Celestyal Discovery Winter Iconic Aegean Cruise | 4-Nights
- Taryn
- Feb 21
- 12 min read
Updated: Mar 12
To celebrate my sister's 50th birthday, I decided to take her on a trip to Greece in 2024. Since neither of us had ever been before and we were limited on how long we could be away from our families, we agreed that a cruise would be a convenient way to visit multiple Greek islands.
We were interested in the Celestyal cruise line since it is Greek-owned and the ships aren't ginormous. Because my sister's birthday is in December, we wanted to cruise as close to her birthday month as possible, and Celestyal offered cruises as late as November on its ship the Discovery before pausing for the winter season. As an added bonus this cruise had a stop in Kusadasi, Turkey.
CHECK-IN
With a departure time of 11:00 a.m., we arrived at Lavrio Port by 9:00 a.m. on November 4. Check-in was a breeze since it was super organized and fast. After baggage drop, which is required for large luggage, we headed to the check-in counters. The lines were short and quick, but nevertheless the staff offered us juice for our brief wait. At the check-in counter we showed our passports and registered our credit cards for our onboard purchases. At this time we were given our room keys, which double as charge cards on the ship.
Next we went through security, which was also speedy. From security we were lined up to board a shuttle to the docked ship. We agreed later, that this was not necessary for us as we are in decent shape and the distance from the port building to the ship entrance really wasn't that far. However, it's a nice option for anyone older or with mobility issues.
Upon entering the ship, we were informed that cabins were not quite ready, but that we could pass the time by enjoying beverages in the bar & lounges on Decks 8 or 9. We headed to the Star Bar & Lounge on Deck 8 since that was just one level up from our cabin on Deck 7. We found super comfy chairs and purchased refreshments.
At this time, if you haven't signed up for a drinks package, the staff are in the lounge to assist you with doing so. We were undecided about a drinks package, but after crunching the numbers, we opted to skip getting a package. We aren't alcohol drinkers and after finding out the prices for water and specialty coffee, the main beverages we'd be drinking, it wasn't cost-effective for us to do a package. Beer, wine, tea, sodas, regular coffee & juice are all included with meals. We purchased water and specialty coffee drinks a la carte and with large bottles of water at 3 €, small at 1 € and specialty coffee drinks around 6 € each, this was economical for us.
Although we saved money by not doing a drinks package, it can be a little inconvenient having to run your card and sign your receipt with every drink transaction. Saving 60 € each made it worth it for us.
THE CABIN
After spending about an hour in the lounge, it was announced that cabins were ready. Room 7122 was just around the corner from a stairwell on the starboard. At first the location near the stairwell concerned us for noise, but it turned out to be surprisingly quiet. We then met our steward, Putu, who was extremely kind and attentive to us throughout the trip.
We forgot to bring our own lanyards, so we were thrilled to see some for purchase in the room for 3 € each. We were also able to buy additional bottles of water from the cabin and keep them cold in the mini-fridge provided.
With white walls and a rich blue patterned carpet, mirroring the colors of the Greek flag, we thought the cabin was very pleasant. The decor was updated and the cabin had a very contemporary style. There were two single beds side by side and two chairs with a coffee table nearby. Next to the balcony door in the corner, there was a desk with drawers, a chair, a TV and a large mirror on the wall. A large wardrobe runs along the hall toward the At the entrance of the cabin with plenty of storage. To turn on the cabin lights, you do need to insert your key card near the front door, which can be a bit cumbersome.
The bathroom appeared less updated than the rest of the cabin, but was clean. It also was small as to be expected on a cruise ship. It had bright lighting, a three-way mirror at the sink, ample shelving for personal care items, and a stand alone shower. Putu did a nice job stocking our towels each day.
We loved the towel sculptures that Putu surprised us with when we were on excursions in the various ports. It was fun to arrive back to see his new creations.
Last, but certainly not least, our cabin came with a gorgeous balcony. Even with the cooler temperatures in November, we were able to sit out there from time to time, especially in the warmer destinations of Kusadasi and Rhodes. I was even able to comfortably sit on the balcony and watch the tender boats bring passengers back to the ship in the evening in Santorini. With so many opportunities to look out and marvel at the splendor of the Aegean islands, I highly recommend a cabin with a balcony.
DINING
Buffet
Our next objective after settling into our cabin and unpacking was to get lunch on Deck 8. The two main dining rooms that are included in the cruise price, Thalassa Restaurant (Deck 8) and The Taverna Buffet (Deck 9) are buffet style for most meals, except for Thalassa, which transforms into a la carte for dinner with open sitting and waiter service. "Chef's Gourmet" suggestions from the grill are an extra charge for dinner in the Thalassa Restaurant.
The buffet afforded a great number of food options for each meal. For lunch and dinner, there were international hot dishes of meat, pasta, vegetables, and side dishes as well as cold meats and cheese, salad, pizza, and bread. Some dishes were labeled vegetarian, vegan and gluten free for those with dietary restrictions. There really were a variety of choices to satisfy most passengers.
The breakfast buffet was impressive as well with many hot selections such as eggs, waffles, and bacon and cold items like cereal, pastries, and fruit. Many beverage choices were also available such as water, soda, beer, wine, tea, coffee, and juice.
Okay, to be honest, we were most excited about the desserts! There were numerous little cakes of every kind imaginable and typically one specialty dessert such as bread pudding with white chocolate sauce. On top of that, there were always two flavors of ice cream on hand at lunch and dinner that were so creamy and delicious. The pistachio was definitely my favorite and fortunately was served a couple of times during the cruise.
Additional Dining
If you are looking for an alternative to the buffet, you can also try several other dining options for an extra charge.
Grill Seekers specializes in surf & turf and is located on Deck 8. Grill Seekers also hosted a couple of wine tasting experiences in the evenings.
Located on Deck 10, the Greek deli offers traditional Greek foods such as koulouris & gyros that you can enjoy in the deli with stunning views or take to go.
Fig & Honey also on the Deck 10, offers refreshing items such as smoothies, fresh juice, gelato and milkshakes.
Cafe' Nation Gourmet Coffee was our favorite place to visit before our early morning excursions. The lattes and mochas were delicious and we were met with friendly service bright & early each morning.
COMMUNAL SPACES
Located on Deck 10, the pool wasn't exactly packed since our cruise took place in November, but it was available if desired. The outdoor spa was much more popular in the cooler weather. Staff do put out rows of sun chairs in the day for lounging. From time to time there are activities scheduled on the pool deck such as Zumba.
There are also covered areas on Deck 10 with expansive windows and very comfortable lounge seating where you can relax with a cocktail and gaze at the stunning scenery all while being protected from the sun or winds.
Additionally, Deck 10 has a lot of outdoor places to lounge or dine while checking out the majestic ocean views and occasionally catching the fiery glow of an Aegean sunset.
The Halara Cove Bar offers up extensive alcoholic beverages and is adjacent to the pool for convenience with covered seating nearby.
The ship also has relaxing & fun hangout outdoor spots to enjoy such as the cozy bench booths or the swings in the nook pictured above.
The recently refurbished interior of the ship provides many lovely spaces to unwind after your daily adventures. The furniture is both comfortable and stylish.
Along with the inviting lounge spots all around the ship, there are various delightful artistic details such as the intriguing sculptures pictured above.
I'm actually not sure when this area comes alive, but it appears to be a lovely place to taste wine.
The spa was located in a convenient location off one of the stairwells and offered many services. It should be noted as happens frequently on cruise ships, the prices on spa services go down toward the end of the trip.
PORTS
This section is an overview of the ports visited on the Winter Iconic Aegean Cruise and includes a brief description of excursions when applicable. The itinerary of this cruise was definitely jam-packed and mornings began very early for excursions.
Mykonos
Mykonos was the first stop after leaving Lavrion with an arrival time of 4:00 p.m. We decided to skip the excursions for Mykonos and navigate the town ourselves. Passengers signed up for excursions meet in the auditorium and get off the ship first in the ports. If you aren't signed up for an excursion then you can pick up your disembarkation card and leave when called.
After we left the ship, we caught a shuttle bus that dropped us off closer to Mykonos Town by the water. Our priority was to get to the windmills before sunset. We made our way across town following the stone pathways through the white-washed buildings with their brightly-colored doors & brilliant bougainvillea. We made it to the windmills just in time for a spectacular sunset.
We also visited Little Venice after seeing the windmills and strolled pass numerous splendid churches. Since it was off season, it was very quiet in Mykonos and it felt like we had the town to ourselves to explore, which was just incredible. There were still a few shops open so we did some shopping before returning to the ship.
Kusadasi
The Discovery traveled to Kusadasi, Turkey overnight from Mykonos. Our excursion, Ancient Ephesus through the Ages, began bright & early at 7:00 a.m.
The stop in Kusadasi is just for a half day, so we signed up for an excursion in order to have a thorough tour of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. Ephesus was founded around 1050 BC and was an important port for the ancient world.
The tour takes visitors through the ancient Agora, across the main street of Curetes and the Odeon. But without a doubt the ornate facade of the Library of Celsus was the highlight of the tour. There was actually enough time after visiting Ephesus to tour a nearby turkish rug workshop, which was fascinating.
Patmos
At the conclusion of the Ephesus excursion, we returned to the Discovery in time for lunch and to enjoy an afternoon at sea relaxing for a few hours before arriving in Patmos for the evening.
Our excursion in Patmos was the Countryside Tour with Chora & Grotto. Once anchored, tender boats transported us to the port where we boarded our tour bus. The first part of this tour took us to the Cave of the Apocalypse where it is presumed that St. John of Patmos experienced his visions later recorded in the Book of Revelations.
The excursion concluded with a walking tour through the narrow streets of the quaint village of Chora set up on a hill top surrounding the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian. After the windy ride back down the hill in the tour bus, we again took tender boats back to the ship and headed to dinner.
Rhodes
With its impressive medieval architecture, waking up to the sight of Rhodes city at sunrise after the overnight voyage at sea was pure magic. We were so grateful to have a balcony on the starboard side of the ship to get great views of this city that goes back in time.
We specifically wanted to visit the Lindos Acropolis, so we signed up for the Medieval Tour & Lindos Acropolis excursion and we were not disappointed.
The morning started early with an hour bus drive to the archaeological site of Lindos Acropolis. The site includes significant ruins from Greek, Roman & Medieval times. The Acropolis ruins reside on top of a steep cliff with a glorious ocean backdrop. The site is truly extraordinary.
We returned to Rhodes City and continued our excursion with a tour of the walled Medieval Quarter. We entered through The D'Amboise Gate and our tour guide led us by the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, a fairy tale structure, and down the cobbled stone Street of the Knights. The tour wrapped up in time for lunch and we had free time for the rest of our day in Rhodes to explore and shop.
Santorini
The grand finale of the trip was visiting legendary Santorini with its white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches nestled along the cliffs of the caldera. Our excursion for Santorini was called Spectacular Oia Village on the Caldera Rim.
Following the quick tender boat ride, we boarded our tour bus. The bus zig-zagged us up to the top of the caldera on a treacherously steep and twisty road. Once up top we meandered through the countryside to our first stop, a sleepy little village called Megalochori. This village consisted of typical Santorini architecture: flat-roofed houses designed to collect water (a big issue for the island) and white-washed exteriors. The village also has a blue-domed church similar to those in the famous village of Oia.
After our fairly brief walk around Megalochori, we headed for Oia with a buzz of excitement as everyone desired to see the famous blue-domed churches overlooking the dazzling sea below. We gathered in the main square of Oia and our guide sent us off for free time to explore the village ourselves. We were able to shop, see donkeys entering the village, and finally view the famous churches.
The tour finishes by transporting passengers to the town of Fira where there was free time to have lunch and do some shopping. The guide gave us our cable car passes before saying goodbye. In the evening when we were finished exploring Fira, we rode the cable car down the caldera and caught a tender boat back to the ship. In low season, this process was super quick.
At sunset, we watched the orange-lit buildings hugging the caldera rim of enchanting Santorini disappear from our cabin's balcony as we sailed off for our last night of the cruise. We had another pleasant dinner and more delicious desserts before catching some of the ship's entertainment.
CONCLUSION
We woke up the following morning back in Lavrio Port. Our larger luggage had to be left in the hallway the night before and we were instructed to be out of our cabin by 7:00 a.m. So, of course we hit the breakfast buffet. The process of departing the ship went reasonably smooth, although we were a little confused about when to leave the ship--but this may have been a detail we overlooked in the directions. Nonetheless, we were off by around 8:15 and skipped the shuttle to the port building this time.
I do recommend booking transportation to wherever your next destination may be. We grabbed a cab, which there weren't many at the port, and ended up having a very interesting ride to Athens. Fortunately, it all worked out in the end.
After enjoying the variety of ports while being very comfortable on a refurbished ship, we considered our voyage on the Celestyal Discovery to be a success. It was the perfect way for us to be introduced to the Greek Islands and to visit so many beautiful sites in the brief time we had to be in Greece. In order to take in all the gorgeous scenery on this cruise, we loved having a balcony. If you are up for a jam-packed cruise around the Aegean, then this is a great choice. The excursions really enhanced our experiences as they were so organized like well-oiled machines, had informative tour guides, and made our explorations simple and easy. An added bonus for being signed up for an excursion was getting off of the ship first!
Have you been on a cruise with Celestyal? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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