Celestyal Discovery

Perfect for those that want to master the Greek Isles in record time

Welcome to the Celestyal Discovery, a ship that debuted in 2024! While that might sound recent, the Discovery is actually an older ship from another cruise brand that received a multi-million-euro update before being introduced to the Celestyal fleet. Today, she’s the younger sister of the Celestyal Journey. It’s slightly smaller than the Journey, offering a more intimate vibe and shorter 3 to 4-day itineraries through the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf.

So, does the Celestyal Discovery get our official seal of approval and make its big sister proud? Let’s find out.

What we like about Celestyal Discovery

Celestyal Cruises©

This is a cozy, intimate ship designed for around 1,260 passengers. In a world where most cruise ships in the West hold over 5,000 guests, it’s honestly refreshing to see something more compact. Compact and great for couples looking for peace and quiet, by the way. While it’s not technically a new ship, the Discovery feels like it just got a fresh coat of paint and was born only a year ago. Public spaces are clean, the rooms look great, and everything feels polished and well cared for.

One of the best things about the Discovery is the itineraries. As we mentioned earlier, Celestyal is a Greek cruise line, and they understand the Greek Isles like no one else. The Discovery specializes in short 3 to 4-day trips to some of the most beautiful islands in Greece, where you can visit places like Santorini and Mykonos.

The pricing isn’t bad either, as a 3-night cruise starts at around $370 per guest. Cruises to the Arabian Gulf are even more affordable, starting at $330 per guest for stops in destinations like Dubai and Sir Bani Yas. It’s safe to say this is a ship that offers some excellent itineraries.

The staff also gets a big thumbs up. They’re friendly and always do their best to help you out. From the warm and helpful stewards to the excursion leaders who seem to have every answer at the tip of their tongue, everyone is ready to welcome you with a smile. Thanks for being so nice, Greece!

What we don’t like about Celestyal Discovery

Celestyal Cruises©

One thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a great ship for Kids. Sure, the Discovery has a Kids Club, but there aren’t playgrounds or even an arcade for the little ones. Since the itineraries are also fairly short, I imagine this is a ship created for couples that want a quick weekend getaway. Also keep in mind that Celestyal Cruise ships don’t have waterparks, waterslides or any crazy entertainment option that you usually find on a mega-resort at sea.

This is a small ship that can feel packed during certain times, especially in the summer. It can get noisy at night, and lines for the buffet may become overly long. Celestyal Discovery is just a bit smaller than Celestyal Journey but has three fewer restaurants and one less bar, which means crowds have a harder time spreading out. The buffet also isn’t open at all hours, so things can get a little chaotic at peak times.

Conclusion

Celestyal Discovery is a good ship, but the destinations and itineraries are what make it great. It’s quite affordable and one of the best ways to explore the Arabian Gulf and the famous Greek Islands. If you’re traveling without children, even better… the cozy, compact atmosphere makes it feel pretty romantic too!