The Celestyal Discovery. Photo source: Celestyal
With the full renovation of its two core cruise ships now complete, Greece-based Celestyal is entering a new phase of strategic growth — signaling potential new acquisitions and a stronger presence across Europe and the Gulf.
Celestyal operates two core ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, offering itineraries across Greece, the Gulf countries, and the Adriatic.
With the recent 22-million-euro renovation of Celestyal Discovery, the company has completed a 50-million-euro fleet upgrade, underscoring its commitment to local investment and planned expansion into new markets, particularly the Adriatic and Arabian Gulf.
Celestyal COO Captain George Koumpenas and Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides onboard the Celestyal Discovery cruise ship. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)
At a recent press event in the port of Lavrio, Celestyal CEO Chris Theophilides highlighted the company’s strategic shift.
“This investment shows how serious we are about our Greek identity — not just culturally, but economically,” he said. “Our next steps may include a third ship, as we look to deepen our presence in the Adriatic and expand westward.”
Modernizing Celestyal Discovery
Celestyal Discovery, new cabin. Photo source: Celestyal
Celestyal Discovery is now fully modernized following a two-phase retrofit that included the addition of 47 new cabins — among them Junior Dream Suites, Cosmos Cabins, and Grand Horizon Suites with panoramic balconies — as well as major upgrades to decks and environmental systems, including scrubbers (exhaust gas cleaning systems that reduce air pollution from ships).
The second phase of work was completed over the winter at the Skaramangas shipyard, in partnership with Greek design firm AMK Architecture & Design and more than 15 local suppliers.
Pioneering sustainability with Biofuel
Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)
The ship also represents a milestone for the company’s sustainability goals. Theophilides announced that Celestyal Discovery is the first vessel in Greece to run on a marine biofuel blend.
The fuel, developed by Coral Marine and produced in Greece by Motor Oil and subsidiary Verd, is fully compliant with ISO 8217:2024 standards and is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 21 percent.
“Sustainability is no longer optional,” said Theophilides. “We’re investing in green technology not only to meet regulatory requirements like ETS and FuelEU, but to do our part in leading the transition toward more responsible cruising.”
Celestyal’s environmental push is part of a broader repositioning. The company operates smaller, more flexible cruise ships designed to provide what it calls an “authentic Greek experience”, highlighting local cuisine, culture, and hospitality over high-volume mass tourism.
Lavrio: A growing homeport
Celestyal Discovery at Lavrio Port. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)
Lavrio, located on the southeastern coast of Attica, has become a central hub in this approach. Designated as Celestyal’s main homeport post-pandemic, it offers a less congested alternative to the often-busy port of Piraeus.
“Celestyal’s consistency has been instrumental in establishing Lavrio as Greece’s second major cruise departure port,” said Lavrio Port Authority CEO George Vakondios during the event.
According to Vakondios, cruise calls at the port are expected to reach 150 in 2025, up from 100 last year.
“Our collaboration with Celestyal is a living example of what public and private sector synergy can achieve when there is a shared vision and strategic targeting,” he added.
Passenger projections, Market expansion
Celestyal Discovery, reception area. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)
Celestyal Discovery, with a passenger capacity of 1,360, launched its Mediterranean season in March 2025 and is scheduled to debut in the Arabian Gulf this December.
Celestyal expects to carry 140,000 passengers in 2025, up from 120,000 in 2024 — with approximately 125,000 sailing in Greek waters and 15,000 in the Gulf region. Sixty percent of passengers are expected to come from international markets, including North and Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Challenges Ahead: Geopolitical uncertainty, New cruise levy
However, according to Celestyal executives, not all developments have been favorable.
A slowdown in bookings earlier this year was attributed to geopolitical concerns, including statements from US President Donald Trump regarding new tariff policies.
Photo source: Celestyal
Additionally, the upcoming implementation of Greece’s new cruise passenger levy is raising concern within the industry.
Set to take effect July 21, the fee — ranging from 3 euros to 20 euros per person depending on port and season — is intended to support infrastructure upgrades at high-traffic destinations like Santorini and Mykonos.
Celestyal executives warned, however, that the added cost may deter some travelers.
“In principle, we support the idea,” said Theophilides. “But the fee, combined with recent increases in tugboat charges, ISPS services, and environmental compliance costs, could significantly impact the competitiveness of Greek ports compared to Turkey or the U.S.”
Celestyal COO Captain George Koumpenas noted that for families, the costs could be steep. On a multi-stop itinerary that includes Mykonos and Santorini, the total fee could exceed 200 euros for a group of four.
He also highlighted ongoing ambiguities around the fee, including applicable age limits and exemptions for infants.
“Our clarifications from the ministries involved are still pending,” Captain Koumpenas said.
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