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

• Discovery Princess arrives in Sydney on December 6^th as the biggest and newest Princess ship to sail our waters.
• She will sail Fiji, New Zealand and local cruises during her four-month season.
• Editor in Chief Peter Lynch sailed her last cruise before Australia. Here’s his verdict.

You can see a lot from the bridge of a cruise ship. But it’s not every day that you’re the first to spot a fire on a global icon like Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore.

Captain Tony Ruggero of the Discovery Princess was leaving port on a five-day cruise to Malaysia when he spotted the blaze. He immediately called the Singapore authorities to report smoke was billowing from the towers just below the famous boat-shaped bar and infinity pool.

Amazingly, no-one had noticed, so his actions were much appreciated. Staff were dispatched to put the fire out.

For Ruggero, it goes with the territory. Discovery Princess, last of the Royal class ships, is one of the line’s bigger vessels. So there is always plenty to keep a captain on his toes.

We’re on board to check out the ship in preparation for her much-anticipated arrival in Sydney Harbour on December 6^th. to sail her maiden Australian season.

As the last of the Royal Class vessels, Discovery Princess is the newest and largest Princess to sail in Australia.

She represents something of a bold statement from a line which has been a firm favourite among local cruisers, and which is about to celebrate an incredible 50 years sailing around Australia.

There has been much discussion about capacity issues and the health of our local fleet. With this deployment, Princess is saying: “We’re not going anywhere.”

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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 MedallionClass 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 buddie.

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

Managing the transition to big ship status is a challenge for any line. For Princess, with a clientele of genteel and mature cruisers, getting it right is essential.

Discovery Princess is certainly expansive. But she 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 sailing was a test, with 571 Australians and 655 Singaporeans among a full complement. Her trip to Sydney is also full. It’s clear the excitement is already building for her Sydney arrival. She passed with flying colours.

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Food and fun

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. Now there is The Catch by Rudi, new to Australia, and the dazzling Chef’s Table Lumiere, where a curtain of light encircles diners for an unforgettable evening, will surprise and delight.

There are casual favourites too like Gigi’s Pizzeria, Slice, Swirls, and the World Fresh Marketplace – though on a ship this size, choosing your time is important.

Our tip: try the back deck overlooking the infinity pool – it’s a great view, and for some reason 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 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.”

The 360° Experience, exclusive to Discovery and Enchanted Princess, is an immersive, multi-sensory culinary journey that fuses technology, storytelling and cuisine.

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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, The Voice of the Ocean: A live version of the popular TV show where passengers perform to win a grand finale spot, and Princess Live!, A venue for various nighttime entertainment, including cabaret acts, game shows, and concerts. 

We 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 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.