Celestyal Cruises’ newly acquired cruise ship, Celestyal Journey, will debut on September 2.
Formerly known as Holland America Line’s Ryndam, the ship is undergoing a €20 million (R392,5m) refurbishment.
Celestyal Journey will accommodate up to 1 260 travellers. It will have 630 staterooms, 149 of them with balconies, as well as 120 junior suites and 28 grand suites. Other features include expansive sundecks with two swimming pools and two Jacuzzis, seven restaurants, eight bars and lounges, a spa, fitness and wellness area, two conference rooms, and an amphitheatre with cinema.
The new ship will take over Celestyal Crystal’s programme, starting with the seven-night ‘Idyllic Aegean’ itinerary. Celestyal Cruises has said that travellers who were due to sail on Celestyal Crystal after September 2 will be contacted regarding re-accommodation on the new ship.
According to Seatrade Cruise News, other itineraries to be operated by Celestyal Journey include ‘The Steps of Paul’, which departs on October 14; a seven-night ‘Three Continents’ programme, departing from October to December, and a 19-night Christmas itinerary.
Celestyal Cruises is represented by Whitestar Cruise and Travel in South Africa.