Review: I sailed Discovery Princess before her Sydney debut – this ship has more of everything

There is something quintessentially Australian about Princess Cruises. Maybe it’s the no-nonsense value proposition. Perhaps it’s the service and staff. Ships like Crown Princess are already sold out for the 2025/26 season, so Princess is obviously doing something right. It may not be brash and brassy, or feature surf pools and flying machines, but it does somehow capture the essential Australian spirit.

The country’s favourite premium brand is celebrating 50 years in Australian waters, making Princess our oldest brand (P&O Australia was shuttered after 92 years). 

The cruise line is celebrating in style, with its biggest and newest ship, Discovery Princess, spending four months sailing local cruises, as well as well-oiled Princess itineraries in Fiji and New Zealand.

By 2026/27, a third of the Princess fleet will be based in the Asia-Pacific, reflecting the region’s growing appetite for premium cruising, and opening up some great options for Australians and New Zealanders.

It’s been a while since I’ve sailed the line, so boarding the ship in Singapore for a short cruise to Port Klang, Langkawi and Penang was irresistible. It had just arrived from a repositioning cruise. Yet almost 600 Aussies were on board for our short leg. Its journey to Sydney has already sold out, with Australians keen to say they were among the first to sail it.

There’s a lot to love about the Love Boat brand. As reassuring as a pair of comfortable slippers, the buzz of the Piazza, the Captain’s meet-and-greet, the champagne tower, the formal nights all seem a little like a homecoming.

Captain Tony Ruggero is made in the Princess mould. Over his 26 years with the line, he stood for 45 minutes as a long line of passengers in their Sunday best queued to be photographed next to the ship’s most senior officer.

A picture with your mother? Certainly. Hugging your baby? Why not? The conga line went on, and the patient and obliging captain kept the smiles coming for shots that will go around the world, given the ship’s passenger list of Aussies, Chinese, Singaporeans, Indians and Americans.

Ruggero has already become a bit of a local hero. As Discovery Princess sailed out of Singapore, he spotted a blaze under the iconic infinity pool of the city’s Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Amazingly, no-one had noticed, so his actions were much appreciated as staff were dispatched to put out the fire.

Discovery Princess is the last of the Royal Class line. And its deployment to Australia represents something of a bold statement from a line that has been a firm favourite and about to celebrate an incredible half century in Australia. 

There has been much discussion about capacity issues and the health of our local fleet. With this ship, Princess is reaffirming its commitment to Australia and the region.

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What’s on board Discovery Princess

While the newer Sphere Class ships – Sun Princess and soon Star Princess — are bigger by 700 passengers, Discovery Princess is still a mighty vessel, and at less than four years old, she features a host of amenities that are new to the Australian market.

She has more of everything: food choices, luxury and space.

Launched in 2022 at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, she carries 3,660 guests, attended by 1,346 crew, across 1,830 staterooms.

Her Royal Class lineage is evident everywhere — from the cascading glass atrium and luxurious spa and adults-only Sanctuary to the seamless Medallion Class technology that personalises every moment on board.

We found MedallionClass a Godsend. You can go anywhere on the ship and use it without fuss.  It opens your stateroom door, checks your drinks package. It’s your new best cruising buddy.

Indeed, it’s a bit of a fashion statement. You can wear it on a watch strap, around your neck or nattily clipped to your belt. And it’s a status statement: Gold, Ruby, Platinum or Elite.

At 145,000 gross tonnes, Discovery Princess offers space to move and room to breathe. Her Sky Suites are the ultimate indulgence, boasting the largest balconies at sea with 270-degree panoramic views. Guests also enjoy private access to The Sanctuary, the adults-only retreat where serenity reigns supreme, for a small extra charge.

The Lotus Spa is one of the largest afloat, anchored by The Enclave — a thermal suite featuring aromatic steam rooms, arctic showers, and a vast hydrotherapy pool surrounded by warm mosaic loungers.

Fitness enthusiasts will find a fully equipped gym, stretching classes, and yoga sessions with ocean views. With four pools and ten hot tubs, there’s no shortage of ways to unwind.

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A floating sanctuary

Discovery Princess is certainly expansive. But it is also serene. The design language is confident: marble, glass and soft tones create an atmosphere that is just right for premium guests, and nudging luxury in a lot of areas.

Our balcony stateroom features the famous Princess bed, elegant furnishings and a balcony for coffee or a glass of wine. The layout is clever, with storage, a desk and plenty of power points.     

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Food and fun

The culinary offerings are excellent. Our sailing was a test, with a full complement. It passed with flying colours. Princess has always been known for its culinary consistency, and this ship takes that up a notch.

Signature restaurants like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria have always been good – Crown Grill’s surf and turf, crab cakes and French onion soup are legendary. Now, The Catch by Rudi, new to Australia, and the dazzling Chef’s Table Lumiere, where a curtain of light encircles diners, will surprise and delight. Its 360 dining experience, exclusive to Discovery and Enchanted Princess, is an immersive, multi-sensory culinary journey that fuses technology, storytelling and cuisine.

We meet a host for cocktails before being led to a secret location – a huge circular room with a table for 20. Through seven courses with matching wines, we are taken on a visual and culinary trip around Europe. Clever projections onto our table mean we can break Greek plates and watch a chef ride his scooter around Italy. It costs $229 a head in Australia, which sounds steep.  But it is quite special and the wines are excellent.

There are casual favourites like Gigi’s Pizzeria, Slice, Swirls, and the World Fresh Marketplace – though on a ship this size, timing is important. Our tip for World Fresh Marketplace: sit at the back deck overlooking the infinity pool. It’s a great view, and few go there. The bar scene is humming: Bellini’s, the new O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Good Spirits at Sea. 

We loved meeting the culinary double act Executive Chef Henrique Sparrow (Spain) and Carlos Marques, the Portuguese Director of Restaurant Operations. Their playful banter and genuine warmth add flavour to every meal. “Carlos cooks the calories,” Henrique quips, “I take the credit.” They feature in a culinary show in the Princess Theatre. It’s hilarious.

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That’s entertainment

The Princess Theatre stages productions like Rock Opera, a dazzling blend of pop, classical and rock music performed with extraordinary precision. Spotlight Bar is a new show that features storytelling through song. Magic to Do features an illusionist and songs.

Elsewhere on the ship there are comedians and magicians, and Princess Live!, a venue for cabaret acts, game shows and concerts. We also love Movies Under the Stars, which transforms the pool deck into a floating cinema.

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The suites

Our balcony stateroom was everything you’d expect from Princess: the famous Princess bedding, elegant light furnishings, and a balcony for coffee or a glass of wine.

The layout is clever, with ample storage, a desk and plenty of power points.

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The Discovery Princess itineraries

Discovery Princess will be home-ported in Sydney from December 6, 2025, until April 7, 2026, offering 12 round-trip cruises during her first Australian season.

She will feature:

• Two voyages to Fiji
• Five cruises to New Zealand
• Spectacular South Pacific and coastal Australian itineraries, including a Sydney Swans Members Cruise (January 15–18, 2026). Princess is the official cruise partner of the Swans.

After her season wraps, she’ll reposition via French Polynesia and Hawaii, continuing her journey back to the Northern Hemisphere — the kind of grand voyage Princess loyalists love.

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The fly cruise option

Australians and New Zealanders are embracing FlyCruise holidays more than ever, drawn by the simplicity and consistency of the Princess experience.

Discovery Princess will not only turn Australian guests into fans – she’ll also showcase Princess’s growing global presence.

By 2026–27, a third of the Princess fleet will be based in the Asia-Pacific, reflecting the region’s growing appetite for premium cruising and opening up some great options for Australians and New Zealanders.

After five days aboard, it’s easy to see why Discovery Princess is popular. She represents the best of the Royal Class.

Her design is elegant, her service is warm and efficient, and the atmosphere is calm, social, and fun.

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Discovery Princess Fact File

• Class: Royal Class.
• Built: 2022 – Fincantieri, Italy.
• Gross Tonnage: 145,000.
• Guests: 3,660 Crew: 1,346 Staterooms: 1,830
• Homeport: Sydney, Australia (Dec 2025 – Apr 2026)
• Itineraries: 12 round-trip cruises — 2 Fiji, 5 New Zealand, 5 South Pacific/Australian coastal itineraries.
• Sky Suites: Largest balconies at sea (270° views).
• The Sanctuary: Adults-only retreat & spa area.
• The Enclave: Thermal suite with hydrotherapy pool & arctic showers.
• Dining: Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, The Catch by Rudi, Chef’s Table Lumiere.
• Casual: Gigi’s Pizzeria, Slice, Swirls, International Café, World Fresh Marketplace.
• Bars & Lounges: Bellini’s, O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Good Spirits at Sea.
• Specialty Experience: 360° Dining Experience.
• Pools & Hot Tubs: Four pools | Ten tubs | Vegas-style casino.
• Youth & Teen Centres: Dedicated facilities.

For more, see here.