Celestyal Discovery is the newest addition to the Celestyal fleet, joining in November 2023 after being acquired from AIDA Cruises. This ship represents Celestyal’s commitment to fleet modernization and expansion into new markets while maintaining its focus on authentic experiences and destination immersion.
Ship History and Acquisition
Celestyal Discovery was originally built as AIDAaura for AIDA Cruises, a German cruise line owned by Carnival Corporation. Constructed at the Aker MTW shipyard in Wismar, Germany, she was launched in 2003 as the third vessel in AIDA’s first generation of purpose-built cruise ships.
After 20 years of successful operation with AIDA Cruises, the ship was acquired by Celestyal in November 2023 as part of the company’s strategic fleet renewal program. Following an extensive refurbishment to align with Celestyal’s brand standards and guest experience philosophy, the ship entered service in March 2024 under her new name, Celestyal Discovery.
The acquisition of Celestyal Discovery, coming just months after the addition of Celestyal Journey, marked a significant milestone in Celestyal’s growth strategy. With two modern vessels replacing the older ships in its fleet, Celestyal positioned itself to deliver enhanced experiences while maintaining its distinctive focus on authentic Greek hospitality and destination-rich itineraries.
Onboard Features and Amenities
Celestyal Discovery offers a comprehensive range of facilities designed to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that Celestyal is known for:
Dining Venues:
- Olympus Restaurant – The main dining venue serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine and international favorites.
- Amalthia Restaurant – A specialty dining venue offering an elevated culinary experience with a menu that changes throughout the cruise.
- Aegean Buffet – The ship’s casual dining option offering a wide variety of dishes throughout the day, including themed nights celebrating Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Poseidon Grill – An outdoor venue serving grilled specialties and light fare by the pool.
- Artemis Café – A casual spot for coffee, pastries, and light snacks.
- Dionysus Wine Bar – Featuring an extensive selection of Greek and international wines paired with Mediterranean tapas.
Entertainment & Recreation:
- Muses Theater – The main entertainment venue hosting production shows, live music, and guest performances.
- Apollo Lounge – A versatile venue for live music, dancing, and special events.
- Hermes Casino – Offering a selection of table games and slot machines.
- Athena Library – A quiet space for reading and relaxation.
- Helios Pool – The main outdoor pool area with comfortable loungers and two whirlpools.
- Eros Bar – A poolside venue serving refreshing drinks and light snacks.
- Odyssey Nightclub – The ship’s late-night entertainment venue featuring a dance floor and DJ.
Wellness & Fitness:
- Sozo Spa – A comprehensive wellness facility offering a range of treatments inspired by Greek and Mediterranean healing traditions.
- Fitness Center – A well-equipped gym with cardio and strength training equipment, plus scheduled fitness classes.
- Sports Deck – Featuring a jogging track and outdoor recreation areas.
- Beauty Salon – Offering hair styling, manicures, pedicures, and other beauty services.
Shopping & Services:
- Agora Shops – Duty-free boutiques selling souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, and sundries.
- Photo Gallery – Displaying professional photographs taken throughout the cruise.
- Reception & Guest Services – The central hub for passenger assistance and information.
- Shore Excursions Desk – For booking guided tours and experiences in port.
- Internet Café – Providing computer access and Wi-Fi services.
Accommodation: Celestyal Discovery offers a variety of cabin categories to suit different preferences and budgets:
- Interior Cabins – Comfortable accommodations featuring modern amenities and efficient use of space.
- Oceanview Cabins – Similar to interior cabins but with a window or porthole offering natural light and sea views.
- Balcony Cabins – Featuring a private veranda for enjoying the sea air and scenic views.
- Junior Suites – Spacious accommodations with expanded living areas and premium amenities.
- Grand Suites – The most luxurious accommodations on the ship, featuring separate living and sleeping areas and an expansive private veranda.
All accommodations feature Celestyal’s signature comfort amenities, including premium bedding, flat-screen televisions, mini-refrigerators, and private bathrooms with shower. Suite guests enjoy additional perks such as priority embarkation and disembarkation, complimentary specialty dining, premium beverage packages, and dedicated concierge service.
Itineraries and Destinations
Celestyal Discovery primarily operates in the Eastern Mediterranean, with a focus on Greek Islands and Turkish coastal destinations. The ship’s itineraries are designed to maximize time in port, often featuring late departures or overnight stays to allow guests to experience the destinations more fully.
Key itineraries include:
- Iconic Aegean – A 3- or 4-night introduction to the Greek Islands, perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time.
- Idyllic Aegean – A 7-night exploration of iconic Greek Islands including Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Crete, plus a visit to Kuşadası, Turkey.
- Eclectic Aegean – A 7-night journey combining Greek Islands with fascinating Turkish ports including Istanbul and Çanakkale.
- Adriatic Explorer – A specialized itinerary exploring the stunning coastlines of Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy.
During the winter season, Celestyal Discovery operates select voyages to the Holy Land and Egypt, offering unique cultural and historical experiences in these ancient destinations.
