ATHENS, GREECE (NOVEMBER 16, 2023) — Celestyal the award-winning, number one choice for cruise travelers to the Greek islands and beyond, is delighted to confirm the acquisition of a second new vessel this year. The Celestyal Discovery, follows the recent arrival of the Celestyal Journey, signaling a fleet refresh and further commitment to significant investment into the customer proposition.
The Celestyal Discovery will now join her fleet mate in Athens, where they will both undergo multimillion-euro winter refurbishment programs ahead of the new season, which commences in March 2024. The ship’s name symbolizes the company ethos of creating unmissable moments of discovery through connecting people, places, and self. She embodies the Celestyal confident spirit, sense of exploration and wonder. Built in 2003 for the Carnival Corporation, she has been sailing under the AIDA Cruise brand throughout her career to date. The Celestyal Discovery is a mid-sized vessel, allowing Celestyal to continue offering its signature unique blend of marquee destinations and more secluded gems that characterize the company’s itineraries. She offers 633 staterooms, 62 of which feature balconies, in total accommodating up to 1,266 guests.
Celestyal’s newest ship will be on sale from December 11, 2023, taking over the Celestyal Olympia’s 2024 program. Special launch offers will be included in the Black Friday promotions published later this week, as well as throughout Celestyal’s biggest Wave campaign to date, which will be launching at the end of the year. Guests currently holding reservations on the Celestyal Olympia will be contacted by Celestyal after this date and reaccommodated on sailings on the newly refurbished Celestyal Discovery.
“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. “Celestyal Discovery joins the Celestyal Journey to undergo an extensive refurbishment program over the winter period, signifying further 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 Celestyal Discovery will showcase many of the favorite features of the Celestyal fleet- an inviting amphitheater with ample conference and event space, vibrant lounges, the “Grillseekers” specialty restaurant, a Sozo wellness retreat, an expansive pool deck with an exclusive “Rays” deck, the Greek Deli, and a “Fig and Honey” gelato and juice bar. There will also be a few surprise additions to the customer offering, which will be added during her imminent refurbishment program. Further details regarding the onboard experience and itineraries will be announced in the coming months.
Media Contact:
Charles Mardiks, Mardiks PR, [email protected], ph: +1.646.283.5273
About Celestyal
Celestyal has fast built an award-winning reputation and recognition as the number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and beyond thanks to its regional expertise and exceptional hospitality. The company operates two vessels, each one intimate enough to provide guests with a genuine and highly personalized experience.
The foundation of the company’s philosophy is built on a unique Greek heritage which combines outstanding hospitality with genuine cultural destination immersion and provides authentic, lifetime experiences both onboard and onshore.
Awards
Since 2014, Celestyal has received top honors in the Tourism Awards, one of the largest and most prestigious awards programs within the Greek tourism industry. These include one Platinum, 15 Gold, 10 Silver and nine Bronze awards covering Guest Experience Excellence, Solo Travel, CSR Initiatives, Contribution to National Economy, FAM and Press Trips, Communication Campaign and Multichannel Marketing Campaign.
In December 2022, Celestyal won a Bronze Award at the British Travel Awards in the ‘‘Best Operator for Mini Cruises’’ category and was named one of the top ocean cruise lines for ‘’Best Service’’ at the annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards 2022, an award also received in 2018 and 2019.
Ιn 2019 and 2020, Celestyal was recognized for its overall contribution and commitment to the development of the cruise industry in the Eastern Mediterranean region at the MedCruise Awards.
Corporate Responsibility
Celestyal is deeply committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. The company actively supports the local communities in the destinations it visits, particularly in the field of education. Additionally, Celestyal supports cultural NGOs to promote youth entrepreneurship, marine student development and child welfare.
ISO Certification
The entire spectrum of Celestyal’s ship management, including technical, hotel and crew management, and offices, are certified in accordance with ISO 9001/14001 standards. The certifying authority is DNV, which is widely recognized as the biggest and most respected rating agency in the marine industry.
Follow us at:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest
SOURCE; Celestyal
