Celestyal Cruises will extend its successful cruise programme in Turkey which launched in 2015 for another two years with itineraries embarking from Istanbul, Izmir and Kusadasi. A new ship, the Celestyal Nefeli (ex Gemini) will replace the Celestyal Odyssey, whose charter agreement will be concluded at the end of October according to its agreed-upon terms. The name, “Nefeli,” comes from Greek mythology – Nefeli was a goddess of hospitality and a nymph of the clouds.

The Celestyal Nefeli is the perfect size for docking in the smaller, unique harbors throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, just like her fleet mates, the Celestyal Crystal and the Celestyal Olympia.  The focus on smaller ports is part of the strategy to open new destinations in Eastern Mediterranean cruising. Since 2014, Celestyal has added 15 new destinations which include Milos, Ios, Kos, Samos, Symi, Chios, Cesme and Syros. These gems are only accessible to small and midsized vessels that comprise Celestyal's fleet. An added benefit of the smaller ships is warm and personalized service. All of Celestyal Cruises' source markets have responded to these new destinations with enthusiasm.

Due to popular demand, Celestyal Cruises will also increase the number of themed events on its cruises in 2016, so as to provide even more passengers with the best of Greek culture, gastronomy, history and wine. These themed events have become core to the real Greek experience that Celestyal offers its cruisers, whether it's a cooking demonstration with a local chef, performances from leading Greek musicians and dancers or a talk from an archeologist.

The Celestyal Nefeli (ex Gemini), which can accommodate 1,074 cruisers, was originally built in 1992 by Union Naval de Levante SA in Valencia, Spain. She will be delivered to Celestyal in February and refurbished prior to the commencement of the 2016 cruise season. Of her 400 cabins (277 outside and 123 inside), 12 are executive suites and 31 are junior suites: most of the executive suites have private balconies, and the junior suites have extra storage space.

Celestyal Cruises' 2016 Iconic and Idyllic itineraries

Choose from quick breaks that allow you to see the best of Greece and Turkey in one three day weekend through to 10 day themed cruises that get under the skin of the destination. Two sample itineraries are below, for the full list of trips please see

• Greece and Turkey are famed for their good value and Celestyal Cruises makes sure you get the best of both for the price of one trip. Over a perfect 3-day weekend the new Nefeli will take you to the whitewashed churches of Patmos, the peaceful sunsets of Santorini, the olive groves and hiking trails of Crete and the beautiful beaches of Mykonos. Starting and finishing at Kusadasi in Turkey, this cruise can be combined with a trip to the ancient city of Ephesus as well as giving you half a day to explore the historical sites in Athens.

• Prices start from £215 for departures in 2016, the cruise includes full board, accommodation and entertainment. Cruises start on 12 March 2016 and run through to October. There is also late availability for October 2015.

• See the best of the Greek islands on a seven day Idyllic cruise on the Celestyal Crystal. Famous highlights like the volcanic drama of Santorini's coastline, photogenic Mykonos with its windmills and 'floating' Alefkhandra neighborhood and the beaches of Ios and Kos are combined with lesser known gems. Discover Milos, home to ancient catacombs and stunning beaches. Explore the thick forests, wetlands and spectacular waterfalls of Samos and get a taste for Greek specialities like halva pie, loukoumi and local cheeses on Syros. Onboard guests can immerse themselves in Greek culture through the Greek food, wine, music and themed events. You also get two tastes of Turkey with stops in Istanbul and the former fishing port of Kusadasi.

Cruises run in July and August 2016 and prices start at £597 per person, the cruise includes full board, accommodation and entertainment.

For further information, or to book, visit www.celestyalcruises.com or call +30 210 4583400.

About Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal Cruises is the only home porting cruise operator in Greece and the preeminent cruise line for the Greek Islands and Turkey. Celestyal Cruises' new brand, Cuba Cruises, provides passengers with an authentic Cuban cruise experience, the best of Cuba on impeccable seven-day voyages.

At the 2015 Greek Tourism Awards, Celestyal Cruises was awarded a Gold Award for Themed Events, a Silver Award for Contribution to the National Economy, a Silver Award for Contribution to Local Economies and a Bronze Award for Promotion of Local Cuisine. Since 2011 Celestyal Cruises has been a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a worldwide cruise industry alliance that promotes a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. The Celestyal logo evokes the sea, the sun and the wind. It reflects the company's commitment to its Hellenic roots, and to supporting the economy and preserving the environment of each destination it visits. For more information, please visit CelestyalCruises.com.