Celestyal Cruises to go all inclusive for 2017.

Specialist Greek cruise operator, Celestyal Cruises, is to go all inclusive for all cruises sailing in 2017. The new pricing includes not only all drinks on board during the cruises in 2017, but also shore excursions in each port of call as well.

This represents astonishing value for a small, mainstream cruise line. Only the very much more upscale (and expensive) Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers anything remotely like it.

Celestyal operates a pair of smaller, older ships out of the Greek ports of Piraeus and Lavrion- both on the outskirts of Athens- on a series of three, four and seven night cruises, typically running each year from March through November.

The fleet flagship is the 38,000 ton, 1600 passenger Celestyal Olympia. The recently refurbished ship sails on three and four day cruises each week, typically calling at Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion and Santorini. The longer, four night cruises folds in a full day on Rhodes into the mix. Fares begin at 366 euros per person, cruise only.

Smaller and more intimate, the 19,000 ton Celestyal Nefeli offers seven night cruises, with ports of call including Santorini, Napflion, Chania, Izmir, Rhodes, Cesme and Mykonos. Fares for these begin at 898 euros per person, cruise only.

All of these cruises also qualify for a 15% early booking discount.

The ships are comfortable rather than luxurious, and very much reflect the Greek way of life on board, especially in terms of food and entertainment. As a way to see several islands in a very short space of time, Celestyal offers a comprehensive, very cost effective cruise product at a price that will not break the bank. It's a good option for singles, couples, and even groups of friends maybe looking for a short, exhilarating break from the norm.

Top tips; the Greek Islands are typically at their best in late spring and early autumn. Summer can be incredibly hot and, with lots of ships sailing Greek itineraries, the crowds can be something else, too.

In terms of connecting flights to Athens, Easyjet flies from London Gatwick. If you live far from London, both Air France and KLM have flights that connect with the Greek capital, via Paris and Amsterdam respectively. You can also fly with BA from some regional airports, connecting via London Heathrow.

Be aware that both ships sail from Piraeus and Lavrion at 11.30 on both Monday and Friday mornings, and that a one night pre cruise hotel stay in Athens will almost certainly have to be factored into your total cost price.