For those people looking for the bells and whistles of a large ship, do not look here. However if your looking to see parts of the world that are on your bucket list, then come on this cruise! Yes, ship is small, little older, but for the price and what's included it was definitely worth it, despite what was going on in the world. We were the last ship to go to most ports due to the Corona Virus. Actually couldn't land in Israel as they had closed their borders. But despite the craziness of the world, I had one of the best times. Cruise starts in Athens, so was there prior to sailing. The first night I booked a food walking tour, ended up private as most people had canceled due to the Corona Virus. Next day I went to the Archeological Museum. Unbelievable! And headed to the "Athens Flea Market". Tons of great shopping and food. Then took the hop on hop off bus. Make sure you travel up to the Parthenon. It is a hike. Also, keep an eye on all valuables as one of our party had their phone stolen. Included in the cruise are 3 excursions, (1) in Cairo, (1) Rhodes, (1) Ephesus. All 3 were fantastic. The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and were great to listen to. Also included are all your gratuities and most all your liquor, unless you want premium, and you have to pay for that separately. They do not have a premium package you can upgrade to. That includes paying for water, however, buying water on this ship is not as expensive as on a large cruise ship. Included Excursion - Cairo - Bucket list to see the Pyramids and the Sphynx! The tour is very long, as it's a 3 1/2 hour journey each way. We left around 6am and got back to the ship around 10pm. Plan for a long but very rewarding day. Pack something to bring to eat for snacks, as they only give you a granola bar. However, you do stop for a fantastic buffet lunch. Pay the extra 8 Euros to walk inside Pyramid #2! Not for the faint hearted, but definitely worth it! Also, you go to the National Museum, which was being moved at the time we were there. And the papyrus museum. Instead of Israel, we stayed in Alexandria. I went on an excursion that went to the Catacombs. Really interesting. Incuded Excursion - Rhodes - Greece - They take you to Lindos, where there is a Citadel. I physically couldn't climb up it. 300 stairs up, with no railings; unlike going to the Parthenon. Pretty little town. Only opened for us, so not all stores were opened and not all stores took charges. May begins their season, so we were there off season. Then back near the ship to go to the old city, to the street of the Knights. Really interesting place. You can walk back to the ship or take the bus back. Again, there are other excursions that you can upgrade to as well. Included Excursion - Ephesus - Turkey - I've been here before 10 years ago and it still was exciting to walk down the marble road! There are a number of other excursions you can pay extra for on the ship. They also take you to a Co-op where they teach the old ways on weaving rugs. It's now a dying profession. They tell you all about how they are made and show you what they have to sell. We had a number of people who bought some beautiful rugs. There are also other vendors there as well. And we were also given drinks, and appetizers. You also go to Cyprus. I opted to walk off the ship with a couple of people. We wandered around the waterfront, found the castle and the monestary. Wish we had gone to the winery but we did have a good time. We lucked out with the weather, no rain at all! As for the ship itself. The casino is tiny. Never really ventured in it. Lots of different bars. We loved the Thalassus bar located at the back of deck 5. Got some great sunset shots there. That's also where the only jacuzzi is. Small pool located on deck 9, Helos. Spa is there. Had a great leg message. Also, this is where the buffet is located. Good food. Need to change where the coffee machines are as they are right at the end of the buffett, so the line backs up during breakfast. Very small, specialty dining, on Deck 8 outside one of the main dining rooms. You can get most of what they offer, but it is an extra charge (steak, lobster). Food all together is pretty good. There were some meals that weren't great, but the waitstaff was accommodating and would get you something else if you chose. We didn't have much of an issue with ordering drinks. Since our cruise there were only 380 passengers on board. Only went to one of the shows on board. It was all about Greece. Was pretty good. However, I did go to the lecturer they brought on board to talk about Egypt and what you would see. He was fantastic! We spent most of our nights in the disco signing Karaoke. All in all this was a great cruise. I would definitely recommend it to people. Read Less

This cruise was actually won by a work associate and I was to join her. Her schedule did not allow her to go so I was able to bring my adult daughter double bonus This was my 50th cruise but never to this region or this line. I had not expectations as to what to expect was not generally diapponted. This is a small ship with only 700 passengers this vovage so never crowded The ship passengers were about 75% Greek. We probably meet about 60 Americans on board Cabin: We had an ocean view cabin always kept very clean and neat. received pillow pals everyday as they made of cabin and it remained until next day No special soap or body lotions infact shampoo and soap was same container in shower. Staff went out of their way to be very pleasant anytime we saw them. Entertainment I would rate a solid 3 the shows each evening were very similar and their were not comedians or juggler acts like often on big lines. However the staff had good voices and did an ABBA tribuate that was very very good. They also had a Greek band in lounge at times playing Greek Music, a Piano and Violin player nightly and a singer use partner played the keyboard. It is an busy cruise so not alot down time. Meals I did not like breakfast but just me. There was an omlettle station by the pool each day but had to walk there from the buffett. Egss mostly precooked so a over easy egg was cooked several hours ago. I found out on second to last day that you could get served but hardly anyone knew this so everyone did the same buffett The food was however the same. Dinner was anytime dining and if possible they sat us with someone speaking English or we sat by ourselves Each meal was very good to excellent but also had lamb, pork or chicken most nights If a fish it was a local fish Differant but generally pretty good I only had lunch and really a snack at lunch becasue we were off ship everyday but the seaday. One evening they had a Greek buffett by the pool which was good Pool This was a problem. First the hot tub was one place and the pool was another. There were table and chairs all around the pool but no lounge chairs so if you wanted to go for a swim there was really no place to dry off. Several days no water in the pool at all I never saw anyone in it. The glass closure was ontop but becasue of location and the fact no place to comfortably sit I never saw one person in it the entire cruise. Ports I took all of the tours that were offered free and purchased one from the ship in Israeal Each language had an escort that spoke English however some were naturally better than others The Jerurelum tour guide was extremely poor. I really was disappointed it was a long day,we were rushed very badly. AT one point she just left everyone and never looked back tro see we had not even crossed a busy street and she was already around the corner and into a Garden no where to be seen. It was really unfortunate becasue no only did I pay extra for this tour ,it was the one place I really wanted to see. I actually complained about her to excusion booth when we got back on ship and did not give her a tip Many others felt as I did and did not tip her also I would definately return to this area and cruise this line again if given opportunity The population on the cruise were about 75% Greek Read Less

We wanted to try something different from the big boats cruises and this was extremely satisfying! 1. Junior Suite with balcony - exactly what we needed. Large enough and kept very clean by the staff. 2. The ship small (under 1,000 passengers, I guess), but well kept and maintained. 3. The restaurants above all our expectations. By the way, don't miss the small a la carte restaurant (how can you miss it, they have only one)! The "surf and turf" is incredible. Also incredible is the waiter, Adrian Zaharia, who has two master degrees, one in law, one in economics. You'll be amazed how many topics of the conversations you'll have with him! 4. I am sorry I didn't catch the name of the Egyptian chef - big guy (tall) and great guy (personality). You have a secret wish and a favorite dish that is not on the menu - he'll cook it for you! 5. In the main restaurant we were attended by Geny and Aris - most kind and gentle waiters you'll ever meet. 6. Adrian Zamfir is "il capo di tutti capi" - the boss of all restaurants, the maitre d' of all ship's eateries. You can not miss him - he's the tallest, the biggest and the nicest guy, he entertains all guests in the restaurants, he listens to all, he is kind to all - when on board, just ask for "The Big White" and he'll appear like a genie in a bottle to make all your wishes come true. 7. The icing on the cake is Danny Buru. You don't know Danny? You don't know what you've missed until now! Danny is the cruise artistic director and so, so much more! I mean, come on, ladies and gentlemen, when have you ever seen an artistic director starring in a cabaret show, singing and dancing with the artists? Danny kept us entertained until well after midnight and woke us early in the morning for the free onshore excursions. 8. For last, one tip: if you'll embark in Heraklion, Crete, the embarkation will take five minutes. Enjoy! Read Less

excursions and itinerary excellent, the food is poor, staff is excellent and helpful, Not enough tenders for number of people on the ship during excursions Pool is pathetic, very few lounge chairs Could smell diesel fumes regularly, they were painting part of the boat and fumes were toxic Amenities need a lot of improvement Only 1 dining room open Pre cruise communication was non existent Overall disappointing If only care about ports and not on board experience this boat is worthwhile Suggestions Heated jacuzzi was cold Improve casino. Slot machines only Only have one English tv channel More on board activities Coffee, tea , water should be available 24 hours a day Lucky staff was friendly and helpful... Having breakfast while I write this and inhaling diesel fumes on the back deck Food stations are very limited in times open Expectations were not high, but experience were not close to being met Read Less

We are glad to find you all here, even if it's just virtual. I participated, together with my wife, on the cruise from 29.04 to 06.05.2019 with Celestyal Cristal. The only word that fits this cruise is "excellent" ... in all respects ... from boarding to disembarkation. The vessel is small enough, it is neither new nor modern, but that does not matter because this vessel has a team that provides the highest class service. First of all we noticed the cruise director Dany who made our embarkation to take place simply and quickly and after that he took care that the whole cruise unfolds in the most pleasant atmosphere. Dany is a complete man and artist, the heart of the shows every evening and the organizer of all the trips I participated in. He is indeed, as he says himself, like the Duracell Bunny, of inexhaustible energy. We was very pleasantly impressed by the simple organization and the impeccable development of shore excursions that were included in the program and in the price. The competence of the guides and drivers on the buses that have transported us was special. I have especially noticed the restaurant's chief of the ship, Mr. Adrian Zamfir, who does not resemble an ordinary boss wich is hiding in his office. This great man participates with his staff in the entire restaurant activity, having every evening some nice talk with every guest of the restaurant. He organized the most beautiful moments for most of his guests, including birthday parties for both adults and children. Reception at the restaurant and the showroom was always a pleasure in the presence of the hosts: Lisandra, Ori and Caroline. All the staff of these restaurants have competed in a nicer and most efficient service all over the world. On the whole cruise I have not seen anyone unhappy, but they all have only words of praise about the staff of the restaurants. We have been very good greatly served by Mr. Mohamad from Amalthia Restaurant, Mr. Adi Zaharia from the Fish Tavern and Didi Souschef from Leda Buffet. We remember with big pleasure of the activity of chefs from Chef's Corner, where every day you find only goodies. Drinks from all bars were good and well served. The entertainment was excellent, including two live shows a day, which often ended with generalized dance (artists and spectators). Very good were the bands that sang live at bars and swimming pools: "Trio Greco", "Souls Latin" and "Duo Jaleo". We was particularly impressed the performances presented in the evening. The artists involved here are complets: singing, dancing, doing acrobatics that sometimes seem impossible ... and everything is perfect in a show with the theme, it's not a random mix. A special mention for Maite, the "girl with the violin", that makes a special contribution alongside each band, improving the results. Note 10 to everyone. The most important advantage in this cruise was that almost everything was included in the price: Accommodation, meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, port taxes, service tax and 3 optional tours. The ports of call were excellent, and the time spent in each port allowed us to visit everything we wanted. I booked cabin 3101, a cheaper cabin, but I think it was the best choice. For how long I spent in it was perfect. Enough of space, endowed with everything that was needed, arranged and decorated. It did not have window, but the wall-painting had successfully replaced it, and the air was excellent. We did not feel the lack of window. I was very well served three times a day by a very careful manager. Towels and sheets have been changed regularly, all the toiletries provided ... all I needed! In the cabin, there were very few movements ... even in a bad weather and I always had a great sleep. We are particularly grateful and we promise to return, recommending this cruise to others. Read Less

Amazing entertainment team and activities, tasty food and friendly staff. Would definitely visit again. All destinations were really nice as well as the excursions. I enjoyed it a lot. Most negative reviews are from old people who always complain about the slightest thing. There are things to do for everyone on this ship and you will certainly not get bored. Pool is kind of small though. Room services were always satisfactory...no problems here. I can't say much about a la carte but the buffet was full of variety and the two barbecue evenings were the cherry on top of the cake. There are lots of activities where they show you how the staff carves fruits or ice or how they fold the towels and stuff like that. Danny, the cruise director was the soul of the party, always smiling, dancing and talking with everyone. Very outgoing guy. Disco is alright, they have a Cuban dj so there are lots of good rhythmic songs to dance to. Read Less

Myself and my family of three chose this cruise through the Aegean departing from Athens for its budget friendly qualities and its packed itinerary. It was our 4th cruise, but first on a medium sized ship. The first impression, as well as the overall one was pretty mixed. The service was absolutely incredible. The staff was prompt, always smiling and willing to help. My son lost his cell phone, but the front desk staff luckily helped us in getting it back quickly. The bar staff was a highlight. It was prompt and always rushed to our service when we entered one of the ships 3 bars. Though most venues were smaller than what you would expect if you were a veteran of bigger cruise ships, the entertainment staff offered music performances day in and day out (the pianist/violinist Yuri was extremely talented). The nightly shows were also high quality, complete with live music,acrobats, dancing and an overly excited Italian entertainment director. The service in the main restaurant was equally impressive, though the lack of a seating system led to large ques outside the entrance and to not getting the same waiter each night. The food was overall impressive, though the buffet options were sometimes limited. The appetizers were also to small in my opinion. The delicious Greek Cusine however made up for this. The rooms were spacious, the housekeeping staff kept them clean and the recent refurbishment gave it a great fresh look. However such attention was not given to the bathroom and balcony, both showing their age. There was however a huge problem, the noise. The AC in the room is EXTREMELY NOISY, and forced us to block it with clothes in order to get a good night sleep! If that was not enough, anounncments for disembarkation in Lavrion( I was not disembarking in that port) woke me up at 6 am. On that day the breakfast was over at 8 am, which led to my family rushing the few remaining stations that still had food. It was simply unacceptable. Excursion anounncment were also broadcast live into every room at 7 am on a daily basis. We only took the two excursions included into our package because the rest were horribbly overpriced (70 euros per 1/2 day trip). When sailing around the islands of Ios and Santorini the rough seas really shook up the speed and it was impossible to rest. Charging cruisers 1 euro per sea sickness pill did not help things. On other days the incredibly old and loud engines made relaxing on the top deck by the pool or anywhere else for that matter impossible. Overall if you are looking for a cheap, bang for the buck cruise and do not mind the querks and disadvantages of an older and smaller ship, the Celestyal Nefeli is a great pick. If you are looking for a relaxing experience and do not care for the two port of calls per day, Celestyal Nefeli might be a rather poor pick. Read Less

This was our first cruise and to be honest we feel a bit let down with it, or was it a case of us expecting to much from what we thought a cruise would be like. Embarkation was swift and prompt, and was shown directions to our cabin. The cabin was above expectations being roomy, comfortable with plenty of storage space and clean. Next was what was called the "sail away" party. we thought they might provide you with a complimentary drink, but all we got was a butlins type atmosphere of "people on the left you're team A, give us a cheer!!, not our type of thing, then the resident band and staff performed songs. We didn't know we'd started sailing until someone said we're moving, we thought this is where an announcement could have been made in a butlins/love boat manner rather than "team A, B or C" give us a whoop woop! We found the food average at best, just as we've found in AI hotels, it looked amazing but the tastes didn't quite match the look of it....but there was plenty of choice and we found the breakfasts to the most enjoyable. We cannot comment on the shows as we're not into that sort of thing, I did take in the comedian for all of 5 minutes,but left as the jokes he was telling i'd heard in 1998 by johnny casson!! As others have said, on a sea-day, forget about getting a sunbed unless you're up early, and also you are packed in like sardines. Please Thomson, on sea-days can you make sure that ,napkin folding, cooking demo be taken inside the ship (libertines was empty) as it was so off putting hearing the entertainment crew describe every small detail, whilst we were trying to relax or read...i gave up trying to read as i couldn't concentrate, but I know how to fold a napkin!! LOL The ships crew were very friendly and professional and are a credit to this ship with big thanks to Ad ang. Rio and the rest We were always the last to re-board ship as we loved being ashore, and would have liked the ship to stay overnight so you could sample the various places at night as they have a different atmosphere. We are independent travelers as a rule and like to get out and mingle with the locals but thought we'd try a cruise as we wanted to go to Istanbul and Athens, (which the ancient wonders itinerary did) but this is a very British ship with very British passengers,with butlins type announcements over the tanoy and as such is not for us. A Turkish waiter summed it up for us whilst in Kusadsai..He said "you don't like cruising cos you are governed by rules, when to get off/on the boat..where you can go on board etc.."..we thought yes...we like to do our own thing in our own time. HI DE HI ;-) Read Less