Ultimate Guide to the Discovery Princess Cruise Ship
As the sixth and final vessel in the groundbreaking Royal Class by Princess Cruises, the Discovery Princess represents the pinnacle of modern ocean travel. Launched in 2022, this spectacular ship combines classic elegance with cutting-edge technology, offering 3,660 guests a premium, highly personalized vacation experience.
Whether you are dreaming of a glacier-viewing expedition in Alaska or a sun-soaked getaway down the Mexican Riviera, the Discovery Princess is a floating resort designed to make every sea day unforgettable.
The MedallionClass® Experience
The Discovery Princess is built from the ground up as a MedallionClass ship. Instead of a traditional cruise card, guests receive a quarter-sized wearable device called the OceanMedallion™. This smart technology provides a frictionless holiday experience:
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Keyless Entry: Your stateroom door unlocks automatically as you approach.
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On-Demand Service: Order food, drinks, and sunscreen directly to your location, whether you are on your balcony or lounging by the pool.
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Touchless Embarkation: Streamlined, faster boarding at the cruise terminal.
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MedallionNet® Wi-Fi: Billed as the best Wi-Fi at sea, allowing you to stream movies, video call home, and post photos from the middle of the ocean.
Top Features and Onboard Activities
The Discovery Princess balances high-energy entertainment with serene relaxation spaces, catering to both families and couples.
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Pools and Relaxation
The ship boasts four stunning pools, including two top-deck pools and the breathtaking WakeView Pool located at the aft of the ship, offering uninterrupted, sweeping views of the ocean. For adults seeking an escape, The Sanctuary is a private, adults-only retreat featuring plush cabanas, signature beverages, and al fresco massages.
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Entertainment and Venues
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The Piazza: The dazzling, three-story Italian-inspired atrium serves as the bustling heart of the ship, featuring live music, street performers, and boutique shopping.
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Movies Under the Stars®: A signature Princess experience. Watch blockbuster films on a massive poolside amphitheater screen while snuggled under a fleece blanket with complimentary popcorn.
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Princess Theater: Enjoy Broadway-caliber production shows, comedians, and illusionists in a state-of-the-art auditorium.
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The SeaWalk®: A glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship, offering thrilling views of the ocean 128 feet below.
Dining Options on Discovery Princess
Food lovers will thrive on this ship, which features menus crafted by Michelin-star chefs and a massive variety of culinary styles.
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Complimentary Dining: Enjoy multi-course meals in the main dining rooms, casual buffet favorites at the World Fresh Marketplace, or grab a slice at Gigi’s Pizzeria (regularly voted the best pizza at sea).
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Specialty Restaurants: Celebrate a special occasion at the Crown Grill (a classic premium steakhouse), enjoy handmade pasta at Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, or experience ocean-inspired French cuisine at Bistro Sur La Mer.
Cabins and Staterooms
With over 1,800 cabins, the Discovery Princess offers accommodations for every budget and travel style. Notably, over 80% of the ship's outside cabins feature private balconies.
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Interior & Oceanview: Excellent budget-friendly options featuring Princess Luxury Beds, 24-hour room service, and modern amenities.
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Balcony & Mini-Suites: The most popular choice for cruisers, offering private outdoor space to take in the ocean breeze. Mini-suites provide a separate seating area with a sofa bed, perfect for families.
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The Sky Suites: The crown jewel of the ship's accommodations. These massive suites host up to five guests and feature the largest balconies at sea (over 1,000 square feet). Sky Suite guests enjoy 270-degree panoramic views, a dedicated Suite Experience Manager, and prime viewing for Movies Under the Stars right from their private deck.
Discovery Princess Entertainment & Nightlife
When the sun goes down—and even during relaxing sea days—the Discovery Princess comes alive with world-class entertainment. Whether you are looking for high-energy production shows, a quiet corner to sip a craft cocktail, or interactive game shows, this ship delivers a spectacular, multi-venue nightlife scene.
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Show-Stopping Theater & Comedy
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Princess Theater: The largest entertainment venue on the ship hosts original, Broadway-caliber productions with two showtimes per evening. Standout performances often include Rock Opera (a high-octane blend of classic rock, opera, and stunning costumes) and Spotlight Bar (an imaginative musical journey set in a vibrant local pub). With state-of-the-art lighting and massive digital backdrops, every seat offers an incredible view.
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Princess Live!: Designed like a live TV broadcast studio, this intimate venue is the hub for interactive fun. During the day, catch culinary demonstrations, art auctions, and trivia. At night, it transforms into a bustling hotspot for late-night stand-up comedians, live music, and audience-participation game shows like the popular Marriage Match.Â
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Bars, Lounges, and Live Music
    If you prefer a more relaxed evening, the Discovery Princess is packed with unique bars and lounges         featuring exceptional live music and expert mixology.
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Take Five: As the only dedicated jazz theater at sea, this lounge is a must-visit. Enjoy live trios playing jazz classics, salsa rhythms, and the stories of jazz legends, all while sipping signature cocktails.
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Crooners Bar: Step into the glamorous era of the Rat Pack. This bustling, centrally located piano bar is famous for its extensive martini menu, energetic pianists, and late-night sing-alongs.
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Good Spirits® At Sea: Inspired by the popular TV series, this immersive bar experience features expert bartenders crafting destination-inspired cocktails while sharing the global stories and local ingredients behind every drink.
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The Piazza: The three-story, European-style atrium is the beating heart of the ship. Grab a drink at Bellini's Cocktail Bar and look down over the lively square to watch roaming street entertainers, string quartets, acrobats, and the iconic Princess Champagne Waterfall.
Late-Night Fun & Gaming
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Movies Under the Stars®: A signature Princess Cruises experience. The top-deck outdoor amphitheater features a giant 300-square-foot screen and a 69,000-watt sound system. Watch blockbuster films, exciting concerts, or live sporting events while lounging on a padded deck chair under a fleece blanket, complete with free, freshly popped popcorn.
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Vegas-Style Casino: Try your luck at the onboard casino, which offers a massive array of modern slot machines, table games (including Blackjack, American Roulette, and Texas Hold 'Em), and high-energy gaming tournaments.
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Top-Deck Parties & Themed Nights: Dance the night away! The ship frequently hosts live bands on the upper pool deck for sail-away celebrations and themed music events under the stars.
🤫 Insider Tips & Hidden Gems on Discovery Princess
Want to cruise like a pro? Beyond the main attractions, the Discovery Princess hides a few spectacular secrets. Whether you are looking for the best vantage points for photography or want to maximize your cabin value, here are a few insider hacks to make the most of your sailing.
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1. The Best Views for Ship Spotting & Photography
If you love watching the ship pull into port or photographing other vessels on the horizon, skip the crowded top-deck rails and head to these specific spots:
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The Deck 17 Mini-Golf Hideaway: Tucked away on the absolute highest deck of the ship is a small mini-golf course. Because it is out of the way, it remains relatively empty. The panoramic, unobstructed views from up here are phenomenal, making it the perfect spot to set up a camera or just watch the world go by.
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The SeaWalk®: This 60-foot-long glass walkway extends 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship. Standing 128 feet above the ocean is thrilling, and the unique angles make for incredible video footage and thumbnail-worthy photos.
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Wake View Pool Bar: Located at the very aft (back) of the ship, this public space features a small pool, two hot tubs, and a bar. It is one of the most relaxing places to grab a cocktail and watch the hypnotic trail of the ship's wake.
2. Cabin Selection Secrets
Not all balconies are created equal. Before you book, look closely at the ship's deck plans to score the best room:
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Look for "Premium Deluxe Balconies": If you want more outdoor space without paying for a full suite, seek out Premium Deluxe Balcony rooms. Due to the ship's architecture, certain cabins in this category have balconies that are up to twice as deep as standard ones, yet they often sell for a similar price.
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Beware of the Aft Smoke: If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke, avoid booking a balcony cabin on the starboard (right) side aft. The ship's designated smoking area is located on the lower aft decks, and the smoke occasionally drifts upward while the ship is moving.
3. Dining & Medallion Hacks
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Order to the Middle of Nowhere: The OceanMedallion™ tracking technology is remarkably precise. If you find a quiet, hidden lounger away from the crowds, you don't have to leave your spot to get a drink. Order through the Medallion app on your phone, and a crew member will track your exact location and hand-deliver your cocktail or snack.
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The Gigi’s Pizzeria Loophole: Princess Cruises is famous for having the "best pizza at sea." While older ships feature the sit-down restaurant Alfredo's, the Discovery Princess features Gigi's Pizzeria. Don't be fooled by the name change—it is the exact same beloved menu and the same authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.
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Book The '360' Experience Early: If you want a truly unforgettable dinner, the 360: An Extraordinary Dining Experience is a must-do. It is an immersive, seven-course Mediterranean feast with wine pairings and dynamic audio-visual storytelling projected onto the walls and tables. It frequently sells out before the ship even sets sail, so book this via the app as soon as your cruise deposit is down.
Discovery Princess
Discovery Princess Pools
Discovery Princess The Piazza
Discovery Princess Crown Grill
Discovery Princess Suites
Discovery Princess Theater
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Discovery Princess Movies Under the Stars
