Celestyal Cruises has pushed back its restart date by more than a month due to continued international travel restrictions and port closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Greek specialist line’s first return voyage, a seven-night Idyllic Aegean itinerary, is now scheduled to depart on April 24.
Previously, Celestyal had planned to resume sailing on March 6.
Passengers booked on sailings cancelled as a result of the line’s decision will be given the option of a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the amount paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 20% of the cruise fare paid.
The line is now allowing all affected passengers, including those holding FCC before the latest restart date announcement, to use the vouchers on soon-to-launch 2023 itineraries.
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Celestyal is going to start offering departures from the line’s new dedicated cruise terminal Laviron Port & Marina, 16 miles from Athens Airport.
Iconic Aegean itineraries, lasting three or four nights, will depart from Laviron Port rather than Piraeus Port, Athens.
The first four-night Iconic Aegean sailing will sail on April 26, while three-night versions of the same itinerary will restart on April 30.
Chief commercial officer Leslie Peden said: “We are thrilled to be able to announce the exciting news of our new and convenient departure port of Lavrion Port & Marina with its dedicated terminal facility opening to welcome our guests for the first sailing of our well established three and four-night Iconic Aegean itineraries for the 2021 season.
“In keeping with Celestyal’s aspiration of providing more immersive experiences, Lavrion is an historic small Greek town on the outskirts of the greater Athens area.
“We hope that having to move the start of our scheduled season doesn’t inconvenience our guests too much. Our top priority is always the wellbeing of our guests.”