Celestyal Discovery

The 2003-built (as AIDAaura) cruise ship Celestyal Discovery was one of the two smallest and oldest in the AIDA's fleet, together with the sistership AIDAvita (2002-built).

In 2023, following a major refurbishment, the ship (as "MV Lara") was planned to start operations for Miray's travel brand Life at Sea Cruises. However, the deal with Miray International was not finished and instead, AIDAaura was sold to Louis Group Plc and now is operated by its subsidiary and travel brand Celestyal Cruises.

The vessel (IMO number 9221566) is currently Italy-flagged (MMSI 247117400) and registered in Genova. Celestyal Discovery will be reflagged to Malta (MMSI tba) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

On January 5, 2023, AIDA announced that the 20-year-old AIDAaura is sold and leaves the fleet in October 2023. Aura's last voyage for AIDA in 2023 was first scheduled to depart on Sept 26th (12-day "Westeuropas Flusse" (roundtrip from Bremerhaven to ports in the UK, France, and Belgium) but was rescheduled first for Aug 19th (21-day "Island Gronland 2" roundtrip from Bremerhaven) and finally for Sept 9th (12-day "Westeuropas Flusse").

On June 29, 2023, Miray International (İstanbul Turkey-based travel company that owns Miray Cruises) announced that its new travel brand's ("Life at Sea Cruises") 3-year-long World Voyage (roundtrip from Istanbul/departure November 1st/2023) will be on AIDAaura/MV Lara instead of the initially scheduled MV Gemini (1992-built).

The vessel was officially handed over to Miray International (Life at Sea) on September 29th, 2023, in Port Bremerhaven. During the scheduled drydock refit in Port Rotterdam (Holland), the hull and superstructure were repainted, receiving Life at Sea Cruises' dark blue livery (hull and funnel). The project included regular maintenance works, classification works, some machinery upgrades. All passenger staterooms were renovated, the conference hall was redesigned into a business center (with private offices) and a new cigar lounge/wine bar was added. All public areas (bars, lounges, dining venues) were redesigned to suit long-term residents.

In November 2023, AIDA announced that Miray International is no longer the buyer and confirmed that the new shipowner is Celestyal Cruises. The ship (renamed Celestyal Discovery) was scheduled to start operations for Celestyal in March 2024, replacing the 1982-built Celestyal Olympia/now Bella Fortuna.

The 1300-passenger ship AIDAaura was the third vessel joining AIDA's fleet.

Decks and Cabins

AIDAaura staterooms (633 total, in 9 grades) included 2 Suites (Forward-Facing Sundeck Premium Suites on deck 7), 62 Balcony, 357 Oceanviews and 214 Inside cabins. The largest accommodations were the Forward-Facing Premium Suites (sized 355 ft2 / 33 m2) plus a private sundeck terrace (sized 270 ft2 / 25 m2).

Celestyal Discovery's largest staterooms are the two SG-Grand Dream Suites (bow-facing, sized 32 m2/deck 7, triple cabin).

The outside (Exterior Cosmos) cabins are in categories BA-Balcony (double, 17 m2/deck 7), XD-Exterior (triple, 17 m2/decks 5-7), XC-Exterior (triple, 17 m2/decks 4-5-6), XBO-Exterior (quad, 14-17 m2/decks 6-7), XB-Exterior (quad, 14-17 m2/decks 3-4-6), and XA-Exterior (double, 14 m2/decks 4-5).

The inside (Interior Cosmos) cabins are in categories IC-Interior (quad, 15 m2/decks 6-7), IB-Interior (double, 15 m2/decks 4-5) and IA-Interior (quad, 15 m2/decks 4-5).

The boat has 12 decks, of which 10 are passenger-accessible and 5 with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Celestyal Discovery's four restaurants include two MDRs/main dining rooms (Thalassa, and The Taverna) which are both complimentary and with open-seating.

Grill Seekers is a specialty restaurant (surf-and-turf/steakhouse) open for lunch and dinner.

Grill Seekers' Lunch Menu includes Starters ("Sticky Chicken Wings" and "Creamy Spinach, Basil & Parmesan Dips" served with tortilla chips), Main Courses (Grilled Argentinian Beef Striploin, Burger Freestyle, BBQ Smoked Pork Ribs, Roasted Chicken au jus, Rotisserie Platter/beef striploin-pork ribs-chicken, Grilled Salmon), and Desserts & Cheese (Affogato, Homemade Baklava, selections of fresh seasonal fruits and regional and international cheeses).

Grill Seekers' Dinner Menu includes Starters (Creamy Wild Mushroom & Black Truffle, Mediterranean Antipasto Platter), Main Courses (Piri Piri Spring Chicken, Fresh Sea Bass Fillets, Jumbo Shrimp, Lobster Tail, Surf & Turf, Tomahawk Ribeye for Two, Veal Chop, Beef Ribeye Steak, Beef Tenderloin, Beef Picanha Steak, T-bone Steak, Wagyu Beef Sirloin Steak, Thick Pork Chop, Lamb Rack), Sides (choose two from sauteed vegetables, grilled asparagus, wild rice pilaf, country fries, potato gratin, mashed potato, baked potato), Sauces (green peppercorn, bearnaise, chimichurri, gravy, tomato, blue cheese, mushroom), Cheese Platter, and Desserts (Crepe Suzette, Warm Kunafeh, Rum Baba).

Poolside venues (named "Greek Deli" and "Fig & Honey") offer light fare and beverages.

The wellness complex comprises the Sozo Spa (with a Thermal Spa Suite/jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, relax room), Glow Beauty Bar, Fitness Center (a fully equipped Gym), and an expansive sundeck with a swimming pool and three large Jacuzzies/whirlpool hot tubs.

The ship has seven bars and lounges, including Star Bar (Deck 8), Ocean Bar (Deck 7), AFTer Bar & Club (Deck 10) and Cafe Nation (Deck 9). Cafe Nation is an Italian coffee bar & lounge via an exclusive partnership with illy (1933-established as "illycaffe" by Francesco Illy). Cafe Nation offers illy brand's classic and decaf coffee blends, in addition to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Brazil. The coffee bar's menu lists 90+ beverages in addition to customized drinks (including barista-made coffees, teas, hot chocolates, various iced drinks).

AIDAvita's restaurants were called "Calypso" and "Markt Restaurant", both offering open-seating, buffet meals, casual dress code, no fixed dining times. Basic beverages, including house wines and beer, were free of charge during meals at the buffet restaurants. The a-la-carte priced Rossini restaurant included waiter service and near-gourmet food with good quality.

Follows the complete list of AIDAaura restaurants and food bars.

• Rossini (specialty/dinner-only restaurant at surcharge, reservations required; offers waiter service and 6-course a-la-carte menu)
• Markt Restaurant (complimentary main dining room; self-service buffet restaurant with a variety of food stations and a small terrace)
• Calypso Restaurant (the second main dining room; complimentary buffet restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating).

AIDAaura entertainment facilities included Das Theater - the ship's largest venue, and the huge AIDA Bar & Anytime Disco.

The wellness facilities were named "Body & Soul Spa" and "Fit & Fun" (fitness center).

The sundeck's pool area is beach-like designed, with many palm trees, artificial rock formations, and volleyball and basketball courts.

Follows the complete list of AIDAaura lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Kids Club (AIDA Cruises kids program is complimentary, with supervised, age-appropriate activities: the 3 age groups include Seahorses for 3-6 yo, Dolphins for 7-9 yo and Sharks 10-11 yo; the Kids Club has an outdoor area with a paddling pool)
• Internet stations with printers (located in the Reception/Lobby area; Wi-Fi coverage is available shipwide, including in all guests rooms)
• Ocean Bar (cocktail bar with outdoor seating)
• The Theater (750-seat, 2-level main show venue for large-scale show productions; also hosts daily lectures, trivia games, Bingo)
• Conference Room (45-seat Konferenzraum / Seminarraume; part of the venue is the AIDA TV Studio, producing video films related to AIDAaura itinerary and activities, and a daily radio program)
• Art Gallery (Kunstgalerie) sells original artworks of renowned art schools and German artists. It hosts art auctions with "Blind Dates".
• AIDA Bar (big-capacity lounge with panoramic windows)
• Photo Gallery & Shop (professional photo & video services, duty-free accessories and equipment; new feature are the photo kiosks with touch-screens /face-recognition system)
• AIDA Shop (duty-free merchandise at discount prices; the shopping arcade has a general store selling liquor and tobaccos, as well as small boutiques for jewelry, luxury watches, perfumes, brand fashion clothing, AIDA logo goods)
• Nightfly Bar (adults-only cocktail bar & nightclub with panoramic windows and live music entertainment)
• Beauty Salon (Friseur; provides hairdresser, barber services, professional manicure/pedicure)
• Body & Soul Sports Fitness Centre (with a modern Gym and separate area for classes)
• Mini Golf (indoor putting green area); Golf simulator (virtual golf courses)
• Sunbathing area (Freibereich, served by the Pool Bar and the Pool Grill /American fast-food fare)
• The Hemingway Lounge (the Library /Bibliotek; offers card and board games)
• Anytime Bar (Diskothek / disco & nightclub with DJ program and themed dance parties; during the day hosts organized dance classes)
• Time Tunnel (Video Games Arcade with Playstation consoles)
• Waikiki Lounge (teens club with supervised activities in two age groups - Orcas for 12 -13 yo and Teens 14 -17 yo; complimentary)
• Sports deck area (Sportaussendeck with a combined sports court for basketball/volleyball)
• Body & Soul SPA complex (with Beauty Salon & Spa Reception, massages /treatments rooms, indoor whirlpool, Aroma Sauna, Finish Sauna, Steam Room, relaxation room)
• Sundeck/sunbathing area (Freibereich, located above the swimming pool; with loungers and 2 whirlpools; the ship's Top Deck is dedicated to Freikorperkultur / FKK Bereich nudist area with sun loungers)
• Power Walking/Jogging Track

The Pool Deck houses 1x swimming pool, 3x whirlpools, Pool Shop (for towels) a deck games area (Shuffleboard, Giant Chess, Table Tennis, Backgammon), sunbathing areas, a stage for live performances. Pool deck's activities also include bingo evenings, nightly pool parties, laser shows.

Celestyal Discovery has two Conference Rooms (fully equipped), plus the Amphitheatro (multi-purpose lounge) that can also be rented for gatherings and business incentives.

Celestyal Discovery itineraries

Starting in 2024 (March), Celestyal Discovery took over the schedule of Celestyal Olympia. The voyages were open for booking in December 2023.

Celestyal Discovery's Maiden Voyage departed from Lavrion on March 22nd (2024).

The inaugural program was based on the "Iconic Aegean" itineraries which are in length 3-4-5 days. Roundtrip departures are offered from two homeports - Piraeus-Athens (Greece) and Kusadasi-Ephesus (Turkey).

These voyages visit the Greek islands Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos as well as Heraklion Crete.

For winter 2025-2026 (December-March) the ship was originally scheduled to operate in the Mediterranean/Aegean (Three Continents itinerary). In June 2024, this program was canceled and replaced with Arabian Gulf cruises out of homeport Abu Dhabi UAE. The 3-4-night itineraries visit Doha Qatar, UAE's Sir Bani Yas Island and Fujairah, and Oman's Muscat, and Khasab.

AIDAaura itineraries

AIDAaura itinerary program was based on South Africa roundtrips (from homeport Cape Town) and Iceland-Greenland and Northern European voyages from Germany (homeports Hamburg and Bremerhaven).

In Europe, the liner visited popular port cities in the UK (England, Scotland, Ireland), France, Belgium, Spain.

Due to the COVID crisis, the AIDA ship Aura was paused for 2+ years (March 2020 thru May 2022) and resumed passenger shipping operations on May 7th (2022).

During its 20-year service with AIDA, Aura offered voyages in the Caribbean, North America (Canada and the USA), Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic, Iceland, Greenland), South America (including the Amazon), Asia.

AIDAaura was AIDA's 3rd liner, with sistership AIDAvita. Shortly before Aura's delivery, CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines merged with P&O Princess forming Carnival Corporation. This way, AIDA became part of the world's largest cruise shipowner - Carnival Corporation & PLC.

Like all AIDA ships, Aura carried its own fleet of complimentary bicycles for passengers to use in call ports during the voyage. Inside the ship, a significant amount of space is devoted to sports. The onboard language was German as most AIDA customers are German-speaking Europeans (Germans, Austrians, Swiss), the majority of whom are young and active; since older Germans gravitate to more traditional brands on the German-speaking market.

The vessel's physical construction/assembly started on January 11, 2002, with the keel-laying ceremony. The ship was launched/floated out from drydock on September 7, 2002, and delivered to AIDA on April 3, 2003. From the same shipbuilder (Aker MTW/Lloyd Werft Wismar) is the sistership AIDAvita.

The vessel (Nordic Yards Wismar hull number A325282/Aker MTW yard hull number 004) has volume 42289 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight 4157, max width 35,5 m (including the Bridge wings), max draught 6,3 m. The propulsion is diesel-electric and the powerplant is based on Wartsila diesel generators powering two ABB electric motors (model AMZ 1600YX-14) with combined output 18,8 MW (25210 hp). When managed by AIDA CRUISES, the shipowner was COSTA CROCIERE SPA.

AIDAaura's christening ceremony was held on April 12, 2003, in Port Warnemunde (Germany).

The next table shows Aura's last cruise for AIDA - the 12-day "Westeuropas Flusse Ab Bremerhaven" " itinerary (2023).

Celestyal Discovery's Maiden Voyage left Lavrion on March 22, 2024, under the command of Captain Panagiotis Giakoumatos. The 3-night "Iconic Aegean” itinerary visited Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos Island, and Santorini.

Celestyal Discovery 2025 refurbishment review

In November 2024 were announced details on the ship's scheduled for 2025 (January-March) extensive refit and complete refurbishment of all staterooms and public spaces.

The refit will add 47 cabins, raising the max passenger capacity to 1300 (7,4% increase in passenger staterooms). The new cabins include 2x "Grand Horizon Suites" with large step-out balconies (positioned above the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge), 30x Junior Dream Suites (new category) and 15x Cosmos Cabins (interior cabins whose decor varies seasonally).

The new staterooms were opened for booking on December 10, 2024.

The project also includes the addition of the Smoked Olive (specialty restaurant) as a Suite-only/exclusive dining venue.

A new "pop-up" evening restaurant will also be introduced, providing a bookable private dining area with regional specialty dishes based on the destinations included in the current cruise itinerary.

Following the refurbishment will be introduced new perks for premium staterooms (balcony cabins and suites) including priority check-in, a Sail Away (cocktail) party, a premium pillow menu, daily hosted cocktail hours, and exclusive access to Ray’s Sundeck and Cabanas area (reserved for Grand Dream Suites and Grand Horizon Suites). Celestyal Journey's Grand Suite passengers will additionally receive complimentary unlimited access to the Thermal Spa Suite (jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, relaxation area), while Stargazer Penthouse Suite passengers will enjoy an in-room unlimited mini-bar.

AIDAaura 2013 refurbishment review

Deck plan changes after the ship's 2013 drydock refurbishment (April 18-28, done in Trieste Italy) included newly added teen lounge Waikiki (on Deck 10) and new Art Gallery (on Deck 8). The fitness equipment was upgraded, and all floors were replaced.

• Waikiki Lounge is a beach bar exclusive for teenagers. It features floor-ceiling windows and is furnished with comfortable bean bags. Here are held parties, DJ workshops (mixing desk), Nintendo Wii game competitions.
• The ship's gym (part of the AIDA Body & Soul sports complex) received new cardio and weight equipment. Also added were new MyRide indoor cycles with virtual trainers.
• At the Art Gallery are displayed and available for purchasing well-known painters (including James Rizzi, Romero Britto, Udo Lindenberg). Onboard art auctions with "Blind Dates" are also regularly held.

On the ship were also changed carpets in most public areas (approx 1800 m2). The new carpeting is made from environmentally friendly and recyclable materials. The old carpets were recycled and used as fuel for cement production.

(CANCELED) Life at Sea Cruises' 3-year World Voyage (2023-2024-2025)

On March 1, 2023, Miray International announced its new travel brand "Life at Sea Cruises" and opened for booking the "Ultimate Adventure" voyage.

Creating a unique travel experience, Miray Cruises scheduled a 3-year World Voyage (initially on MV Gemini) allowing tourists along with the cruising to also enjoy living and working on the ship. In July 2023, Miray Cruises changed the "world cruise ship" to AIDAaura/MV Lara.

Initially scheduled to depart from Istanbul (Turkey) on November 1st (2023), the 3-year cruise ("Ultimate Adventure" itinerary) had to visit 382 destinations (ports and islands) in 148 countries and featured a total of 112965 NM (130,000 mi / 209214 km) of cruising, 288x overnight port stays, visits to 13x UNESCO-listed wonders, 6x Equator crossings, all 7 continents.

The unique voyage was later rescheduled twice - to November 11th and November 30th.

Embarkation was alternatively offered in Barcelona Spain and Miami Florida USA.

The 3-year-long Around-the-World Voyage (1095 days full itinerary length) was also available in smaller itinerary segments.

• The 206-day "Explore the Mesmerizing Landscapes of the South Pacific & Australia" itinerary visits 71 destinations in 26 countries.
• The 177-day "Embrace Europe's Timeless Charms" itinerary visits 74 destinations in 38 countries.
• The 173-day "Journey to the Heart of North Asia" itinerary visits 54 destinations in 32 countries.
• The 169-day "Cultural Heritage in Asia and the South China Sea" itinerary visits 55 destinations in 12 countries.
• The 98-day "A Journey Through South America and Antarctica" itinerary visits 35 destinations in 11 countries.
• The 98-day "North America & Hawaii" itinerary visits 32 destinations in 8 countries.
• The 70-day "Journey to the Heart of North Asia" itinerary visits 23 destinations in 4 countries.
• The 67-day "Discover the Beauty of the Caribbean & Central America" itinerary visits 29 destinations in 23 countries.

MV Lara's World Cruise prices were all-inclusive and started at USD 44712 per year per person (12-13 m2/130-140 ft2 Inside Cabin with double occupancy), with an optional per-month payment of US$3726 pp.

Suites (sized 20-24 m2 / 210-260 ft2) were priced from USD 119,295 per year pp or US$9990 per month pp.

The reselling of staterooms was not allowed.

In May 2023, Life at Sea Cruises introduced the following booking options.

• A 50% Buy-Back Guarantee bookings (new and existing) allow guests to prevent completing the remainder of the voyage with Life at Sea Cruises buying back the remainder at 50% off.
• Flex Fare booking guarantees the cheapest inside cabin starting from US$35000 pp/per year.
• By the Resident Referral Program, Life at Sea Cruises provides US$100 OBC/onboard credit per month for every booking (single and/or double occupancy) up to US$3600 per booking.

In August 2023, were announced Life at Sea Cruises' partnerships with The Dive Place (Winter Garden, Florida-based Scuba Diving store/sales, training, certification, rentals, service) and Scuba Diving International/SDI (1988-founded, Stuart Florida-based training and certification agency). The deals were for the "Dive Around the World" program available for Life at Sea Cruises' residents to receive official certificates during the 3-year World Voyage.

On November 19th, Miray Cruises canceled Life at Sea Cruises/ Around the World Voyage, citing challenges due to investor withdrawals.

• Vedat Ugurlu (Miray Cruises' CEO) apologized to customers and acknowledged the challenges faced by the company. His statement outlined efforts to create alternative plans and acquire a similar (or charter a "temporary ship" for several months before acquiring a vessel), with the option of alternative departure dates or expedited refunds if the December 1st departure was jeopardized.
• The statement followed the resignation of Kendra Holmes (Life at Sea Cruises' CEO).

Life at Sea Cruises committed to refunding the minimum US$115,500 per person package (with monthly refund installments starting mid-December 2023) and also offered to cover hotel expenses (until December 1st) and to provide flights for passengers who had already arrived in Istanbul for the voyage.

AIDAaura World Cruise 2019-2020

On Aug 3, 2018, were opened bookings for AIDA's 3rd world cruise (2nd on AIDAaura) leaving from Hamburg on October 28, 2019.

• The 117-day full itinerary (October 28, 2019, through February 22, 2020) had scheduled a total of 41 ports in 17 different countries, including Australia (5 ports), New Zealand (3 ports), South America - Tierra del Fuego (Chilean Fjords), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Argentina (Buenos Aires), Pacific Ocean - Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Indian Ocean - Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia, Dakar, Canaries, stops in Lisbon and Le Havre (Paris).
• AIDAaura world cruise segments vary between 34-48 days (35-day Hamburg to San Antonio Chile, 48-day San Antonio to Mauritius, 34-day Mauritius to Hamburg). Segment prices started from EUR 4700 pp (including EUR 700 Early Saver discount for bookings made by May 31, 2019).
• New Year's Eve is in Mauritius.

AIDAaura World Cruise 2018-2019

On July 21, 2017, were opened bookings for AIDA's second world cruise on AIDAaura leaving from Hamburg on October 8, 2018.

The 117-days long itinerary (October 8, 2018, through February 2, 2019) had scheduled a total of 41 ports in 20 different countries on 5 continents. Many of the visited destinations were maiden calls, including South Africa, Namibia, South Pacific (Melbourne Australia, Tasmania, Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia). Among the most popular port destinations along the itinerary route are South America (Rio de Janeiro Brazil, Buenos Aires Argentina, Ushuaia Chile), Santiago Chile, Easter Island, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Samoa, French Polynesia.Sydney Australia, Tasmania, Fremantle-Perth Australia, Madagascar, South Africa, Namibia.

Passengers will also enjoy an onboard New Year's Eve party while the ship is in Mauritius.

AIDA's 2018 world cruise prices started from EUR 12995 pp (USD 15360 pp /inside cabin) and from EUR 16565 pp (USD USD 19580 pp / oceanview cabin).

Aura became the second AIDA boat to operate an around-the-world voyage - following AIDAcara (in 2017). Cara's 116-days global itinerary (October 17, 2017, through February 10, 2018) visited a total of 41 ports in 23 different countries on 5 continents. The route was westbound, featuring a Transatlantic crossing and a Suez Canal transit.