Celestyal Discovery returns to service after major refit

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 0

* 47 staterooms added with two new cabin categories

* 52% increase in the ship’s premium capacity and 7.4% increase overall

* Celestyal is first cruise line to return to Santorini

Celestyal Discovery has returned to service following a major refit in Athens over the winter period.

The 1360-guest ship set sail on the opening voyage of its 2025 Greece and Mediterranean season – a three-night ‘Iconic Greek Islands’ cruise departing from Athens on March 21. The itinerary continued with its call to Santorini on March 23, representing the first visit from a cruise ship following the removal of the temporary restrictions that had been put in place by the local Greek authorities.

The refurbishment introduced 47 additional cabins: 32 suites have expanded the ship’s premium capacity by 52%, reflecting the growing demand for this category of accommodation, while 15 interior ‘Cosmos Cabins’ have also been added. This overall increase in cabins has raised the ship’s total capacity by 7.4%.

The 32 suites include two new categories – 30 ‘Junior Dream Suites’ which are 25m²in size featuring balconies up to 5.6m²and two ‘Grand Horizon Suites’ – which are situated above the bridge 42 m²in size including separate living areas and generous 15.5 m² balconies.

Other upgrades include the addition of the ‘Smoked Olive’ restaurant in line with her fleet mate Celestyal Journey, available as a dedicated dining space for all suite guests. ‘Smoked Olive’ offers complimentary dining with an optional a la carte menu charged at a small fee. Other guests are welcome on a walk-in basis for dinner, subject to availability. There will also be a pop-up evening restaurant ‘Grill Seekers’ with a bookable private dining area later in the season, offering high-end, speciality regional cuisine inspired by the destinations on the ship’s itinerary.

Celestyal has invested significantly in the ship since its introduction to the fleet in November 2023. The line initially updated all the social spaces onboard, along with a stateroom refresh and the addition of a new coffee bar, Café Nation, as well as the complimentary eateries, the ‘Pizza Oven’ and poolside ‘Greek Deli’. All the refurbishments work was led by specialist design agency AMK.

Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “This latest refit reinforces our commitment to constantly evolving our guest experience and offering out-of-this-world value. Our stunning upgrades, including two new cabin categories, provide guests with even more home comforts and choice in line with demand for more premium and spacious staterooms.

“We were thrilled to debut Celestyal Discovery’s upgrades last week and to be the first cruise line back to the island of Santorini, which is a firm favourite with our guests, as we kick-start the new season in the Greek islands and Mediterranean”

Celestyal Discovery will offer three- and four-night night ‘Iconic Greek Islands’ cruises departing Athens from March to November, calling at Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes and Santorini with prices starting from £299pp for an interior Cosmos Cabin, £889pp for a new Junior Dream Suite, and £1099pp for a new Grand Horizon Suite.* All meals, soft drinks, WiFi and gratuities included.