Celestyal Journey Debuts in Agios Nikolaos, Crete

The town and harbor at Agios Nikolaos, Crete at sundown
by Sam Hamilton

The Celestyal Journey made its first-ever visit to Agios Nikolaos in Crete on May 12, 2026. According to the cruise line, the port will now replace Heraklion on Celestyal’s seven-night “Idyllic Greece” itinerary.

The roundtrip cruise from Athens includes calls in Kusadasi in Turkey, Rhodes, Agios Nikolaos, Santorini, Mykonos, and Milos.

“Agios Nikolaos has a growing role as a cruise destination and is a fantastic addition to our ‘Idyllic Greece’ itinerary. It perfectly reflects the type of call our guests are increasingly looking for, combining iconic Mediterranean hotspots with rising star ports that offer a more authentic experience,” said Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal.

“Our 2026 summer season is built around delivering authentically Mediterranean experiences through immersive itineraries, warm hospitality and our signature premium casual approach to cruising. We’re proud to continue expanding our presence across the Greek Islands and showcasing destinations like Agios Nikolaos to an international audience.”

To celebrate the inaugural visit, local officials and destination representatives were welcomed onboard by Captain Angelos Vasilakos and the ship’s crew.

Celestyal described Agios Nikolaos as a resort destination that receives fewer cruise ship visits compared to some of Greece’s more traditional cruise ports and the Celestyal Journey is scheduled to make another 21 calls to the port during the 2026 season, which runs through November.

The cruise line also said fares for the “Idyllic Greece” itinerary are available from $959 per person as part of its “Iconic Sale” promotion running until June 30, 2026.