This was the first cruise on the Discovery Princess. I accidentally booked this cruise two weeks before sailing. Surprise, Princess assigned my stateroom in my favorite location.
Cruising on the Discovery Princess was every bit as outstanding as my two 2023 experiences. The activity decks (5, 6, & 7) are larger, open, with more shopping venues, restaurants, and bars than the older ships. The Lido “World Fresh Market” buffet is a complete redesign, larger and open design than the cramped buffet on older ships. They present a wide verity of food.
Since I have been to the Mexican Riviera several times and choose not to adventure off the ship, I will leave the reviews on the ports and excursions to others.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Completed all cruise and personal check-in information ahead of time. I had to pick up my medallion at the terminal because of the short booking time. I always recommend having the medallion mailed to you if possible. Thought I would arrive early to avoid the crowds, so did a few thousand others. Still, joined the others in the long snake line, passed through security, picked up the medallion and was on board the ship and checking out my stateroom in 45 minutes.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I made my dining reservations in “Dine My Way” for the Ketchikan dining room. The menu was varied and the food very good.
I joined most others at the World Fresh Market buffet for breakfast and lunch. There are several very large seating areas to accommodate the guests. The expanded buffet provided a large selection of very good hot and cold food. The omelet station provided a choice of many ingredients for your freshly prepared omelet.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There was a wide variety of activities on sea day. There was a noticeable lack of activities on port days. I assume the expectation is that everyone would be off the ship enjoying an excursion or browsing around town.
I enjoyed the enrichment talks “A Knights Tale” and “Knights of Rock” presented by Leo Rossi. His experiences with Fleetwood Mac, Beach Boys, and other stars of rock were fascinating.
For gamers there were plenty of Trivia, Bingo, and Deal or No Deal games available.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The Princess production show “Rock Opera” was just as outstanding as the two previous times I enjoyed it. The newest production show “Spotlight Bar” highlighted the talents of the Princess singers and dancers.
The two shows by singer Brianna Faulk drew standing ovations. I am sure Hypnotist Dale K still has guest wondering – “ Really?” While, Illusionist Elliott Hunter has them saying – “How’d he do that?”
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
My Stateroom Attendant “Dee” was exceptional. Seldom saw him but the stateroom was kept clean and made up.
Our Waiter and Jr. Waiter in the Ketchikan dining room were more than outstanding and had solid meal recommendations and super service.
Staff throughout the ship were friendly, always smiling, and eager to help in any way they could.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
One of the newest ships to join the Princess fleet. Well maintained and clean. Noted several new restaurants (The Catch, Crab Shack, and Open Terrace Seafood), bars (Bellini’s, Princess Live, and The Mix), and areas to relax and interact with guests.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The stateroom seemed a little smaller than on the older ships.
The warm temperature in Mexico made it pleasant sitting out on the balcony on port days. I had great views and felt little of the ships rock and rolling, except a little bumpy when we were heading north back to LA (which is always expected).
Ship tip
Time to slip out of your comfort zone and try new things. Relax and enjoy the ride.
I was in Walk Off group 1. Debarkation was easy except for the long walk from the ship to immigration clearance. Facial recognition is used for quick check out.
Thanks for the fun review. Accidentally booked? How many days into the cruise before you realized it? I hoped you liked the cruise more than whatever it was you would be doing if you hadn’t accidentally booked the cruise.
Thanks for sharing your cruise experience with us and including the details of the trip you enjoyed. Also wondering about your accidental booking... Still fun. But without months of anticipation how do cram all of that waiting into 2 weeks?
😄
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