Via the app on my phone, I easily connect to MedallionNet, the ship’s Wi-Fi. Having encountered many frustrating challenges when connecting to Wi-Fi on other ships, this instantly puts me in a good mood. The Discovery Princess, a modern iteration of the iconic “Love Boat,” is setting sail for Australia, promising a blend of luxury, innovation, and nostalgia.
The ship, part of the Princess Cruises fleet, is designed to enhance the cruising experience with more open deck areas, premium accommodations, new dining venues, and entertainment productions. The lighter and brighter color scheme creates a sunny ambiance with sand-colored carpets, light wood, and neutral curtains that make spaces feel bigger.
The Heart of the Ship: The Piazza
The heart of the Discovery Princess is The Piazza, a grand atrium that spans several decks and features spiral staircases, glass-walled lifts, and several bars and cafes. This bustling area is the center of activity, hosting daily dance classes, live music, and the captain’s champagne welcome. The ship caters to multi-generational groups and travelers of all ages, offering a variety of spaces from the party atmosphere of the main pool deck to the tranquil thermal spa.
For those seeking quieter moments, the adults-only pool and bar area provide a serene environment for swimming and reading. Nearby, The Retreat offers a luxurious escape for $30, granting half-day access to a private area with sun lounges, cabanas, a jacuzzi, afternoon tea, and a special menu of cocktails and food.
Accommodation and Dining
The Discovery Princess offers 1,830 staterooms, including two Sky Suites with the largest balconies at sea. My Balcony Cabin on Deck 10, one of 753 on the ship, features a beige/bone/sand palette, a queen-sized bed convertible to two twin beds, a desk with a chair, a minibar fridge, a flat-screen TV, and ample storage space. The bathroom, however, is on the smaller side.
Dining on the Discovery Princess is a culinary delight. Included in the fare are three main dining rooms, a vast buffet at World Fresh Marketplace, and various casual options like pizza at Slice, poolside burgers, and Swirls Ice Cream Bar. The International Cafe is a popular 24/7 takeaway venue. For those willing to indulge, the Princess Premier package includes unlimited specialty meals at venues like the Crown Grill steakhouse and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria.
When the ship arrives in Australia, up to 70 new menu items will be introduced to cater to local tastes, including more seafood, roast dinners, pavlova, and Vegemite.
Wellness and Entertainment
The Discovery Princess ensures no excuse to skip a workout with its 24-hour gym, which rivals most expensive city gyms. It offers the latest equipment and fitness machines, along with daily classes from well-known franchises like CycleBar, StretchLab, and PureBarre. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the swimming pools, jogging track, and basketball court.
The Lotus Spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, acupuncture, and Thermage non-invasive facelifts. The Enclave, an extra-fee thermal suite, features a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool, and rain shower. Frequent visitors can purchase a pass for the entire voyage for better value.
Entertainment on the Discovery Princess is vibrant and diverse. The Princess Theatre hosts all-singing, all-dancing productions, including the new show Viva La Musica, celebrating Latin music. Other entertainment options include comedy in the Laugh Lounge, movies under the stars, and interactive games like Deal or No Deal.
The Crew and Verdict
The friendly crew members of the Discovery Princess work cohesively to create a carefree holiday environment for guests. Captain Alessandro Genzo, a charming Italian mariner, sets the tone with warmth and humility. The spa therapists deserve special mention for their convivial service, prompting repeat visits.
The Discovery Princess is designed to be an all-round crowd-pleaser, catering to families, couples, solos, and friend groups of all ages. Even at full capacity, there’s room for everyone to enjoy their preferred activities. The Princess MedallionClass app, however, could be more intuitive, with improvements needed for spa appointments and restaurant opening hours.
From December 2025, the Discovery Princess will call Sydney home for a debut summer season of voyages to New Zealand and Australian ports, marking 50 years since the first Princess ship sailed into Sydney in 1975. Prices start from $2,149 per person, twin share, for a 14-night New Zealand itinerary from Sydney.
Our rating out of five: ★★★★½
