Celestyal Experience, which will have capacity for up to 1,800 passengers, will operate its first sailing on 6 March with a seven-night Three Continents itinerary from Athens.

The ship will then sail on a series of seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruises around the eastern Mediterranean starting from 3 April.

Celestyal Experience was formerly part of Costa Cruises’ fleet when it was known as Costa neoRomantica. The ship has undergone refurbishment since being purchased by Celestyal Cruises from Costa in July.

The ship offers 789 cabins including 166 with balconies, terraces or bridge-view verandas. It also features four restaurants, seven bars and lounges, beach club and two pools.

Celestyal Cruises’ chief executive Chris Theophilides said: “This has been a challenging year for everyone. However, we are extremely optimistic about the future of travel and, especially, of cruising.

“We are delighted with the addition of Celestyal Experience to our fleet.  This ship will be a game-changer for us, and we can’t wait to introduce her to our guests. 

“Celestyal Experience embodies Celestyal Cruises’ commitment to an intimate, authentically Greek experience onboard a contemporary, well-appointed, mid-sized cruise vessel.”