Celestyal Journey Review: This Small Ship Brings Big Charm to the Adriatic

Sailing through the Adriatic aboard Celestyal Journey isn’t your typical cruise experience—and that’s exactly the point.

This recently refreshed 1,260-passenger vessel may not have a roller coaster or robotic bartenders, but what it lacks in spectacle, it more than makes up for in soul. Designed for travelers who want culture, comfort, and fewer crowds, Celestyal Journey delivers a relaxed, refreshingly unpolished way to explore the Mediterranean.

A Ship That Feels Like a Sanctuary

After a $21 million refurbishment, the ship (once known as Holland America’s Ryndam) has been reimagined with clean, modern interiors and a distinctly Greek identity. It’s cozy without feeling cramped, with 630 staterooms—most offering sea views and a generous number with balconies.

One of the highlights of my time onboard was staying in one of the Grand Suites, which offered more space, upgraded finishes, and easy access to the ship’s open-air decks. It wasn’t over-the-top, but it felt elevated in all the right ways. I put together a full Grand Suite tour of Cabin 10018 for anyone curious about the layout and amenities. While the suite was clearly refreshed during the ship’s renovation, a few signs of its older bones still popped up, like slightly finicky lighting or the lack of North American outlets. Still, the comfort and layout made it a great place to recharge between ports.

Dining Without the Fuss

There’s no pretension when it comes to food on Celestyal Journey, just solid, flavorful fare. You’ll find Greek and Mediterranean options in Thalassa, casual bites at Fig & Honey, and even a surprisingly good Asian menu at Pink Moon. The Chef’s Table offers a more interactive experience if you’re up for a little culinary adventure.

Loose dress codes. No multi-hour marathons. Just good food served with warm hospitality.

The Heavenly Adriatic Itinerary: A True Highlight

I sailed the Heavenly Adriatic route, a captivating journey through coastal gems like Kefalonia, Kotor, Dubrovnik, and Bari. What struck me most was how well-paced the itinerary felt. Port stops were long enough to explore without the rush, and shore excursions leaned into local flavor.

This cruise isn’t about checking off boxes. It’s about soaking in the Adriatic’s magic at your own pace. (For a more detailed look at that itinerary, check out my full Heavenly Adriatic review.)

Real Talk: It’s Not Flawless

There are a few quirks. The pools aren’t heated, and the hot tubs tend to lose their warmth quickly after the first day. There’s no onboard app, so you’ll be relying on paper schedules and announcements. Technology across the ship is limited, which adds to its old-school, analog charm.

Celestyal Journey isn’t aiming to be the biggest or flashiest ship at sea. It’s built for travelers who care more about meaningful experiences than flashy features. This cruise is less about constant stimulation and more about slowing down and soaking in the journey.

If you’d rather explore cobblestone towns and olive groves than hang out on neon-lit decks, this might be your kind of ship.