Reviewed by Meena Thiruvengadam
What is the line? Princess Cruises
Name of ship? Discovery Princess
Passenger occupancy? 3,660
Itinerary? Vancouver to Los Angeles
Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?
Princess may be most famous for starring in “The Love Boat,” the iconic television show that was set on one of its ships, but it’s also known for its great Alaska cruises, a variety of delicious food, and relatively affordable prices.
Tell us about the ship in general.
This mega-ship feels like a floating city built around a magnificent atrium instead of a town square. With 1,830 staterooms, a dozen dining options, 10 hot tubs, and an expansive gym, this is a big ship that feels like it. And despite the chandeliers and soaring atrium, the vibe on board is casual. You won’t find any amusem*nt park rides, waterslides, or go-kart tracks here, but there’s still plenty to do on this ship that began sailing in March 2022.
Who is onboard?
I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of passengers on my October sailing. Ifound myself traveling with retirees, multi-generational families, and travelers from a variety of countries. Alarge percentage of passengers were Canadian,which makes sense as the ship departed from Vancouver. There were also a surprising number of children on board considering it was early October when most kids are typically in school.
Describe the cabins.
The Discovery Princess’ 1,830 staterooms include two luxurious sky suites and hundreds of balcony rooms and mini-suites. I stayed in a Deluxe Balcony cabin, an approximately 250-square-foot space with a shower, a small sitting area, and desk. Next time, I’ll opt for the slightly larger mini-suite which has a full-sized couch instead of a loveseat and a more spacious desk. The decor is simple, especially in the bathroom, but there are a few signs of shipbuilder Fincantieri’s stylish Italian roots.
Tell us about the crew.
Generally, the staff I interacted with were helpful and friendly (consistent with my first Princess sailing from years ago). However, at certain times onboard, I had trouble tracking down crew members to help assist me with onboard tasks like locating a pool towel or deciphering the details of my food and beverage package.
What food and drink options are available on board?
You’re guaranteed not to go hungry on this ship. An international buffet and meals in the main dining room are included with cruise fares. A 24-hour cafe, a grill, a New York slice shop, a crêperie, and afternoon tea are also included in the ship’s complimentary dining plan. There are eight specialty restaurants that cost extra to access, including one with a menu designed by Michelin-star chef Emmanuel Renaut. The best dining option on board, however, is the 360 experience. Guests are greeted with a custom co*cktail and escorted to their seats around a circular table in a private room for a multi-course, multi-sensory dining experience complete with music and interactive visuals. If you have to pick between a specialty dining package and this dinner, choose the 360 dinner. It’s well worth $149, and I am still daydreaming about the lemon pasta I had that night.
Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?
There is a spa and a small thermal suite on board the Discovery Princess as well as a premium, adults-only Sanctuary sun deck where guests can get massages in private outdoor cabanas.
How about the activities and entertainment?
There may not be a zipline, laser tag, or mega slide on board, but this ship doesn’t need any of that. The Discovery Princess has four swimming pools, 10 hot tubs, and several bars and lounges. Princess also employs some of the best performers in the business, and you’ll find them putting on Broadway-caliber shows or dancing through the atrium. Is a movie more your speed? Catch a flick under the stars on Princess’ giant outdoor screen. The onboard casino is one of the most lively places on the ship, and there are lots of shops onboard to spend your winnings.
How was the experience for families?
While there’s no onboard amusem*nt park, there are several spaces for kids to hang out and lots of family-friendly cabins. There’s a treehouse playroom for children between three and seven, and at Camp Discovery, kids between eight and 12 can participate in activities like rocket building and model roller coaster construction. There’s also a separate space for teenagers to hang out, take dance classes, or play in video game tournaments. There’s even a teen party night on board complete with mocktails.
Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?
I sailed from Vancouver to Victoria, Canada, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. While the excursions were priced on the higher end of the spectrum, they offered a wide variety of options for people at all mobility levels, including city tours and trips to wine country. I opted for independent excursions on my own, which this itinerary makes especially easy. The ship departs from downtown Vancouver, ports within walking distance of downtown Victoria, B.C., and pulls into the heart of San Francisco before ending at the Port of Los Angeles.
Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?
The Discovery Princess has a dedicated environmental officer to manage onboard sustainability efforts. Engines and propellers are designed to consume less fuel. The ship also composts food waste and has reduced its reliance on single-use plastics.
Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.
It’s hard to eat better on a cruise than this, especially if you’re a vegetarian or prefer Asian cuisine. Plus, you’re able to sail the same itineraries as more expensive cruise lines at a fraction of the price.
