Discovery Princess

The Futuristic MedallionClass Tech: The biggest upgrade to all Princess ships in recent years and native to Discovery since day one is its signature MedallionClass technology. Rather than rely solely on a keycard for getting on and off the ship as well as other transactions, wearable quarter-sized “medallions” facilitate interactions.

Paired with a smartphone mobile app, guests can order drinks and snacks to their location nearly anywhere onboard and even have their cabin doors automatically unlocked as they approach. The functionality even extends ashore now, with certain partner vendors accepting payment via medallion. The high-tech (included) device is the number one way Princess currently differentiates itself from its competitors.

The Wide Array of Restaurants and Bars: Overseen by the aforementioned Chef Sodamin, Discovery Princess dining also sets the ship apart. A trio of main restaurants named after the Alaskan cities of Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway offer full-service complimentary fare while self-service buffet options are freely available from the World Fresh Marketplace. Included cuisine is tasty — extending also to poolside pizza from Slice and grill items from The Salty Dog Cafe, plus all-day snacks from the International Cafe. (Chef’s Table Lumiere remains an added-cost option within the main restaurant as well.)

However, specialty restaurants really shine. Returning classics are the Crown Grill steakhouse and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, and The Catch by Rudi newly showcases the masterfully prepared seafood of said Sodamin. Consider the delicious likes of Dover sole meunière or surf and turf. And even more special on Discovery is the line’s interactive 360: An Extraordinary Experience — a seven-course meal that visually and gastronomically “transports” diners to the Mediterranean.

Also not to be forgotten are Discovery’s many great watering holes (classic Crooners included), the best of which is Good Spirits at Sea. Continuing the ship’s destination-focused approach, the bar playfully presents and pours beverages from around the world. TVs play the backstory of each, and bartenders demonstrate how they’re made before patrons buy and enjoy the hand-crafted libations.

The Live Entertainment (and Other Activities): Another hallmark of Princess that Discovery brings to life is its fantastic live music and production shows, again bridging the gap between the line’s traditional and contemporary approaches. “Rock Opera,” for example, is a repeated performance that perfectly pairs classical numbers with modern tunes, and “Spotlight Bar” is a fresher musical that showcases pop and other hits from ace singers and dancers. Equally resonant is the talented jazz of Take Five and other genres performed in The Piazza.

Princess is known for its excellent rest and relaxation offerings, and Discovery brings the line’s A-game with The Sanctuary and Lotus Spa, both of which cost extra but are far worth the expense. The adults-only private retreat is positioned forward and high to maximize views from reservable cabanas and a shared whirlpool just for Sanctuary guests, while the spa is smartly located outside of view in the bow, given there’s not much to be seen while enjoying a massage. The spa’s Enclave thermal suite, which consists of a therapy pool, steam room, sauna, and experiential showers, is especially lovely.

But it doesn’t cost extra to take a dip in any of the ship’s other four pools and nine whirlpools, many of which sit below the giant Movies Under the Stars screen for enjoying concert and film screenings throughout the day and night.

Instead of being adjacent to the spa as in other ships, the ship’s fitness center is separately placed on the sun deck near the pools, as is a sports court and miniature golf course above.

And while adults exclusively have access to The Sanctuary, only kids can enter Camp Discovery and its Treehouse (for those ages 3 to 7) and Lodge (for those 8 to 12), plus the Beach House just for teens. Appropriate to the ship name, the vibrant youth spaces showcase the line’s collaboration with Discovery Communications.

Rounding out activities are the occasional cabaret at the Vista Lounge and game shows at Princess Live!, but passengers may find a wide variety of interactive events taking place at the central atrium itself. And what’s more, there’s always plenty of shopping and art auctions to partake in and, of course, a casino to gamble at.

Standard Staterooms and Sky Suites: Depending on which category is chosen, the most or least premium part of Discovery Princess is its private accommodations. Introductory ocean view and balcony cabins are still without living area sofas (unless upgraded to deluxe), and their unnecessarily huge walk-in closets result in smaller bathrooms and showers with flimsy curtains. The Princess Luxury Bed and its super cozy mattress and linens being standard do make up for a few shortcomings, however.

But it’s really not until Mini-Suites (and Suites) that amenities and layouts dramatically improve, and the Reserve Collection is a Mini-Suite enhancement that tacks on a sort of package (see more below) that consists of exclusive reserve dining, complimentary wine, priority specialty dining reservations, evening canapés, and upgraded bathrobes.

The creme de la creme on Discovery is its 1,873-square-foot (approximately) Sky Suites that can sleep up to five guests and come with a 270-degree wraparound veranda that overlooks the sea and pool deck below. A living and dining room divides two separate bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, and also included are private Movies Under the Stars balcony viewings, complimentary Ultimate Balcony Breakfast and Dinner, Princess Fine Wine Tasting, access to The Enclave, a Suite Experience Manager, and more.

Package Pricing: One thing that has changed quite a bit in recent years is Princess’ package pricing. The once-complimentary Gigi’s Pizzeria by Alfredo now costs extra as do other casual eateries on Discovery such as O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar (plus Gelato, etc.), but making those surcharges easier to swallow are the Princess Plus and Princess Premier add-ons.

Guests can continue to make a la carte dining purchases if they’d prefer, but Plus or Premium packages bundle in a fixed or unlimited amount of complimentary casual visits per sailing, respectively, as well as many additional perks. Based on the tier bought, a combination of included internet access, gratuities, beverages, specialty dining, premium desserts, room service, reserved theater seating, fitness classes, professional photos, and more become included.

Princess Loyalist Couples and Families: Princess has one of the cruise industry’s best loyalty programs, so it’s no wonder that it has ardent fans returning time after time. Since Discovery, Sun Princess has raised the bar for the brand to appeal to newcomers, but this one remains the newest contender for those couples and multigenerational travelers most familiar and comfortable with its earlier status quo.

Dull Design: The “The Cheesecake Factory at sea” description is not far off as bland colors and dull design define the ship.

Aging Stateroom Layout: Discovery’s entry-level cabins feature flimsy shower curtains, small bathrooms, and a lack of sofa seating.