Janet Parton, Celestyal’s sales vice-president, UK, Europe and Australia, said the line hoped to use the UK-based tour operator to drive sales in this country.

“We pride ourselves on providing a wealth of eye-catching calls with every cruise,” she added.

“Olympic Holidays is ideally placed to highlight these with their customers, as well as the multiple other benefits we offer both on and off our ships."

Olympic Holidays managing director Michael Vinales said Celestyal was the “perfect partner” for the tour operator.

“Together we share an unrivalled depth of knowledge and experience when it comes to promoting and selling Greece and her islands and expanding our cruise portfolio is a natural next step,” he said. 

“These new itineraries and our partnership with Celestyal will offer our customers greater opportunities to explore Greece and her islands with all the added benefits of luxury and convenience that a cruise offers.”

Prices for a five-night holiday with a pre- and post-cruise stay at the Dave Red Athens hotel and a three-night Iconic Aegean cruise, departing 9 May 2024, start from £1,295pp. 

The lead-in price for a six-night holiday with a pre- and post-cruise stay at the Dave Red Athens hotel and a four-night Iconic Aegean cruise, departing 16 June 2024, is £1,695pp. 

 All packages include return flights from London and transfers, plus breakfast with hotel stays.