ATHENS – On June 9, Celestyal Cruises, the Greek cruise company and the award-winning, number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Mediterranean, announced a strategic partnership with The Hellenic Initiative (THI), a global non-profit organization, comprised of the Greek diaspora, that invests in the future of Greece through the direct philanthropy and revitalization of the country. The organization is involved in crisis relief, entrepreneurship and economic development.  Through this alliance, Celestyal has  been named one of THI’s Corporate Ambassadors and the exclusive cruise partner of the organization.

“The Hellenic Initiative is pleased to welcome Celestyal Cruises into our Corporate Ambassador's program as our exclusive cruise partner. As an organization committed to the betterment of Greece and Cyprus we are honored to be partnering with a company that is both growing and providing employment while at the same time acting as a good corporate citizen. Celestyal Cruises is a model for supporting local communities in sustainable and ethical ways. We encourage our members to discover the Greek Islands and the East Mediterranean with Celestyal," said Peter J. Poulos, THI Executive Director.

As a part of the partnership, Celestyal Cruises will be donating five percent of the cost of all 2021-22 cruises booked by THI membership in support of the organization’s philanthropic initiatives. 

“As a Greece-based company, Celestyal Cruises is deeply committed to supporting the communities where we live and work. We see launching this partnership with The Hellenic Initiative during the global pandemic as pivotal towards helping to jump start Greece’s economy, which has been so deeply impacted by the loss of tourism, an industry that is vital to the economic vitality of the country and the livelihoods of so many of its residents. There is no better organization than The Hellenic Initiative to propel the Greek diaspora towards a common goal of helping Greece in a time of need and we’re thrilled to be working towards this common goal as their exclusive cruise partner,” said Leslie Peden, Celestyal Chief Commercial Officer.

Celestyal Cruises has fast built an award-winning reputation and recognition as the number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and East Mediterranean thanks to its regional expertise and exceptional hospitality. The company operates two vessels, each one cosy enough to provide genuine and highly personalized services. The foundation of the company’s philosophy is built on a unique Greek heritage which combines outstanding hospitality with genuine cultural destination immersion and provides authentic, lifetime experiences both onboard and onshore.

In February 2020, Celestyal Cruises was honored at the Cruise Excellence Awards for its "3 Continents" cruise, as the best cruise itinerary for 2019.                                           

In June 2019, Celestyal Cruises was honored for its overall contribution and commitment to the development of the cruise industry in the East Med region at the MedCruise Awards in Genoa.

In December 2019 and 2018 respectively Celestyal Cruises was given the UK Editors’ Picks Award for Best Service by Cruise Critic, the world's largest cruise reviews site and online cruise community. In February 2018 Celestyal Cruises received four Cruise Critic Cruisers Choice Awards: two first place awards, for Shore Excursions and Value, and two second place awards, for Service and Entertainment.

Celestyal Cruises is deeply committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. The company actively supports the local communities in the destinations it visits, particularly in the field of education. Since 2015, more than 2000 students on the Greek islands of Milos, Patmos, Samos and Ios have enjoyed a “journey to knowledge,” by attending specialized educational programs, initiated by Celestyal Cruises. Additionally, Celestyal Cruises supports cultural NGOs to promote youth entrepreneurship, marine student development and child welfare.

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More information about The Hellenic Initiative is available online: http://www.TheHellenicInitiative.org/ and http://onegreece.org.

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