Celestyal Adds Agios Nikolaos as Regular Crete Call

Celestyal plans to make 28 annual calls at Agios Nikolaos from next year onward after the 55,877-gross-ton Celestyal Journey made its May 12 inaugural call at the Cretan port. The call brought about 1,100 passengers and crew from 32 countries and included an onboard event with Celestyal executives, local authorities, port representatives and destination stakeholders. Local projections put the future program at about 35,000 visitors and €3.5 million in annual economic activity for Agios Nikolaos.

The port is being added to Celestyal’s seven-night Idyllic Greece itinerary in place of Heraklion, giving the line a regular Crete call in a smaller resort town with a cruise waterfront tied directly to the city center. Another 21 calls are scheduled through November 2026.

Idyllic Greece route shifts its Crete call

Celestyal Journey is sailing Idyllic Greece roundtrip from Athens, with calls at Kusadasi, Turkey; Rhodes; Agios Nikolaos; Santorini; Mykonos; and Milos.

Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said Agios Nikolaos is “a fantastic addition” to Idyllic Greece, combining “iconic Mediterranean hotspots with rising star ports that offer a more authentic experience.”

The onboard event included Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides, Celestyal COO Capt. George Koumbenas, Celestyal Journey Captain Angelos Vasilakos, Agios Nikolaos Mayor Manolis Menegakis, Municipal Port President Dimitris Agapitos, Lasithi Vice Governor Giannis Androulakis, port authority representatives and Ioannis Bras of Five Senses Consulting. Passengers were welcomed with traditional Cretan music, dance, local food and refreshments.

Berthing upgrade raises port capacity

Agios Nikolaos has increased its cruise handling capability in coordination with Celestyal, Bras and the port authority, with improvements that now allow two large cruise ships to berth alongside at the same time. The work was presented locally as strengthening safety, functionality and the port’s ability to handle future cruise demand.

Agapitos pointed to the port’s direct connection with the city, access to Eastern Crete attractions and hospitality for passengers and crew. The town-center port gives passengers walking access to cafés, shops and the waterfront, while nearby excursion options include Spinalonga, coastal boat tours and local sightseeing.

Local economy tied to expanded call plan

The visitor projection is expected to support excursions, transport, retail, hospitality and food-and-beverage businesses in Agios Nikolaos. Bras, the cruise destination development consultant, said Celestyal Journey’s presence should be read as “a clear message of confidence” from a Greek cruise brand “that understands what today’s travellers are looking for.”

Celestyal is selling Idyllic Greece under its Iconic Sale through June 30, 2026, with fares from $959 per person. The fare package includes meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees and gratuities.

See current Celestyal Journey fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.