Inside the Celestyal Discovery cruise ship after huge makeover including brand-new staterooms

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GB NEWS

Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 17/06/2025

- 16:23

The first pictures show a sleek and modern design inside the new cabins

Celestyal has unveiled the first official photographs of its refurbished cabin accommodation aboard the Celestyal Discovery, showcasing the results of a comprehensive winter refit completed in Greece earlier this year.

The cruise line has added 47 new staterooms to the vessel, featuring 30 Junior Dream Suites and two Grand Horizon Suites positioned above the bridge.


The enhanced accommodation, created in collaboration with design agency AMK, includes 170-square-foot private balconies and has boosted the ship's premium capacity by more than 50 per cent.

The vessel is set to make its Arabian Gulf debut on December 12, 2025. The refurbishment programme also incorporated 15 interior Cosmos Cabins, bringing the vessel's total capacity increase to nearly 7.5 per cent.

Celestyal Discovery new stateroom

Celestyal Discovery has updated nearly 50 new staterooms

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CELESTYAL

Celestyal Discovery new balconies

The cruise company has shared a first look at the new rooms

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CELESTYAL

The new staterooms feature design elements inspired by the regions the ship visits, including the Eastern Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf. The feature deep blues and neutral tones, giving a real touch of summer.

Celestyal's chief commercial officer Lee Haslett said: "This winter's refit of the Celestyal Discovery speaks volumes about our continued investment in our guest experience.

"We've not only added more balcony staterooms but enhanced our premium cabin options to meet the growing demand for more space and comfort while preserving the small-ship charm and personal service that we're known for.

"These images showcase just how far we've come, and we're incredibly proud to be taking Celestyal Discovery to the Arabian Gulf for the very first time this December."

The vessel is now operating in the Eastern Mediterranean before repositioning to the Arabian Gulf. The ship will operate alongside the Celestyal Journey, offering three-, four-, and seven-night itineraries from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha.

The cruises, running until March 2026, will visit destinations across Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and additional ports in the region.

Celestyal has confirmed the Discovery will return to Abu Dhabi for the following three seasons. The Discovery's Arabian Gulf programme marks Celestyal's expansion into the region, with the vessel scheduled to commence operations from December 12, 2025.

The ship will offer a variety of cruise durations, including three-, four-, and seven-night voyages departing from the major Gulf hubs of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha.

Celestyal Discovery at sea

Celestyal Discovery will go to the Arabian Gulf for the first time this year

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CELESTYAL

Itineraries will encompass destinations throughout Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and neighbouring countries, with sailings continuing through March 2026.

The cruise line has announced plans for the Discovery to maintain its presence in Abu Dhabi for the subsequent three seasons, establishing a long-term commitment to the Arabian Gulf market.

In other cruise news, TUI announced a new all-inclusive gastropub serving British classics will open on its cruise ships.

This will serve traditional pub food reimagined with contemporary flair. Expect Angus Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, Steak and Ale Pie and a Roast Chicken Dinner, as well as vegan 'steak' and chips.

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