Personalized experiences, upgraded wellness services, quality choices of entertainment and gastronomic delights. It is no coincidence that as far as the top travel trends are concerned, the demands of modern travelers along with the fast pace of everyday life, have changed the tourism industry.
But is seems that the key issue which defines the choices of modern travelers is the acquaintance of new experiences through the alternation of different destinations. This is the reason why despite the changes that have taken place in the tourism industry, there is a travel trend that remains timeless, popular and is inextricably linked with Greece: Cruising.
The need for digital "detoxification", relaxation and among others, gastronomic satisfaction seems to be really important for the modern tourists. And what is for sure is that cruising has been upgraded nowadays to the extent that it can actually satisfy the abovementioned requirements. Just a look at the list of the most significant travel trends for 2019 can reveal that cruising is a choice that attracts millions of tourists, with the interest for quality and at the same time affordable cruises to be particularly high these days.
What is really interesting is that, based on travel forecasts, Generation Z (the generation after Millennials) will be the largest consumer group in the tourism industry by 2020 and this generation proves that when it comes to travelling, the choice of a trip that includes visiting different destinations and enjoying unique experiences (exactly like a cruise trip) is more than ideal.
But how much do we know about cruising in Greece nowadays? Greek summer is already here and one thing is for sure: A cruise in the idyllic Aegean is an ideal choice for both Greek and foreign tourists.
After all, it is not surprising that during the recent years, the idea of “island hopping" has become increasingly popular. What exactly is “island hopping"? It is basically a travel trend that is associated with getting from one island to another and which today is considered a quite popular tourist habit in Greece -and is closely linked to cruising.
So, what are the choices we have today? Is it really worthwhile to choose cruise in order to visit the top Aegean destinations and to enjoy unforgettable holidays and unique experiences?
Our summer “research" on cruise, led us to Celestyal Cruises. Because this cruise company accounts for 70% of home porting in Greece and at the same time, its ships approach more Greek ports than any other company in the cruising industry. Apart from the fact that it spreads the Greek culture, the well-known cruise company also spreads the Greek way of entertaining and the local cuisine, all around the world, taking the concept of cruise to another, more… Greek level and at the same time, embracing the uniqueness of the Greek summer.
The seven-night cruise “Idyllic Aegean" that Celestyal Cruises offers this period of time with the cruise ship Celestyal Crystal, definitely proves that cruise industry in Greece has changed for the better during the last years. It is a typical example of Greek, quality on-board experience and the following list is certainly indicative.
Choosing to go on a cruise -let alone in "Idyllic Aegean" - seems ideal in our days, given the fact that getting new experiences in various destinations is one of the key issues that determines the travel trends today. Why? Because it gives travelers the chance to explore the most charming destinations -by travelling in the Aegean and the historical sites of Eastern Mediterranean- and enjoying the unique experience of on board fun and relaxation.
By travelling with Celestyal Crystal, the traveler will be able to visit five different destinations within seven days and nights. From Mykonos to Milos and from Santorini to Heraklion in Crete and from there to the beautiful Kusadasi and the ancient Greek city of Ephesus (that has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List) and Piraeus.
The first destination of Celestyal Crystal is the “island of the Winds". That means that the traveler who will choose "Idyllic Aegean" will have the chance to spend 24 hours in Mykonos, enjoying the crystal waters of the island’s beaches, promenading in Mykonos picturesque roads and having fun. And from cosmopolitan Mykonos he will ship to Milos where he will spend a whole day enjoying the most beautiful beaches of Cyclades, relaxing on the amazing rock formations of the island and cooling in its turquoise waters before visiting the stunning caves at Kleftiko and Sarakiniko.
After Mykonos and Milos, it is Santorini’s turn. The ship will remain at the island for 48 hours so the travelers will have plenty of time to explore the island. The excursion program includes scenic walks, fun activities and a trip to Oia -where travelers will have the chance to view one of the most famous sunset views in Greece.
Heraklion is another popular Greek destination. The Venetian walls, the old harbor of the city, the archaeological site of Knossos (the excursion is included in the ticket price of the cruise) and the wonderful beaches of Crete, make a visit to Heraklion a special experience for every traveler.
And just before it sails back to Piraeus, Celestyal Crystal will travel to the beautiful Kusadasi with the famous bazaar in order to make a short trip back to time. And the excursion to Ancient Ephesus, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and undoubtedly an extremely important destination, is also included in the price of the cruise ticket.
One thing is for sure: When it comes to upgrading the modern cruise in Aegean, the most popular trends in travel and everyday life, play a key role. From wellness experiences to quality choices concerning personal care and from relaxation to gastronomy. It is no secret, after all, that gastronomy holidays are constantly gaining ground, while tourists seem to give preference to quality and to making use of it so as to create new, unique memories.
With comfortable cabins and suites, stylish restaurants and bars, spas and gyms, casino, a jacuzzi, a swimming pool and many other services that upgrading the on-board experience, there is no doubt that with Celestyal Crystal, the Aegean will be a little more idyllic this summer.
The value of organized holidays a modern cruise ship can offer should also be highlighted. Tourists today seek for tranquility and the absence of any activity that can cause stress. Given all these, it is easy to understand why the thought of someone else organizing our ideal holidays is absolutely tempting.
The budget issue is, of course, equally important for modern cruise. Because cruising gives the travelers the choice to enjoy their vacations with ease and with the benefit of "all in one price": From staying in the ship to enjoying unlimited drinks on board and when it comes to Celestyal Cruises, to travelling to great cruise destinations and enjoying unique, off-shore excursions -three excursions are actually included at the price of the seven-night cruise of "Idyllic Aegean"!
So, in case that you want to enjoy your vacation in the Aegean this summer in a more different, relaxed and carefree way, cruising is your best pick, even if you are booking last minute. Because even if you didn’t have the time to arrange this year's holidays yet, choosing a cruise remains a great option. You just have to pack your suitcases. Celestyal Cruises will do the rest.
With modern cruising experiences to upgrading the concept of vacations at the sea, one thing is for sure: Whether you belong to the category of last minute" travelers or not, traveling to "Idyllic Aegean" this year will allow you to meet your needs and enjoy unique experiences while “tasting" the top travel trends, all on a one-way trip -and many destinations.
