Suite life: why the idyllic Aegean is a perfect family summer cruise

The idea of an Aegean family cruise definitely appealed to Rochelle Streater, but what she didn’t expect was just how family-friendly Celestyal Cruises would be.

Mykonos, Aegean family cruise © Rochelle Streater

A luxury Aegean cruise we could get really get used to

From the moment we boarded, it was clear this was no ordinary Aegean family cruise. For a start we had the Grand Suite – to call it “spacious” is an understatement, and as well as blending modern luxury and warm comfort in the design, it featured stunning views so we woke up each morning to the sight of the sun rising over the horizon.

But what struck me most was the attention to detail. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like VIPs and the suite came with personalised service delivered by cabin servers, who quickly became friends. Their thoughtful, genuine care made our stay even more extraordinary and my daughters loved the little treats they left in the room for them each day. They also prepared our daily timetable, and brought us any excursion tickets and destination info we needed for the next day: a personal touch we really appreciated.

Celestyal Cruises offered an impressive choice of excursions, and we took full advantage.

We loved every minute of our amazing day trips

Our first adventure brought us to a remarkable excavation site in Santorini, where we were in awe of the well-preserved artefacts and sense of ancient history.

The House of the Virgin in Ephesus was another unforgettable visit, and while in Crete we immersed ourselves completely in the island’s rich culture and heritage on fascinating museum tours. We also found ourselves completely bewitched by lovely Mykonos where we wandered through vibrant alleyways lined with local shops and cafés, and delighted in getting lost time and again around winding streets where each turn revealed something new.

Every evening, we found ourselves eagerly anticipating dinner as the ship offered a range of dining options that pleased the pickiest eaters and impressed the more adventurous palates. Our favourite restaurant was The Smoked Olive which serves a beautiful buffet breakfast, and the most amazing three-course lunch and dinner. Again the service was impeccable and we never felt like just another family at a table; the staff seemed to anticipate our needs before we even voiced them.

Mohammed, in particular, made dining a joy, remembering our preferences, recommending dishes, and even bringing special treats for my daughters. It was those touches that really made us feel we were part of the Celestyal family.

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Entertainment tailored for families made this Aegean cruise unforgettable

When the plates were cleared, it was time for the evening entertainment. My daughters, always the first to be at the front, could hardly contain their excitement as they waited for the shows to begin. From dazzling live performances to heart-pounding dance acts, the spectacle was always incredible, each night felt fresh and the quality rivalled that of any West End show. My daughters especially loved the interactive performances, where they could sing and dance along, making the whole experience more immersive and fun. For me, the entertainment was more than just a way to pass the time, it was a chance to see my girls’ eyes light up with joy and watching them laugh, cheer, and dance was my cruise highlight.

The performances catered to all ages, which meant my daughters and I were equally captivated—a rare feat on any holiday. The entertainment team also organised other kids’ events during the day such as football tournaments, basketball games, and video game challenges or arts and craft workshops and kids clubs, for smaller children. A very cute soft play area was another big hit, particularly with my younger daughter.

If all of that doesn’t ‘float their boat’ (excuse the pun) the two pools at either end of the ship come into play: great for cooling off after a day exploring on shore.

Celestyal Cruises mixes luxury with friendly warmth and impressed us no end

What made this holiday truly stand out was the personal service and the way Celestyal Cruises has perfected the balance between luxury and intimacy.

From the housekeeping staff to the servers and activity coordinators, every single person we met went out of their way to ensure we had an unforgettable experience and the friends we made, added a layer of warmth to the trip I did not expect.

Whether we were exploring ancient cities, dining on gourmet cuisine, or simply lounging in our grand suite, there was always a sense that we were being looked after in the most caring way. And, of course, my daughters never missed a single moment of the evening entertainment, which remains one of their favourite memories.

Celestyal Cruises provided an exceptional family experience that went far beyond our expectations. From the grandeur of our suite to the personal connections we made and the breathtaking destinations we visited, it was the perfect balance of luxury, culture, and entertainment. This Aegean journey left a lasting impression, and we’re already looking forward to our next adventure with Celestyal. We’re thinking perhaps one of their newly launched Middle East itineraries?