Santorini is back on the cruise map. Following restrictions imposed due to seismic activity in the region, Santorini has officially welcomed its first cruise ship since early 2025.
The vessel, Celestyal Discovery, set off from Athens on 21 March, calling into Santorini two days later.
Making its own return after an extensive refit in the Greek capital, Celestyal Discovery kicked off its 2025 Greece and Mediterranean season with a three-night “Iconic Greek Islands” cruise, stopping in Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes and Santorini.
“We were thrilled to debut Celestyal Discovery’s upgrades last week and to be the first cruise line back to the island of Santorini, which is a firm favourite with our guests, as we kick-start the new season in the Greek islands and Mediterranean,” Celestyal Chief Commercial Officer Lee Haslett said.
Two comebacks
With a capacity of 1,360 passengers, the Discovery now boasts 47 new staterooms, including 32 suites – upping premium capacity by 52% – and 15 ‘Cosmos Cabins’, boosting overall capacity by 7.4%.
Two new suite categories have also been introduced, including 30 ‘Junior Dream Suites’ and two ‘Grand Horizon Suites’ featuring expansive living areas and 15.5m² balconies.
Dining got an upgrade too. The “Smoked Olive” restaurant now caters exclusively to suite guests, while ”Grill Seekers” will offer regional cuisine inspired by the ship’s destinations in a pop-up dining experience.
Elsewhere, Celestyal Discovery added a coffee bar and introduced the Mediterranean-inspired “Pizza Oven” and “Greek Deli”.
The enhancements, along with refreshed social spaces, were led by design agency AMK.
Celestyal Discovery will operate three- and four-night itineraries from Athens through November, with fares starting from A$549 per person, including meals, wi-fi and gratuities.
“This latest refit reinforces our commitment to constantly evolving our guest experience and offering out-of-this-world value,” Haslett said.
“Our stunning upgrades, including two new cabin categories, provide guests with even more home comforts and choice in line with demand for more premium and spacious staterooms.”
For more info, visit the Celestyal trade portal.
In February, ongoing seismic activity in the Aegean Sea forced the Greek government to declare a state of emergency for Santorini along with other popular tourist islands.
