Tourism

What is the Celestyal Discovery cruise ship and when does it visit Gibraltar?

The cruise ship Celestyal Discovery
Photo: Pjotr Mahhonin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Short answer

Celestyal Discovery is a Greek-run Celestyal ship for about 1,266 guests, built in 2003 as AIDAaura. It calls at Gibraltar five times in December 2026 and December 2027 on winter sailings between Tarragona and Lisbon.

Upcoming visits to Gibraltar

  • Wednesday 9 December 2026, in port 07:00–18:00

  • Wednesday 23 December 2026, in port 07:00–18:00

    Also in port: Explora II, Hamburg, Star Explorer. Combined: about 420 passengers where known.

  • Wednesday 1 December 2027, in port 08:00–19:00

    Also in port: Corinthian. Combined: about 114 passengers where known.

  • Wednesday 15 December 2027, in port 07:00–18:00

    Also in port: Azamara Journey. Combined: about 690 passengers where known.

  • Wednesday 29 December 2027, in port 07:00–18:00

From the Port of Gibraltar schedule, last checked 15 October 2026.

Detailed answer

Celestyal Discovery was built by Aker MTW at Wismar in Germany and sailed from 2003 to 2023 as AIDAaura for AIDA Cruises. Celestyal bought it in November 2023, refitted it in Athens and started sailing it in March 2024. It measures about 42,289 gross tons and 202.85 metres, carries about 1,266 guests and has a crew of about 389. Celestyal sells it as a relaxed, good-value way to see the Mediterranean, with family cruises, short Greek island trips and solo offers. On board are the Thalassa restaurant, the Smoked Olive, a taverna buffet, the Star Bar, a pool and a wellness area.

How busy will town be?

The upcoming visits listed on this page show the passengers expected on each call and any other ships in port the same day. Town is busiest when several ships are in at once or a large ship arrives at a weekend. A ship carrying a few hundred passengers makes little difference on its own.

Can you sail on it from nearby?

Yes. In winter Celestyal Discovery sails between Tarragona, which Celestyal markets as Barcelona, and Lisbon. The Mediterranean Splendor cruise leaves Tarragona on Saturday 5 December 2026 and calls at Malaga, Gibraltar, Casablanca and Cadiz before ending in Lisbon. Similar Tarragona and Lisbon sailings, including 13-night round trips, run through December 2026 and again from late November 2027. In spring and summer the ship sails three- and four-night cruises from Lavrion near Athens.