The cruise ship has a 42,289 gross tonnage (GT) and measures 4,157 tons deadweight (DWT).

Celestyal Discovery has 633 cabins, ranging from 13.5–32.0 square meters (145–344 sq ft) in size of which 60 are equipped with a balcony.

The vessel is equipped with several amenities for the passengers including bars, lounges, a library and a two-storey theater.

[1] The cruise ship was laid down on 11 January 2002 at the Aker MTW shipyard in Wismar, Germany with the yard number 004.

[3][6] In 2004, AIDAaura was acquired by Costa Crociere and the registry moved to Genoa, Italy and the operator changed to AIDA Cruises, a subsidiary of the Carnival Corporation.

Replacing the intended Gemini, the ship would be renamed Lara and undergo renovations in Istanbul.