
The Celestyal Journey boasts 630 cabins, seven restaurants, eight bars, a dedicated wellness deck, two swimming pools, conference spaces, an amphitheater, a casino, and various entertainment areas. It can accommodate up to 1,260 passengers.
After its initial "Idyllic Aegean" cruises in September, the Celestyal Journey continues in October with the "Steps of Apostle Paul" cruise, with stops in Athens, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Istanbul, Dikili, Kusadasi, and Patmos. It will subsequently set sail for the seven-night "Three Continents" cruise, visiting Greece, Egypt, Cyprus, and Turkey.
