American World Traveler Summer 2018 Issue

It’s All Greek to Me!
Sail Greece and Turkey Aboard
Celestyal Crystal
Aricle by Olivia Balsinger
Oia, Santorini
Few moments in life prove more blissful
thank sitting dozens of meres high
the edge of an off-white length in
Santorini, nursing a crisp Greek wine, belly
full from souvlaki and olives (of course!), as
you watch the colors of the sky melt into the
Mediterranean below. Yes, this may seem
like a scene setting for the climax of a cheesy
romantic movie. But, indeed, it was my reality
during my recent overnight in Santorini,
Greece as part of my seven-day journey on
The Celestyal Crystal through Greece and
Turkey. Though the company primarily sails
3, 4, and 7-day cruises in the Aegean,
guests have the option of combining programs
to customize the length of their stay
Though I have been fortunate to cruise
aboard many luxurious lines, Celestyal
stands apart for its commitment to maximizing
a guest’s time in port giving travelers as
comprehensive understanding and experience
of the destination possible. Celestyal
Cruises, a Greek owned and operated company,
is the company that delivers Greece in
the most authentic manner of all its competi-
tion. From the superior service, to the mouthwatering
menus, to the the attentive staff and
especially to the commitment to showing off
destinations, there is really no comparison.
Athens
One of the world’s most visited cities, our
Celestyal Cruise began in Athens—capital of
Greece arguably one of the most important
cities in human history. I arrived a few days
early, deciding to stay at the NJV Athens
Plaza, a five star property part of Preferred
Hotels & Resorts, within walking distance to
Athens treasures (and, bonus points: my
hotel room faced the Acropolis!) Both the
capital of Greece, the heart of ancient world,
Athens has become a prime destination for
tourists interested in discovering the roots
and the rise of Europe as it is known today;
it is the city where Classical civilizations intellectual
and artistic though originated; where
symposia were held to entice the spread of
ideas and healthy debate; where democracy
was developed and culture flourished. When
you travel there today, you can feel this
almost mythical quality permeating throughout
the air; where millennia old structures
stand proud against a bustling urban city
that is equal parts elegant and edge. The
boarding process onto the ship was seamless—it
was time to begin my adventure.
Santorini
You've most likely heard of the mesmerizing,
paradise shores of Santorini island, which for
decades has been the primary destination
for tourists to experience the idyllic beauty of
the Greek Islands. Its beauty is romantic, as
it combines a naturally gorgeous landscape
with villages that preserve its classical legacy
as well as cater to modern luxuries, such as
fine dining and truly fabulous shopping.
Sparkling turquoise water, beaches with
impossible mosaic of sand (such as black,
red and white), an active volcano, and spectacular
rock formations that provide a sense
of tranquil seclusion ensure that, no matter
which angle you view it, any picture of the
land will be postcard-worthy. But Santorini is
not just a feast for the eyes...it is also a feast