Discovery Princess

Cruise Reviews

Discovery Princess Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Cruise for You?

As the final Royal-class ship built for Princess Cruises (launched in 2022), the Discovery Princess represents the pinnacle of the line’s modern, elegant design. Rather than relying on massive waterslides or roller coasters, the Discovery Princess focuses on sophisticated relaxation, exceptional dining, and the highly personalized MedallionClass technology.

If you are looking for a premium, resort-style family vacation in 2026 with a focus on great food and beautiful destinations, this ship is a top-tier contender.

Discovery Princess at a Glance

Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Ship Class: Royal Class (Capacity: ~3,660 passengers)
2026 Key Destinations: Alaska (Summer), Mexican Riviera & California Coast (Fall/Winter out of Los Angeles)
Best For: Couples, multi-generational families, and travelers who prefer relaxation and culinary experiences over high-octane amusement park thrills.

2026 Itineraries & Deployment Updates

For 2026, the Discovery Princess is chasing the sun and the glaciers across the Pacific Coast:

- Summer 2026 (Alaska): Operating 7-day “Voyage of the Glaciers” routes between Vancouver and Whittier, or round-trip Inside Passage cruises from Seattle/Vancouver. Princess remains the undisputed leader in Alaska, with exclusive Glacier Bay access and fantastic onboard naturalist programs.
- Fall/Winter 2026 (Mexico & California): Moving down to its homeport in Los Angeles, the ship will operate highly popular 7-day Mexican Riviera sailings (Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta) and shorter Pacific Wine Country coastal getaways.

Onboard Experience: What to Expect

The MedallionClass Experience

Your experience is driven by the OceanMedallion—a quarter-sized wearable device that replaces your cruise card. It unlocks your cabin door as you approach, allows you to locate your family members on the ship’s app, and powers OceanNow, which lets you order food, cocktails, or sunscreen directly to wherever you are sitting on the ship.

Pools & The Sanctuary

The ship features expansive, beautifully designed pool decks with massive “Movies Under the Stars” screens. For adults looking to escape, The Sanctuary is a premium, top-deck retreat (available for a half-day or full-day fee) offering plush loungers, signature beverages, and dedicated Serenity Stewards.

Sky Suites

If you have the budget, the Discovery Princess features the spectacular Sky Suites. Located at the top of the ship, these suites offer massive, 1,000-square-foot continuous balconies with 270-degree panoramic views—perfect for hosting private viewing parties of the Alaskan glaciers.

Dining & Beverage Packages (Updated 2026)

Princess Cruises has some of the best specialty dining at sea, but their included options are equally impressive.

- Included Dining: The Main Dining Rooms offer a mix of traditional and flexible seating. The World Fresh Marketplace (buffet) and Slice Pizzeria (frequently voted the best pizza at sea) are massive crowd-pleasers.
- Included Dining: The Main Dining Rooms offer a mix of traditional and flexible seating. The World Fresh Marketplace (buffet) and Slice Pizzeria (frequently voted the best pizza at sea) are massive crowd-pleasers.
- Specialty Dining (Extra Fee): Do not miss the Crown Grill for premium, cooked-to-order steaks, or Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria for handmade pasta.

Customer Service & Reliability

- The Highs: The onboard staff, from the restaurant servers to the train managers, provide world-class, intuitive hospitality. The food is spectacular, often matching high-end restaurants in major cities.
- The Lows: Given the immense popularity of the train, Gold and Platinum cabins book out months (sometimes over a year) in advance. It is not a trip you can easily plan at the last minute.

Pros & Cons of Sailing on Discovery Princess

Pros:

MedallionClass technology makes boarding and ordering drinks incredibly seamless.
Exceptional dining quality, specifically the Crown Grill and Slice Pizzeria.
Breathtaking Sky Suites and excellent, spacious standard balconies.
Industry-leading Alaskan itineraries with exclusive Glacier Bay access.

Cons:

Lacks the high-adrenaline activities (like surf simulators or go-karts) found on rival family lines.
The main pool deck can feel crowded on sea days during sunny Mexican Riviera sailings.

Have You Sailed on the Discovery Princess?

Your experience helps other travelers make informed decisions! Did you love the OceanMedallion technology, or did you find the ship lacking in kids’ activities?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Discovery Princess

Is the Discovery Princess a new ship?

Yes, she is relatively new. The Discovery Princess debuted in the spring of 2022 as the sixth and final Royal-class ship for Princess Cruises, meaning her hardware, cabins, and technology are highly modern.

Does the Discovery Princess have an indoor pool?

Yes. In addition to the main outdoor pools, the ship features The Retreat Pool (an adults-only area) and access to the Enclave thermal suite in the Lotus Spa, which features a hydrotherapy pool, heated stone beds, and sensory showers (access requires a spa pass).

Is the Princess Plus package worth it?

For the vast majority of cruisers in 2026, yes. Because it covers your mandatory daily crew gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, and a 15-drink-per-day beverage package (including alcohol, specialty coffees, and sodas), it easily pays for itself if you plan to have a few drinks and connect to the internet daily.

Your experience helps other travelers make informed decisions! Did you love the OceanMedallion technology, or did you find the ship lacking in kids’ activities?

Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the cruise line before booking.

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Discovery Princess