I’m a travel writer who has traveled the world.
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My most memorable travel moments came when I wandered far off the beaten path and ran head-first into lifestyles beyond the scope of my lived experience.
These moments have shaped who I am as a writer, traveler, and human.
Given many of these ‘a-ha moments’ happened accidentally, it can be hard to pin down and package a truly transformational trip. Transformation, as often as it’s sought by wellness-motivated travelers, can’t be produced willy-nilly.
Or that’s what I thought until I heard about Celestia.
I’d call Celestia a cruise company, but its single vessel is wind-powered and hand-built according to UNESCO-protected traditional practices from Indonesia. And its cruises are bespoke, designed to offer diving, gourmet meals, and cultural tours
Also, it’s ultra-lux.
Do I have your attention?
Welcome to the craziest travel experience I’ve ever heard of – one that I have no problem guaranteeing will change how you see yourself, this world, and our shared heritage.
Celestia Luxury Phinis: a look at the company, the mission, the message
Celestia is a bespoke cruise company based in Bali and serving Indonesian waters. Again, I want to address the term ‘cruise’ because this is really a private sailing experience.
The vessels stay close to the shore and use wind power to navigate the thousands of islands dotting the Indonesian Archipelago.
They have one vessel named Celestia, where the company draws its names—and she’s gorgeous. Technically speaking, Celestia is a 45-meter Phinisi yacht.
A Phinisi yacht is a traditional sailing boat native to Indonesia; as a maritime culture, they’re a celebration and preservation of Indonesian heritage.
In fact, UNESCO recognized the Phinisi (or Pinisi) yacht as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity back in 2017. This designation refers specifically to the design and construction of the yachts, which are a core part of the country’s history and modern identity.
Guests on board aren’t just learning a little bit about culture—they’re living it day in, day out.
3 travel itineraries coming in 2025
As outlined up top, Celestia is a luxury, no-expenses-spared cruise company. They stick to Indonesia’s highly sought-after Coral Triangle, known for its beautiful reefs (home to up to 75% of all coral species live here) and calm waters.
In 2025, Celestia is offering three cruises that guests can join.
These cruises are available starting on January 1, 2025—but you can book your stay now. All journeys have flexible booking dates, allowing travelers to customize their itineraries and take full advantage of the slow travel movement.
You’ll have a choice between these programs.
A Culinary Journey of Indonesia with Chef Wayan Kresna Yasa
Duration: 4 nights / 5 days
Foodies, look no further—this is the Celestia cruise for you. With Indonesia’s favorite, famous celeb chef in the kitchen (that’s Chef Wayan Kresna Yasa), you’ll be able to eat your way across the country.
Not only does the head chef offer cooking demonstrations and tours of local food markets, but you also have the chance to pluck your meal straight from the ocean.
Divers’ Paradise: Komodo National Park
Duration: 4 nights / 5 days
This full-service diving program takes you to one of the wildest parts of the country: Komodo National Park. Cruise director and dive master Jennifer Tan heads the journey, showcasing famous diving sites like The Shotgun, Manta Point, Castle Rock, and more.
Retracing History in the Spice Islands
Duration: 8 nights / 7 days
Want to venture into the past? This cruise takes you around Indonesia’s most famous spice islands, which drew the attention of Dutch and English colonists back in the day.
You even get to visit the island of Pulau Rhun—which the Dutch wanted so badly that they handed Manhattan over to the English back in 1667. Aside from history lessons, guests can expect unrivaled natural beauty.
The big catch?
Here’s where I break your heart. Given the ultra-luxury and highly opulent nature of this hand-built cruise ship and its highly bespoke mission, its cruise programs aren’t cheap.
Actually, they’re exorbitant.
That being said, I have never seen a travel experience quite like this—so I think those price tags are slightly more reasonable when viewed through a lens of novelty, meaning, and sustainability. Also, the prices listed below include tax.
- A Culinary Journey of Indonesia with Chef Wayan Kresna Yasa costs $60,480
- Divers’ Paradise: Komodo National Park costs $60,480
- Retracing History in the Spice Islands costs $105,840
