Discovery Princess: My Guide to Life Onboard

When I’m looking at cruise ships, I want to know more than just how many restaurants they have or how many people they can squeeze onboard. I want to know what life is actually going to be like once I’m sailing. Hopefully you enjoy my Discovery Princess onboard experience.

Can I find somewhere lovely to relax? Is the food worth getting excited about? What happens when the sun goes down? And, most importantly, am I going to have enough to keep me entertained without needing to organise every minute of my holiday?

That’s what caught my attention about Discovery Princess.

Part of the Princess Cruises Royal Class fleet, this modern ship brings together a choice of dining experiences, impressive entertainment, relaxing outdoor spaces and plenty of facilities for families.

I’ve had a look at what makes this ship stand out, and there are certainly a few things I’d be keen to experience. Here’s what I’d put on my Discovery Princess wish list.

Getting to Know Discovery Princess

First impressions matter, and Discovery Princess certainly looks like a ship designed to give guests plenty of choice.

Entering service in 2022, the ship can accommodate up to 3,660 guests and features more than 1,400 balcony cabins. That immediately appeals to me because there’s something rather special about waking up, opening your balcony door and having nothing but the ocean in front of you.

If I were choosing a cabin, I’d certainly be tempted by one with a balcony. Although, I wouldn’t rule out an inside cabin if the price difference meant more money left over for excursions, dining and the occasional holiday cocktail.

One feature I’d particularly like to explore is the Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat designed for guests looking for somewhere quieter to unwind.

And then there are the Sky Suites, offering impressive 270-degree views. If you’re looking to push the boat out a little, these would definitely be worth investigating.

You can find more details about the ship and available sailings on our Discovery Princess cruise ship page.

Dining on Discovery Princess: My Mouth Is Already Watering

Let’s be honest, food is a pretty important part of any holiday for me.

I like having options, whether that’s a relaxed breakfast, something quick between activities or a proper sit-down meal in the evening. Discovery Princess certainly seems to tick those boxes.

The Catch by Rudi

This is one restaurant I’d be particularly interested in trying.

The Catch by Rudi celebrates seafood, with dishes featuring fresh catches and a variety of seafood-inspired creations.

If you enjoy seafood, it sounds like a great excuse to treat yourself to something a little different. It’s also a distinctive feature of Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess.

Crown Grill

Now, if seafood isn’t your thing, Crown Grill might be more appealing.

This speciality steakhouse serves premium cuts alongside seafood options. I can imagine this being a popular choice for a special evening or simply when you fancy something a little more indulgent.

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria

Italian food and cruising? I’m struggling to find a downside.

Sabatini’s offers Italian-inspired dining, with a menu designed around traditional flavours and a more leisurely restaurant experience.

I’d certainly be tempted to book an evening here, particularly if I wanted to make a bit more of a special occasion.

Casual Dining and Sweet Treats

Not every meal needs to be a big event.

The International Café offers coffee, pastries, sandwiches and lighter bites, while Gigi’s Pizzeria, Slice Pizzeria and Swirls Ice Cream Bar provide plenty of casual options.

Personally, I think the idea of being able to grab an ice cream whenever the mood takes me is a rather good selling point.

Just remember that some speciality restaurants and dining experiences carry additional charges, so check what’s included in your cruise fare before booking.

Entertainment: What Would I Be Doing After Dinner?

I’m a big believer that a cruise should offer plenty to enjoy once the sun goes down and that this forms a major part of the Discovery Princess onboard experience.

Discovery Princess has several entertainment venues, and there are a few that would definitely make my evening shortlist.

Princess Theatre

The Princess Theatre is where I’d head for the larger production shows and live performances.

I enjoy a good theatre experience, so having professional productions onboard is something I’d look forward to. I’d definitely check the entertainment schedule before sailing to see what’s on.

Movies Under the Stars

This is probably one of my favourite-sounding features.

Imagine settling into a lounger, watching a film on a giant outdoor screen with the night sky above you and the ocean all around.

Movies Under the Stars also features concerts and sporting events, so there’s more than just films to enjoy.

It’s a little more exciting than sitting on the sofa at home, although I suspect I’d still want popcorn.

Princess Live!

If you’re after something a little more interactive, Princess Live! offers entertainment including comedy, cabaret, concerts and game shows.

I’d be interested to see what was happening during the sailing. It’s always nice to have something different to enjoy rather than following exactly the same routine every evening.

The Piazza

The Piazza is one of the central social spaces onboard, inspired by traditional European squares.

With cafés, boutiques and entertainment, it’s somewhere I’d happily spend time wandering around.

I can see it being a particularly nice spot to grab a coffee, watch the activity and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Pools, Relaxation and a Little Me Time

I’m all for exploring destinations, but I also want some proper downtime when I’m on holiday.

Discovery Princess features four swimming pools and ten hot tubs, giving guests plenty of opportunities to relax between ports.

The Sanctuary is another feature I’d be keen to experience. It’s an adults-only retreat designed for guests looking for a quieter environment away from the busier areas of the ship.

There’s also a fitness centre, sports facilities and a jogging track for anyone who likes keeping active while travelling.

Personally, I’d probably be more interested in finding a comfortable sun lounger, ordering something refreshing and watching the world go by.

No emails, no meetings and absolutely no household chores. That’s my definition of a successful sea day.

What Would I Choose for a Cabin?

Discovery Princess offers a range of accommodation, so there’s something to suit different budgets and holiday preferences.

Here’s how I’d look at the options:

• Inside cabins: A practical choice if I’d rather spend my budget exploring the ship and destinations.
• Oceanview cabins: A good option if I wanted natural light and a view of the sea.
• Balcony cabins: My personal temptation. Having private outdoor space to enjoy a morning coffee or watch the coastline pass sounds fantastic.
• Mini-Suites: Worth considering if I wanted more space and a separate sitting area.
• Suites and Sky Suites: The option I’d investigate if I were planning something special and wanted additional space and enhanced facilities.

My advice would be to compare the price difference rather than automatically choosing the most expensive cabin. If you’re going to spend most of your time enjoying the ship, you might find a more affordable option works perfectly well.

Is Discovery Princess Good for Families?

If I were planning a family cruise, I’d certainly want to know what there was for younger guests to enjoy.

Discovery Princess has dedicated children’s and teenage facilities, with age-specific clubs designed to keep everyone entertained.

• The Treehouse: For younger children aged 3–7, with games, creative activities and themed experiences.
• The Lodge: For children aged 8–12, offering activities, competitions and opportunities to make friends.
• The Beach House: For teenagers aged 13–17, with social activities and entertainment.

I particularly like the idea of age-specific spaces because younger children and teenagers generally want very different things from their holidays.

It also gives parents an opportunity to enjoy a little time to themselves while the younger members of the family have their own activities.

Everyone gets a holiday. Even the teenagers might crack a smile!

Where Would I Sail on Discovery Princess?

This is where things get particularly interesting.

Discovery Princess has featured itineraries around Alaska and the Mexican Riviera, offering two very different types of cruise holiday.

Alaska: For the Scenery Alone

If I were looking for something completely different, Alaska would be high on my list.

Think dramatic mountain landscapes, glaciers, wildlife and beautiful coastal towns. It’s a destination that offers an incredible amount to see, particularly if you enjoy nature and photography.

I’d definitely want to spend time exploring ashore and taking in the scenery from the ship.

Mexican Riviera: Sunshine and Coastal Adventures

If warmer weather and colourful coastal destinations were more my thing, the Mexican Riviera would be worth considering.

With opportunities to discover local culture, enjoy beautiful beaches and explore coastal towns, it offers a very different experience from Alaska.

I’d compare the available itineraries carefully to see which destinations and sailing lengths appealed most.

Remember that routes and departure dates change, so always check the individual sailing before making your plans.

My Top Tips Before Booking Discovery Princess

If I were booking a holiday aboard Discovery Princess, there are a few things I’d look into before committing.

1. Compare the dining options. I’d check which restaurants are included and whether any speciality experiences require an additional payment.

2. Look carefully at the cabin categories. A balcony would be tempting, but I’d compare the upgrade cost against what else I could enjoy with the difference.

3. Check the entertainment programme. I’d make a note of the shows and experiences I particularly wanted to see.

4. Investigate the Sanctuary. If a quieter adults-only space appeals to you, check the availability and booking arrangements.

5. Look at the itinerary first. For me, the destinations are just as important as the ship. I’d make sure the ports, sailing length and time ashore suited the holiday I wanted.

6. Don’t plan every minute. Some of my favourite holiday moments are the ones that aren’t scheduled. Leave yourself time to relax and enjoy the ship.

Would I Put Discovery Princess on My Cruise Wish List?

Absolutely.

What appeals to me about Discovery Princess is the combination of modern facilities, a good choice of dining, entertainment and plenty of ways to relax.

I’d be particularly interested in trying The Catch by Rudi, experiencing Movies Under the Stars and spending a little time in the Sanctuary.

Add in the choice of Alaska and Mexican Riviera itineraries, and there’s plenty to consider.

If you’re thinking about sailing on this ship, I’d start by exploring our Discovery Princess cruise ship page to see the details and available options.

You can also browse our wider Princess Cruises deals to compare other ships, itineraries and holidays.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to investigate those balcony cabins. Purely for research purposes, obviously.