{"id":408584,"date":"2022-06-14T14:59:21","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T19:59:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/?p=408584"},"modified":"2024-04-08T06:43:04","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T11:43:04","slug":"loving-the-greek-islands-aboard-celestyal-crystal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/loving-the-greek-islands-aboard-celestyal-crystal\/","title":{"rendered":"Loving the Greek Islands aboard Celestyal Crystal"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Is Greece on your bucket list? Dreaming of the Aegean Isles, but don\u2019t know which islands to see or the best way to see them?\u00a0 Greece has over 2,000 islands, yet only 200 are inhabited. The best way to grab the most for your hard-earned travel dollars is island hopping aboard a cruise and getting an authentic Greek experience at every knot.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Put Celestyal Cruises on your GPS \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_408590\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-408590\" style=\"width: 842px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-408590 size-buzzstone-thumb-big\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/1-CrystalSamos-842x474.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"842\" height=\"474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/1-CrystalSamos-842x474.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/1-CrystalSamos-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/1-CrystalSamos-270x152.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-408590\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sail the Greek Islands aboard Celestyal Crystal. Photo courtesy of Celesytal Cruises.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Hellenic people are proud of their centuries-old heritage and contributions to the world in art, theatre, philosophy, and democracy. But don\u2019t just go on one of the bigger ships and hope for the best. I recommend going with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetcruise.com\/en\/mediterranean-cruises\">Mediterranean cruise<\/a> line that truly captures the very essence of the Greece experience.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/celestyalcruises.com\">Celestyal Cruises<\/a> creates a deeper, richer more immersive cruise. They believe in the Greek philosophy of \u201cKefi\u201d \u2013 joyful, spirited with a love of life and infuse this into every aspect of your sail. <a href=\"http:\/\/celestyalcruises.com\">Celestyal Cruises<\/a> knows the destinations and offers an outstanding experience. For shorter trips, try the <em>Olympia<\/em> which offers 3 and 4-day cruises, stopping at two islands each day. Many cruisers opt for repeated trips on this itinerary because it gives them a chance to &#8220;do Greece&#8221; at a great price. The <em>Crystal <\/em>offers 7-day cruises across three continents, giving you more in-depth travel.<\/p>\n<p>Celestyal Cruises is authentically Greek with music, cuisine, and culture adding ambiance to every part of your cruise. Check out Greek Folk Dancing, Greek crafts, and Greek language classes. You&#8217;ll also love their Greek Wine Tasting event featuring six wines, fruit, and cheese.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_408595\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-408595\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-408595 size-buzzstone-thumb-big\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/greek-spread-640x474.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"474\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-408595\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sample wine, fruit and cheese from the islands at the Greek Wine Tasting event. Photo by Mira Temkin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Everything\u2019s Included, Plus Several Shore Excursions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I sailed on the Celestyal Crystal, which included deluxe accommodations, on-board-dining, live entertainment, plus two complimentary shore excursions. Even port charges\/gratuities were included, saving you time, money, and the hassle of doing all the planning.<\/p>\n<p>My Seven-Night Cruise started and ended in Piraeus (Athens), followed by port stops in Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, and Milos. Board in Thessaloniki or Kusadasi, if you want.<\/p>\n<p>I opted for a suite and discovered lots of room, closets, and places to store our stuff. The suite offered other perks, too, like the private dining room for breakfast and lunch. We chilled out with fresh fruit, aperitifs, and petit fours brought to our stateroom throughout the day, so we could enjoy a private moment.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll appreciate their other dining options, both casual and formal. Meet your fellow passengers from across the globe in the Amalthia Restaurant.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_408598\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-408598\" style=\"width: 842px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-408598 size-buzzstone-thumb-big\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Aegean-Lobster-Dunk-Saffron-Jeweled-Pilafi-842x474.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"842\" height=\"474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Aegean-Lobster-Dunk-Saffron-Jeweled-Pilafi-842x474.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Aegean-Lobster-Dunk-Saffron-Jeweled-Pilafi-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Aegean-Lobster-Dunk-Saffron-Jeweled-Pilafi-270x152.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-408598\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dining aboard the Celestyal Crystal. Photo courtesy of Celestyal Cruises.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>During the day, listen to the musicians on deck playing lively Greek tunes. \u00a0At night, it\u2019s show time, from the music of Abba, Odyssea, and Broadway to a celebration of Ancient Greece and more. Nightlife aboard the ship goes late with the Helios Bar, Eros Lounge, Horizons Bar, and Disco open til 1 a.m.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Gourmet Dining at Greek Table <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you want to dine like a Greek god, Celestyal has partnered with Greek culinary expert, Diana Kochilas, author of 18 cookbooks and creator\/host of the \u201cMy Greek Table\u201d TV show for The Greek Table Experience. Available on both ships, this optional dinner features an elegant, six-course feast with wine pairings featuring outstanding Greek cuisine. Their epic Greek Village Cheese Platter is to die for.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_408594\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-408594\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-408594 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/cheese-plate.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/cheese-plate.jpg 640w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/cheese-plate-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/cheese-plate-370x278.jpg 370w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/cheese-plate-406x305.jpg 406w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/cheese-plate-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-408594\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">An awesome Cheese Plate awaits you at the Greek Table Experience. Photo by Mira Temkin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I spoke with the head chef who explained to me that the Mediterranean diet features fresh, simple, healthy cuisine. They use olive oil, lemon, and other citrus fruits for flavor. If you\u2019re vegan, you\u2019ll find lots of delicious options.<\/p>\n<p>I was told before I cruised that each of the islands is different with its history, identity, and handicrafts. If you see something you like on a Greek Island, buy it. Chances are you won\u2019t see it anywhere else.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Thessaloniki Blends the Old and New<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_408587\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-408587\" style=\"width: 842px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-408587 size-buzzstone-thumb-big\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/White-Tower-Thessaloniki-842x474.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"842\" height=\"474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/White-Tower-Thessaloniki-842x474.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/White-Tower-Thessaloniki-270x152.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-408587\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">White Tower welcomes visitors to Thessaloniki. Photo courtesy of Celestyal Cruises.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Our first stop was Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, filled with Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman relics.\u00a0 We visited the\u00a0 White Tower on the Aegean Sea, the iconic symbol of the island. Near it is a statue of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian leader who ruled in 336 BCE. We loved the hustle and bustle of Aristotle Square with its open-air cafes, lovely boutiques, and grand hotels, highlighted by exquisite views of the sea.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ancient Ephesus Beckons in Kusadasi<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_408592\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-408592\" style=\"width: 842px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-408592 size-buzzstone-thumb-big\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/EPHESUS-842x474.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"842\" height=\"474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/EPHESUS-842x474.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/EPHESUS-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/EPHESUS-270x152.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-408592\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The ancient city of Ephesus. Photo courtesy of Celestyal Cruises.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_408618\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-408618\" style=\"width: 842px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-408618 size-buzzstone-thumb-big\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Kusadasi-Amphitheatre-1-842x474.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"842\" height=\"474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Kusadasi-Amphitheatre-1-842x474.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Kusadasi-Amphitheatre-1-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Kusadasi-Amphitheatre-1-270x152.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-408618\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Grand amphitheater at Ephesus, Turkey. Photo by Mira Temkin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Kusadasi, Turkey was the next port, highlighted by the ruins of Ancient Ephesus from the third century, BCE. We walked through these amazing streets and admired the remarkable condition of the relics. Our guide told us the multi-story Library of Celsus actually stored 12,000 Scrolls of parchment scrolls, made with calfskin.\u00a0 We imagined the roaring crowds at the Great Theatre which held 24,000.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Santorini \u2013 Whitewashed, Sky Blue Domes <\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_408589\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-408589\" style=\"width: 840px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-408589\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/santorini-370x280-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"636\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/santorini-370x280-1.png 370w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/santorini-370x280-1-300x227.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-408589\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Skies and seas of blue in Santorini. Photo courtesy of Celestyal Cruises.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You\u2019ve probably seen pictures of Santorini with its whitewashed houses set against sky blue doors and domes. They\u2019re probably from Oia, a city made from the caldera and volcanic ash. Explore the marble stairs and hidden alleyways, all set against the turquoise waters. Take in the spectacular sunset.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mykonos \u2013 Party Time<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_408593\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-408593\" style=\"width: 842px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-408593 size-buzzstone-thumb-big\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Mykonos-842x474.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"842\" height=\"474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Mykonos-842x474.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Mykonos-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Mykonos-270x152.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-408593\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mykonos. Photo courtesy of Celestyal Cruises.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Mykonos is known as the \u201cIsland of the Winds,\u201d where you\u2019ll enjoy the gentle breezes on a hot day. You\u2019ll love ducking into the alleyways and getting lost in the maze of streets. It\u2019s also a party city where the nightlife pulsates until the wee hours of the morn in\u00a0 bars and clubs. Opa!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Milos \u2013 Where Venus De Milo Was Discovered<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_408617\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-408617\" style=\"width: 842px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-408617 size-buzzstone-thumb-big\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Milos-amphitheatre-842x474.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"842\" height=\"474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Milos-amphitheatre-842x474.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Milos-amphitheatre-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Milos-amphitheatre-270x152.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-408617\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Roman theatre where Venus de Milo was discovered. Photo by Mira Temkin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Sarakiniko Beach has pure white stone sculpted by volcanic eruptions with an almost other-worldly sense to it. You\u2019ll think you\u2019re walking on the moon. Check out the ancient Roman amphitheater where the armless wonder, Venus de Milos was discovered in 1820. Experts believe this <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ancient_Greece\">ancient Greek<\/a>\u00a0sculpture was created between 150 and 125 BC and depicts <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aphrodite\">Aphrodite<\/a>\u00a0the Greek goddess of love. Find her in the Louvre in Paris.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Athens \u2013 The Acropolis and Parthenon<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_408586\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-408586\" style=\"width: 840px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-408586\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Athens-Acropolis-370x280-2-300x227.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"636\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Athens-Acropolis-370x280-2-300x227.png 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Athens-Acropolis-370x280-2.png 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-408586\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo courtesy of Celestyal Cruises<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Perched high, almost above the clouds, stands the Acropolis, a symbol of the once mighty Greek Empire, built around the 5<sup>th<\/sup> century, BCE. Imagine living among all of this splendor and history in your daily life? On this historical hill stands the renowned Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess, Athena, the city\u2019s protector. Walk through the well-preserved ruins and see the Temple of Athena Nike, gorgeous iconic columns, and splendid temples. Be sure to check out the Acropolis Museum next door with its see-through glass floors and stand in awe of the structures below.<\/p>\n<p>People asked me about COVID protocols aboard the Crystal. A negative COVID test is required before you board the boat, masks were required throughout the ship, and I felt protected.<\/p>\n<p>Loaded down with baklava, olive oil, and Greek coffee for gifts, our Celestyal cruise soon came to an end. Etched in our minds were thousands of years of ancient history, coupled with a newfound appreciation for Greek cuisine. We can\u2019t wait to sail with Celestyal again!<\/p>\n<p>Celestyal is planning to expand with new routes and new itineraries for 2023. For more information, call <a href=\"tel:+18777842648\">+1 (877) 784-2648<\/a> or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/celestyalcruises.com\">celestyalcruises.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is Greece on your bucket list? Dreaming of the Aegean Isles, but don\u2019t know which islands to see or the best way to see them?\u00a0 Greece has over&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":408593,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4066],"tags":[45852,45853,45854],"class_list":["post-408584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-category-travel","tag-celestyal-cruises","tag-greece","tag-greek-islands"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.4 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Loving the Greek Islands aboard Celestyal Crystal | UrbanMatter<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Celestyal Cruises is authentically Greek with music, cuisine, and culture adding ambiance to every part of your cruise.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" 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