The Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean specialist line will now look to restart cruises on 6 March 2021. 

Chief commercial officer Leslie Peden said despite optimism over being able to resume operations this summer,  “the prevailing uncertainty regarding travel restrictions” coupled with “continuing discussions” within the EU over cruise health protocols, the decision had been made to postpone its return. 

“We felt that as a company, we have already put our travel partners and guests through enough date changes on when cruising could return safely,” Peden said in a statement. 

He added that the line believed voluntarily pausing operations until next year would make it “better positioned to offer more clarity and certainty to our valued partners and guests, as well as peace of mind.”

“We will now shift our full attention to developing both 2021 and 2022 business where we are seeing encouraging signs of pent-up demand and be well prepared to implement all enhanced health protocols that will ultimately be established by the EU and the countries where we operate. 

“Whilst we appreciate and share in the disappointment our guests will feel about this decision, their wellbeing, as well as that of our loyal crew and the local communities we visit, is always top of mind.”

For all named and paid guests Celestyal is offering a future cruise credit worth 120% of original booking value. 

Guests have until the end of December 2021 to redeem their credit against any Celestyal itinerary through to the end of December 2022. 

Customers who choose not to redeem their credit by end of December 2021 will automatically receive a full refund equal. Credits will automatically be sent to guests or their travel agent.