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Celestyal Discovery

Celestyal Discovery is a Sphinx-class built in 2003 by Aker MTW Werft in , , and currently operated by for short-haul voyages in the and . Previously sailing as AIDAaura for from 2003 to 2023, the vessel was acquired by Celestyal in late 2023, underwent a refit, and entered service with the line in March 2024 after a brief interim naming as Lara. With a of 42,289 GT and a length of 203 meters (666 feet), it accommodates up to 1,360 passengers served by 492 crew members across 12 decks, featuring 680 cabins including 60 with balconies and 34 suites. The ship's facilities emphasize casual, all-inclusive cruising with five main restaurants—such as the main dining venue , Mediterranean-inspired , and specialty options like Smoked Olive and Grill Seekers—alongside nine bars and , a with two jacuzzis, the Sozo and wellness center, a , a show lounge, and onboard shops. All cabins include air conditioning, private bathrooms with showers, telephones, hair dryers, safety deposit boxes, and televisions, catering to a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Celestyal Discovery primarily offers 3- and 4-night "Iconic Aegean" itineraries departing from (), , visiting ports like , , and (Kusadasi, ) with extended stays for overnight exploration. Starting in November 2025, it will also sail "Iconic Arabia" routes from , , exploring the with stops in destinations such as and Island, extending its operations beyond the Greek Isles through at least 2028. These voyages highlight Celestyal's focus on destination-immersive, premium experiences in historic and scenic regions, replacing older vessels like the retired Celestyal in the fleet.

Background

Construction

The Celestyal Discovery, originally constructed as a mid-sized for , was built at the Aker MTW Werft shipyard in , . The project, undertaken by the German shipbuilder known for its expertise in passenger , resulted in a designed for short-haul . began with the on January 11, 2002, marking the start of assembly for this 42,289-gross-ton ship. The hull was launched on September 7, 2002, allowing for further outfitting in the shipyard's facilities. The total amounted to $350 million USD, reflecting the in advanced materials and systems for a modern fleet addition. Delivery and christening occurred on April 12, 2003, following completion of initial technical preparations, including the of a diesel-electric rated at 27,150 kW. This power plant, comprising generators and ABB electric motors driving two propellers, was outfitted to ensure efficient performance and reliability from the outset. Upon handover to P&O Princess Cruises International (later integrated into Corporation), the ship was named AIDAaura.

Ownership and naming history

The cruise ship now known as Celestyal Discovery was ordered on September 29, 1999, by from the Aker MTW shipyard in , , as the lead vessel of a pair of Sphinx-class ships alongside her sister AIDAvita. At the time, operated as a subsidiary of following P&O's full acquisition of the brand's partner Arkona Touristik in 2000. The vessel was delivered on April 12, 2003, and entered service with under the name AIDAaura, christened in , . This delivery occurred shortly after the April 2003 merger of Carnival Corporation and , which integrated fully into Carnival's portfolio as a wholly owned subsidiary focused on the German market. AIDAaura remained in continuous operation with for two decades, serving primarily European itineraries until AIDA announced her retirement on January 5, 2023, with the final voyage scheduled for September 2023 as part of a fleet optimization strategy. Following her retirement, AIDAaura was initially slated for sale to Miray International, a Turkish firm planning to rename her MV Lara for a three-year world cruise under its Life at Sea brand, but the deal collapsed in late 2023 due to financial and logistical issues. Carnival Corporation subsequently sold the vessel to on November 16, 2023, for an undisclosed sum, marking Celestyal's second fleet addition that year after the acquisition of another former ship. Renamed Celestyal Discovery in December 2023, she underwent a multimillion-euro refurbishment at the shipyard near , , before debuting with Celestyal on March 9, 2024, on a three-night Iconic Aegean itinerary from . In early 2025, Celestyal Discovery underwent a major refurbishment, adding 47 new cabins to increase its capacity and premium accommodations.

Design and features

Architectural overview

The Celestyal Discovery exhibits a sleek, modern profile characteristic of early-2000s architecture, with a design philosophy centered on maximizing panoramic sea views and fostering open, airy deck spaces to enhance the passenger experience at sea. Originally constructed as the AIDAaura by Aker MTW Werft in , , the vessel's external structure emphasizes expansive glazing and fluid lines, drawing from the innovative "club ship" concept that prioritizes casual, view-oriented layouts over traditional formal elements. Measuring 202.85 meters in length overall, with a beam of 28.1 meters and a draft of 6.3 meters, the ship's proportions provide inherent stability through its relatively wide beam, which lowers the center of gravity and improves resistance to rolling, while the shallow draft facilitates access to smaller ports and shallower harbors common in Mediterranean itineraries. This configuration supports the vessel's operational flexibility without compromising seaworthiness. The multi-deck arrangement spans 11 passenger-accessible levels, incorporating expansive sundecks for outdoor relaxation and a prominent two-storey theater that serves as a central hub with tiered seating for immersive performances. External features include large picture windows across multiple decks and private balconies on 60 cabins, strategically positioned to offer unobstructed vistas of surrounding seascapes and ports of call. Following its 2024 refit by AMK Architecture & Design, subtle aesthetic enhancements, such as integrated Greek-inspired fluid lines, further accentuate the hull's modern silhouette while preserving the core structural integrity.

Interior amenities

The Celestyal Discovery accommodates passengers in 680 cabins, including 60 balcony cabins equipped with modern amenities such as , private bathrooms with showers, telephones, hair dryers, safety deposit boxes, and televisions. In early 2025, completed a major refurbishment that added 47 cabins—comprising 32 suites (including 30 Junior Dream Suites and two Grand Horizon Suites) and 15 interior cabins—increasing passenger capacity to 1,360. The added suites include 30 Junior Dream Suites and two Grand Horizon Suites, offering enhanced amenities for premium guests. Public areas on board emphasize relaxation and socializing, with nine lively bars and lounges such as the Star Bar, Ocean Bar, and AFTer Bar and Club offering cocktails and panoramic views. Additional facilities include a quiet for reading, the Sozo Spa & Wellness center providing treatments and a area, and an outdoor swimming pool accompanied by two Jacuzzis on the sun deck. These spaces cater to a range of preferences, from serene downtime to casual gatherings. Entertainment options highlight the ship's two-deck Amphitheatro Show Lounge, which hosts nightly live performances and events, alongside a and card room for gaming enthusiasts. Themed dining areas enhance mealtimes with venues like the Smoked restaurant offering dedicated service for suite guests and pop-up options featuring regional cuisines in private settings. is prioritized through multiple elevators passenger decks and four adapted cabins designed for users, featuring wider doors, handrails, and spacious layouts. The crew of 492 ensures smooth operation of these amenities.

Technical specifications

Dimensions and capacity

The Celestyal Discovery measures 42,289 gross tons (GT), a standard metric for the ship's internal volume, and has a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 4,157, representing its cargo-carrying capacity including passengers, crew, fuel, and provisions. Length: 203 m (666 ft); beam: 28 m (92 ft); draft: 6.3 m (21 ft). At double occupancy, the ship accommodates 1,360 passengers, supported by a of 468 to ensure across its facilities. The vessel features 12 decks (10 passenger-accessible) equipped with 680 cabins, providing a balanced distribution of interior, oceanview, , and options for varied guest preferences. These specifications position the Celestyal Discovery as a mid-sized , typically defined by gross tonnages between 30,000 and 90,000 GT, allowing for intimate itineraries without the scale of mega-resorts. This size facilitates efficient navigation in Mediterranean ports while offering substantial onboard amenities.

Propulsion and performance

The Celestyal Discovery employs a diesel-electric system, powered by generators (2 × 12V38, 1 × 6R38, 1 × 8L38) that deliver a total installed power output of 27,550 kW. These generators power two ABB electric motors, each rated at approximately 9,400 kW, which drive twin fixed-pitch propellers for efficient . This configuration enables the ship to reach a maximum speed of 21.8 knots and a speed of 19.4 knots, balancing with operational economy during voyages. The diesel-electric setup inherently supports through variable load management and reduced mechanical losses compared to traditional geared systems, contributing to lower rates under typical conditions. Built in 2003 and refitted in 2023-2024, the vessel complies with the International Maritime Organization's () MARPOL 73/78 Convention standards, including Annex I for preventing pollution by oil and Annex V for garbage management, ensuring adherence to emission and waste discharge regulations. For enhanced port maneuverability, it is fitted with two forward Kamewa bow thrusters rated at 1,200 kW each and two thrusters at 700 kW each, facilitating precise control in confined spaces without relying solely on main propulsion.

Operational history

Service with AIDA Cruises

The AIDAaura entered service with on April 15, 2003, embarking on her maiden voyage from , , for a 12-night itinerary to Mediterranean ports. Built specifically for the market as the third ship in AIDA's fleet, she quickly became a staple for short-haul European cruises, accommodating up to 1,266 passengers in a casual, club-style environment that emphasized active onboard experiences. Throughout her two decades with , the AIDAaura primarily operated seasonal routes in during summers, sailing 7- to 14-night itineraries from homeports like and to destinations such as Norway's fjords, the , and the . In winters, she shifted to warmer climates, including roundtrip voyages from the and extended sailings to the and , such as 14-night cruises from visiting between November 2022 and March 2023. Repositioning transatlantic crossings were occasional, often integrated into longer voyages, connecting European departures with African or global itineraries. A highlight of the ship's career was her 117-day world cruise departing Hamburg on October 8, 2018, which visited 41 ports across 20 countries on four continents, including maiden calls in South Africa, Namibia, Australia, Fiji, and Indonesia. This voyage, the second global circumnavigation for AIDA Cruises following the AIDAcara's 2017-2018 trip, featured overnight stays in key ports like Sydney and Singapore, underscoring the ship's versatility for extended expeditions. Other notable operations included themed charters and regional explorations, such as Mediterranean circuits from Majorca and winter escapes to Mauritius in 2017-2018. As part of AIDA's fleet optimization, the AIDAaura's final season in 2023 focused on farewell itineraries, beginning with four 14-night South African cruises from in January and February, followed by Northern and Western routes including the Thames and . Her last voyage for AIDA departed on September 9, 2023, for a 12-night itinerary visiting , , , and Falmouth, marking the end of 20 years of service before her transfer to another operator.

Service with Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal Discovery joined the fleet in March 2024, following its acquisition from in late 2023. The ship embarked on its with the line on March 22, 2024, departing from Lavrion (), Greece, on a three-night Iconic Aegean itinerary that visited ports including and Kușadası (). Since its debut, Celestyal Discovery has primarily operated short-haul cruises in the Greek Islands, , and select Mediterranean ports, offering three- to seven-night itineraries designed for immersive destination experiences. These routes emphasize extended port stays, such as overnight or late-night departures from and , allowing passengers more time to explore cultural sites like ancient and the volcanic landscapes of . The ship's schedule rotates between the Iconic Aegean (visiting , , and ) and similar programs, providing access to Greece's and islands alongside Turkish coastal highlights. In preparation for its service, the vessel underwent significant refurbishments in early 2024, which included modernizing interiors with -inspired design elements and enhancing onboard amenities to align with Celestyal's Mediterranean focus. A further upgrade completed by April 2025 added 47 new cabins, comprising 30 Junior Dream Suites, two Grand Horizon Suites overlooking , and 15 interior Cabins, increasing premium accommodation capacity by over 50 percent. These enhancements also introduced dedicated suite dining areas and refreshed public spaces to better serve the line's emphasis on authentic . As of November 2025, Celestyal Discovery remains active on routes during the summer season, with seasonal expansions into the for winter deployments. Its Arabian Gulf itineraries, under the Iconic Arabia program, feature three-, four-, and seven-night sailings roundtrip from , including stops at ports like , , Island, , and , ahead of its inaugural regional season starting December 12, 2025.

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