Editor's Note: This article was originally published on Nov. 21, 2023. It was last updated on March 28, 2024.
Following the recent introduction of the new Celestyal Journey, Greece-specializing Celestyal Cruises will unveil its upcoming Celestyal Discovery in March 2024, following a refurbishment. Discovery will replace the existing Celestyal Olympia out of Athens, effectively refreshing the line’s entire two-ship fleet.
“Given strong market and business conditions, we are thrilled to have expedited the renewal of our fleet to welcome the Celestyal Discovery into the Celestyal family,” said Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal. “Celestyal Discovery joins the Celestyal Journey to undergo an extensive refurbishment program over the winter period, further signifying our intent to keep delighting our customers. As a confident challenger brand, our team is excited to continue to make waves across the industry next season, with a refreshed fleet, brand, network and a renewed sense of direction.”
The 2003-built, 1,266-guest Celestyal Discovery last operated as AIDA Cruises’ AIDAaura, (just as the 1994-constructed Celestyal Journey was previously owned by Holland America Line and P&O Cruises Australia). Both Celestyal ships are scheduled for winter refurbishments, with Discovery — named to symbolize “the company ethos of creating unmissable moments of discovery through connecting people, places and self,” according to the line — receiving a number of Celestyal signature venues.
Among the public spaces will be an amphitheater with conference and event areas, several lounges, the “Grillseekers” specialty restaurant, Sozo wellness center, a pool deck, the exclusive “Rays” deck, a Greek deli and the “Fig and Honey” gelato and juice bar. A few surprises are also in store for guests.
Private accommodations, meanwhile, will extend to 633 staterooms, 62 of which will sport balconies.
Clients currently scheduled onboard Celestyal Olympia will be contacted about transferring their booking to Celestyal Discovery when the new ship goes on sale, starting Dec. 11, 2023.
Now that the ship has launched, the line has revealed its enhanced livery complete with updated logo, Celestyal stars, streamlined word-mark and wave hull art. Additionally refreshed venues onboard extend to a pair of main restaurants — Thalassa and The Taverna — plus Cafe Nation coffee shop, Pizza Oven and Discovery Lounge, where brand partnerships will be seasonally showcased. Other watering holes are Star Bar on deck 8, Ocean Bar on 7 and AFTer Bar & Club on 10. Also familiar to previous Celestyal guests will be Sozo Spa and Glow Beauty Bar, as well as a signature gym and pool deck.