Jill Weinlein
It’s smooth sailing for Princess Cruises newest MedallionClass ship, the Discovery Princess. The godparents of the ship include fashion designer Randy Fenoli, chef Alex Guarnaschelli, special effects designer and fabricator Adam Savage, and real estate broker Page Turner. Standing together at the Retreat Pool on the open deck they pronounced, “We name this ship Discovery Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her.” Then a giant Nebuchadnezzar-size bottle of champagne soared towards the ship for the celebratory smash, officially welcoming her into the fleet of Princess Cruises.
John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises excitedly told invitees, “Cruising is back and the elegant Discovery Princess showcases the many reasons why travelers should take a cruise now.”
He then went on to talk about the history of the Princess Cruse line. “Today we celebrate our newest ship, Discovery Princess, as she sets sail on her maiden voyage to the Mexican Riviera from the Port of Los Angeles – the same port our very first cruise departed from in 1965.“
Jill Weinlein
The 3,660-guest Discovery Princess was built at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and is the sixth and final Royal-class ship. Other Royal-class ships include the Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, and Royal Princess.
From June to September, she sets sail weekly from the lively city of Seattle on a 7-day itinerary to the picturesque Alaskan ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria in British Columbia.
Jill Weinlein
Discovery Princess delivers Princess MedallionClass vacations which begin with the Medallion™. It’s a wearable device that is the size of a quarter and is worn as a necklace or inside a purchased wristband. This state-of-the-art system enables expedited contactless boarding and disembarkation at each port. Plus it can unlock and lock a guest’s stateroom door, and with a tap can pay for purchases in the shops, spa treatments, in the casino and upgraded dining.
One can locate loved ones, upgrade their wi-fi and operate the onboard directory and keep their scores when playing trivia games.
Princess Cruises
Guests staying in the new Sky Suites enjoy luxuriously 808 to 873 square feet interiors and a wrap around balcony that is over 1,000 sqft. With three floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, these suites are light, airy and offer ocean to sky views. There are two full bedrooms, and a sofa in the living area that sleeps one guest to accommodate up to five people.
A dedicated Suite Experience Manager takes care of every need throughout the cruise, including complimentary al fresco breakfasts and dinners on the balcony. This outdoor area is furnished with a dining table for four, large day bed, loungers and exterior bar with mini fridge and TV. While dining, suite guests have dazzling 270-degree panoramic ocean, swimming pool and ‘Movie Under The Stars’ views. It’s ideal for families, and for those celebrating a special occasion.
The Sky Suites are the highest level staterooms offering signature Princess beds and bedding, modern designed bathrooms with a deep soaking bathtub and a separate rain shower. The second bedroom has two twin beds and a bathroom with a shower.
Other upscale benefits for Sky Suite guests include pre-cruise shoreside concierge, reserved Princess Theater seating, complimentary access to The Enclave’s private pool and relaxation areas, premium Champagne upon arrival, two full bottle bar setup and mixers, complimentary Princess fine wine tasting, and private shopping concierge.
Jill Weinlein
Princess offers live entertainment in multiple venues throughout the day. Starting on Deck 5, The Piazza offers a variety of musical guests, especially during cocktail hour. Other venues in this three story area include the Internet Cafe, Shore Excursion office, Fine Art Gallery, Princess Casino, and The Shops of Princess.
Nightly there are mesmerizing Broadway-style or comedy shows, and enrichment talks that can only be seen in the state-of-the-art Princess Theater.
Jill Weinlein
The ship offers 25 bars and restaurants with some of the most al fresco dining options of any Princess ship. Discovery Princess offers French fine dining at Bistro Sur La Mer by three Michelin Star Chef Emmanuel Renaut.
Fresh pasta is made daily at Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria in its glass viewing pasta room. Over at The Salty Dog this cozy gastropub offers fresh fish, burgers, fried chicken and some vegetarian and vegan options.
Other dining venues include Crown Grill Steakhouse and Bar for dry-aged steaks, grilled fish and meaty chops paired with International and California wines, and Gigi’s Pizzeria for freshly prepared pizza pies. All day dining is available at the International Cafe on Deck 5. Also sit down fine-dining is at the Juneau and Skagway dining rooms on Decks 5 and 6.
Up on deck 16, The World Market offers an array of International menu items served buffet style with oceanview indoor and outdoor seating. It opens at 5 a.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m.
Jill Weinlein
At sea days or when in port, passengers like to unwind in ultimate comfort at The Lotus Spa and Sanctuary. Decompress during a variety of treatments and use the new relaxing options such as the Hammam (a Turkish-style steam room), the Caldarium (an herbal steam room), the Laconium (a dry heat sauna) and the line’s first-ever hydro-therapy pool.
The fitness center offers oceanview exercise options and daily classes that include an early morning stretch, pilates, pure-form yoga, and cardio classes.
Up on the sports deck is basketball, pickle ball, and a small putting green.
Jill Weinlein
Discovery Princess has three pools including an infinity Wakeview pool in the back. The ship uses the latest technology to reduce fuel consumption, treat wastewater, and support the cruise line’s environmental compliance efforts.
To view the latest Princess itineraries, go to Princess Cruises to discover a cruise that is right for you.
