Celestyal, the leading cruise operator of Greek origin with cruises to the Greek islands and beyond confirmed today the acquisition of a second new vessel this year. The Celestyal Discovery, following the recent arrival of the Celestyal Journey, confirms the renewal of the fleet and a greater commitment to a significant investment in the customer experience.
Celestyal Discovery will join her fleetmate in Athens, where both will undergo multi-million dollar renovation programs ahead of the new season, which begins in March 2024. The ship's name symbolizes the company's ethos of creating unrepeatable moments of discovery through the connection between people, places and oneself. It embodies Celestyal's spirit of trust, sense of exploration and admiration. Built in 2003 for Carnival Corporation, she has sailed under the AIDA Cruise brand for her entire career to date. The Celestyal Discovery is a medium-sized ship, which allows Celestyal to continue offering its hallmark, the mix of emblematic destinations and more hidden gems that characterize the company's itineraries. She offers 633 cabins, 62 of them with a balcony, with a total capacity for about 1,266 passengers.
Cruise sales on Celestyal's new ship will open on December 11, 2023, taking over from the 2024 Celestyal Olympia schedule. Special launch offers will be included in Black Friday promotions released later this week, as well as as throughout Celestyal's largest “Wave” campaign to date, launching at the end of the year. Guests currently booked on the Celestyal Olympia will be contacted by Celestyal after this date and rebooked on departures on the newly renovated Celestyal Discovery.
"Based on strong market and business conditions, we are delighted to have accelerated our fleet renewal by welcoming Celestyal Discovery to the Celestyal family," said CEO Chris Theophilides. "Celestyal Discovery joins Celestyal Journey to undergo an extensive refurbishment program over the winter period, further showing our intention to continue to delight our customers. As a trusted brand, our team is delighted to continue making waves in the industry next season, with a renewed fleet, brand and network, and a renewed sense of direction."
Celestyal Discovery will offer numerous Celestyal fleet favorite features - an inviting Amphitheater with ample conference and event space, vibrant lounges, Grillseekers specialty restaurant, a Sozo wellness retreat, a spacious pool deck with an exclusive Rays deck , the Greek Deli, and a Fig and Honey ice cream and juice bar. She will also offer some surprises in the offer for customers that will be added during her upcoming renovation program in Greece. More details about the onboard experience and itineraries will be announced soon.
