Celestyal Discovery Adds 47 Staterooms Ahead of Arabian Gulf Season

Celestyal Discovery, part of the Celestyal Cruises fleet, has recently completed its second winter refit in Athens, unveiling 47 new staterooms and significantly enhancing its premium accommodation ahead of its Arabian Gulf deployment in December 2025. The 1,360-guest vessel returned to service in March 2025 to open Celestyal’s Mediterranean season and will homeport in Abu Dhabi for at least three consecutive seasons. According to Celestyal, these upgrades expand the ship’s overall capacity by 7.4 percent and premium suite capacity by more than 50 percent.

Extensive Refit Adds 47 Cabins and Expands Premium Capacity

The refurbishment introduced 30 Junior Dream Suites and two Grand Horizon Suites, each featuring balconies of approximately 167 square feet. Positioned above the bridge, these Grand Horizon Suites are designed to provide balcony-level stays with scenic views. In addition, 15 new interior Cosmos Cabins have been added, ensuring diverse accommodation options.

All new staterooms were created in partnership with design agency AMK, reflecting Mediterranean and Arabian influences that align with Celestyal Discovery’s itinerary destinations. Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal Cruises, noted that the investment focuses on enhancing the guest experience. “The new cabins provide more space and comfort while preserving the ship’s small-ship charm,” he said.

Arabian Gulf Deployment

Celestyal Discovery will begin its inaugural Arabian Gulf season on December 12, 2025, with itineraries running through March 2026. The ship will join sister vessel Celestyal Journey, which returns to the region on December 6, 2025, for a Grand Prix celebratory voyage. Both ships will operate short, flexible sailings from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha. Celestyal Discovery’s presence in Abu Dhabi for three consecutive years underscores the line’s long-term commitment to the Gulf region.

Iconic Arabia Itineraries and Schedules

Celestyal has introduced short, combinable cruises designed to cater to different travel preferences. Passengers can choose from three- and four-night “Iconic Arabia” itineraries or merge both into a seven-night option. All routes run weekly throughout the winter cruise season, featuring calls in:

• Three-night Iconic Arabia (Friday to Monday): Round-trip from Abu Dhabi, calling Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island.
• Four-night Iconic Arabia (Monday to Friday): Round-trip from Abu Dhabi, visiting Doha, Dubai (via Ras Al Khaimah), and Khasab in Oman.
• Seven-night combined voyages: Passengers can extend their trip by merging the three- and four-night sailings.

Promotional Offers and Onboard Credit

Celestyal’s Summer Promotion runs until August 31, 2025, offering savings of up to 60 percent on 87 sailings scheduled from June 2025 to March 2027. Promotional fares include meals, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees, and gratuities. As an added incentive, guests purchasing CelestyalPay credits before departure will receive a 25 percent bonus, which can total up to €250 (approximately $289) in onboard credit. These pre-purchased credits are also commissionable and can be applied to specialty dining and beverage packages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the key features of Celestyal Discovery’s new cabins?

The refit added 47 new staterooms, including 30 Junior Dream Suites and two Grand Horizon Suites with balconies of about 167 square feet. Fifteen interior Cosmos Cabins were also introduced, and all accommodations were designed by AMK to reflect Mediterranean and Arabian aesthetics.

What itineraries will Celestyal Discovery offer in the Arabian Gulf?

The ship will run three-night cruises to Dubai and Sir Bani Yas Island, four-night cruises to Doha, Dubai (via Ras Al Khaimah), and Khasab in Oman, and a seven-night option by combining both itineraries.

How long will Celestyal Discovery operate in the Arabian Gulf?

Celestyal Discovery will homeport in Abu Dhabi for at least three consecutive seasons, beginning with its inaugural Arabian Gulf voyage on December 12, 2025, and extending through March 2026.

Are there any promotional offers for upcoming Celestyal Cruises?

Yes. The Summer Promotion is available until August 31, 2025, providing discounts of up to 60 percent on select cruises from June 2025 to March 2027. The fares include meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees, and gratuities, along with onboard credit bonuses for those who purchase CelestyalPay credits in advance.

With its expanded suite offerings, flexible Gulf itineraries, and inclusive fares, Celestyal Discovery aims to attract both regional and international guests seeking a design-forward, small-ship cruising experience in the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf.