Princess is now my cruise line of choice

Item: Discovery Princess
Rating: 4.5
Author: JHoffmanIII

Discovery Princess Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

JHoffmanIII

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 16

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaska Inside Passage (Vancouver To Seattle)

Sail date: April 30, 2023

Ship: Discovery Princess

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: M518

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Our cruise to Alaska was very enjoyable and memorable for our family (2 parents, 2 18+ children). The experience aboard the Discovery Princess was better than I expected and the ports of call for this Inside Passage cruise did not disappoint.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

Cruisers be prepared: Vancouver Terminal is cattle herding. 3.5 hours from arrival to onboard standing in lines. We were completely unaware and unprepared.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Discovery Princess is top notch in both the buffets and main dining rooms. Staff is sincerely friendly and helpful throughout the food venues.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

The fitness center is of adequate size and well-appointed. Those who intend on exercising while on board will not be disappointed. There is even a painted walking track on one of the outer decks.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The entertainment in the Princess Theater and the piazza is incredible. Everything from incredible piano and band performances to Princess' version of the gameshow "Deal or No Deal" were professional, highly entertaining, and flawless.

Children's Programs

No young children with us.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

I can't say enough positive things about the staff aboard the Discovery Princess. They were all NICE, happy, and pleasant throughout the trip. You could tell it wasn't a put on "I gotta be nice because I work here" - it was truly sincere!

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

This is a new ship (maiden voyage was 2022) and thus very well appointed. The on-board tech was impressive as well (although maybe a wee bit Big Brother-ish). The ship is laid out well and easy to learn once on board. The only thing that caused a 4 star instead of 5 was the unfortunately regular wafting of offensive odors in the common areas and in at least one of our staterooms (our family had 2). They need to investigate and fix that.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

We selected the twin bed setup (instead of queen) which resulted in a surprising amount of room to get around in the stateroom. Of the 4 cruises I've been on in my lifetime, for interior staterooms, this was the largest one. Excellent water pressure in the shower. Bathroom was well appointed.

Ship tip

If you are going to eat the buffet at the World Fresh Market Place and have a party greater than 2, go early. Sitting together is a challenge given the crowd.

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