Since Princess Cruises’ next-gen Royal Princess was introduced in 2013, there have been six Royal Class sister ships in total to come online — concluding with the new-for-2022 Discovery Princess. Over that time span, there have been several revisions, but the Royal Class framework has mostly stayed consistent. Although, Discovery might offer some hints for the future.
As someone who sailed on the original 1984-launched Royal Princess (my very first cruise, in fact), the namesake has always held a special place in my heart, and it’s impressive to see how far the brand has evolved over the years. It was also exciting to be in attendance as reality TV personalities — including fashion designer Randy Fenoli, chef Alex Guarnaschelli, special effects designer and fabricator Adam Savage and real estate broker and flipper Page Turner — christened the ship in Los Angeles.
Especially remarkable is Princess’ recent Ocean Medallion technology, the latest of which is featured on Discovery, and even onshore in select ports, shops and restaurants, where MedallionPay can now be used to easily make purchases. It’s also very cool to be able to place a mobile food or drink order anywhere onboard and have it brought directly to you, though on our particular sailing, the slow delivery time required some patience. Working more seamlessly were the newly consolidated apps — there’s now just one for all functions — and handy means of unlocking one’s cabin by just approaching it, without reaching for a keycard.
Discovery Princess Rooms
Besides the fine addition of lofty Sky Suites on the latter three ships, one accommodation that has not changed over the course of the Royal Class are entry-level staterooms and their small bathrooms. At this point in the game, it’s hard for a premium line to justify tiny showers, with a flimsy curtain no less. Alas, they remain on Discovery, but hopefully not on the line’s upcoming Sphere class, scheduled for 2023.
Sabatini's Italian Trattoria is a food and design highlight of the ship.
Credit: 2022 Jason Leppert
On the other hand, enhancements over the series have included the rollout of the plush Princess Luxury Bed and revised stateroom and suite aesthetics, away from aging cream tones to introduce contemporary grays. However, the remainder of Discovery mostly did not depart from Princess’ tendency to color everything else in peaches and beiges. One refreshing exception — Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria — potentially indicates a new decor direction for the next set of ships.
Ship Amenities: Restaurants, Entertainment and the Lotus Spa
The Italian specialty restaurant has not only received a handsome makeover with rich wood tones and copper and emerald accents, but also an enhanced menu with mouthwatering garlic knot bread service, Grana Padano Cheese Fondue, Veal Marsala and many more delicious courses to choose from.
Under the new culinary leadership of chef Rudi Sodamin (a favorite of parent Carnival Corporation), Princess’ food is in the process of being elevated overall, from the casual eats of The Salty Dog Gastropub and Gigi’s Pizzeria to the refined dishes of Crown Grill and Bistro Sur La Mer. And the wonderful destination-inspired cocktails of Good Spirits — such as the sweet and spicy Sandia en Fuego watermelon margarita — are a perfect way to wash it all down.
The Sanctuary
Credit: 2022 Jason LeppertAlways exceptional is the pampering available at the Lotus Spa, especially The Enclave thermal suite and its many therapeutic spaces (steam room, sauna, experiential showers, etc.) and central soothing pool, as well as The Sanctuary and its serene rentable cabanas and dedicated whirlpool serenely overlooking the front of the ship.
Meanwhile, Discovery’s entertainment sits in the middle as equal parts old-school and new-school Princess. The repeated “Rock Opera” production show expertly blends classical and contemporary tunes in the Princess Theater, while the entirely fresh “Spotlight Bar” is a very impressive musical involving hit songs and kinetic dance.
And the excellent jazz of Take Five is one of many examples of the line’s fantastic live music, also frequently found radiating from The Piazza atrium. Missed, though, since I last sailed on sister Sky Princess is a fun escape room at the yet-to-be-configured Experience Center and any presence of playful Jim Henson-branded puppetry. Still, the ship remains a great choice for families, with its apt Discovery Communications partnership showcased at the kids and teens clubs.
As the last of its class, the Discovery Princess is somewhat predictable, but it also suggests where the line could be heading under its new president, John Padgett — the very man behind the line’s Medallion tech. It’s certainly an exciting time for Princess Cruises.