Celestyal Cruises confirms purchase of new ship

The 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, as it will be known, was originally built as Ryndam for Holland America Line and more recently sailed with P&O Australia.

It will undergo a €20 million refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul before entering service, becoming the third ship in the Celestyal fleet, alongside Celestyal Olympia and Celestyal Crystal.

The cruise line said that details regarding the on-board experience and itineraries will be announced in due course.

Celestyal Cruises' CEO, Chris Theophilides, said: “While the global events of the past few years have placed our growth plans on pause, the positive industry outlook along with strong bookings for the coming season, provides Celestyal with the opportunity to recommence the process of renewing our fleet with new vessels.

“In addition to her expansive open decks, numerous bar and dining options and spacious public areas and staterooms, Celestyal Journey provides our guests with a significant increase in premium and balcony staterooms, which continue to be in high demand on all of our voyages.”