Discovery Princess
Ship Specifications
Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Ship Class
Royal
Year Built
2022
Gross Tonnage
145,000 GT
Passengers
3,660
Cabins
1,830
Decks
19
Crew
1,346
What Travelers Say
Based on 600 online discussions
Discovery Princess is the newest and most polished member of Princess Cruises' Royal-class trio (alongside Sky and Enchanted Princess), debuting in March 2022 and benefiting from every refinement the line learned across the earlier sisters. U.S. News rates it 4.4 out of 5 from 425 reviewers and ranks it the number-one ship in the entire Princess fleet. The vibe is classic, relaxed, and adult-leaning - elegant rather than flashy - anchored by the gorgeous three-deck Piazza atrium and the company's signature MedallionClass technology that lets you order drinks, food, and services to wherever you happen to be on board.
Dining is a genuine strength, with the French Bistro Sur La Mer, the Crown Grill steakhouse, and Sabatini's Italian trattoria all winning praise, though reviewers agree the best meals come from the paid specialty venues rather than the main dining rooms. Cabins feel notably fresh thanks to lighter carpeting and decor that brighten the space, and the Sky Suites offer 270-degree wrap-around balconies billed as the largest at sea. Entertainment centers on Broadway-style productions in the Princess Theater, with the intimate Take Five jazz lounge repeatedly called out as a favorite; pool life revolves around an infinity Wake View pool, Movies Under the Stars, the cantilevered SeaWalk, and the adults-only Sanctuary. The main knocks are slow internet and a ship that can feel crowded at 3,660 guests.
Discovery Princess suits couples, older travelers, and anyone who values refined ambiance, strong specialty dining, and a calmer pace over waterslides and nonstop activity - it is not built for families chasing thrill rides. Priced as a premium-mainstream product, it sits above Carnival and most Royal Caribbean and NCL standard fares but below true luxury lines, and Princess loyalists consider it the best value-for-experience ship in the fleet. Standout activities include the over-water SeaWalk, the Lotus Spa and Enclave thermal suite, evening jazz at Take Five, and itineraries spanning the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, and Alaska.
What People Love
- Newest ship in the Royal-class line (debuted March 2022), so finishes feel pristine with lighter, brighter cabin decor that makes rooms feel larger
- Top-ranked Princess ship on U.S. News with a 4.4/5 score from 425 reviewers, the highest in the fleet
- MedallionClass tech is genuinely useful here - order food and drinks to your exact location, skip lines at embarkation, and find your travel party on a map
- Specialty dining is a standout, with Bistro Sur La Mer (French), Crown Grill steakhouse, and Sabatini's all earning consistent praise from foodies
Common Complaints
- Internet via MedallionNet is the most common complaint - reviewers describe it as slow and sporadic at sea despite the marketing
- At 3,660 passengers the ship can feel crowded, with limited seating reported at popular entertainment venues and busy elevators
- Some longtime Princess loyalists feel the line has trimmed the experience - more guests but amenities sized like smaller older ships
- Main dining room food gets mixed reviews; the best meals are in the paid specialty restaurants, which adds cost