When it comes to luxury cruising, the discovery princess stands out as one of the most sophisticated ships in the princess cruises fleet. Launched in 2022, this magnificent Royal Class vessel perfectly combines state-of-the-art amenities with an elegant design, making it the ideal choice for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to luxury travel, the Discovery Princess offers an experience that seamlessly blends comfort, excitement, and the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska.
Alaska, known for its majestic glaciers, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, is a top destination for many travelers. The Discovery Princess offers a popular 7-day Inside Passage with Glacier Bay National Park itinerary. This route not only showcases the best of Alaska’s natural wonders but also provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy the ship’s luxurious features while surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
The Medallion Class Advantage: Next Level Cruising
The discovery princess is a completely MedallionClass ship, which is a game changer for the modern cruiser. Your OceanMedallion device, a wearable token about the size of a coin, unlocks a highly personalized and effortless vacation experience.
- Effortless Everything: From expedited embarkation when you first step onboard, to opening your stateroom door automatically as you approach, the technology handles the small stuff so you can focus on the views.
- OceanNow®: This revolutionary service allows you to order food, drinks, or retail items from virtually anywhere on the ship and have them delivered directly to your location. Imagine sipping a hot chocolate on your expansive balcony while watching a glacier calve, all without leaving your plush chair.
- Dine My Way℠: This feature gives you complete flexibility over your meal times. You can make reservations for the main dining room or specialty restaurants at your preferred time each day, allowing you to fit a formal dinner around an excursion or a late evening glacier viewing.
Unique Features of the Discovery Princess
The discovery princess is a ship designed with the discerning traveler in mind, offering a mix of exclusive spaces and top tier dining that elevate your journey.
- Sky Suite: For the ultimate indulgence, the Sky Suite features an incredible 270-degree panoramic view, thanks to its massive balcony which is the largest in the entire fleet. With its exclusive amenities, including a personal concierge, this suite takes cruising to a whole new level of comfort and opulence, especially for scenic viewing in Alaska.
- Bistro Sur La Mer: Foodies will appreciate this specialty French bistro, created by Michelin starred chef Emmanuel Renaut. This spot brings a taste of the French Alps to the high seas, with a menu of both classic and innovative dishes.
- The Enclave: Located within the Lotus Spa, The Enclave is the largest thermal suite in the princess cruises fleet. It offers a tranquil escape with a hydrotherapy pool, heated stone beds, a traditional Hammam, and various sensory showers, providing a perfect warm retreat after a chilly day of viewing Alaskan glaciers.
Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park
One of the most sought after itineraries is the 7-day Inside Passage, which includes a full day of scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park. This route is renowned for its stunning scenery, including towering glaciers, snow capped mountains, and pristine waterways.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Glacier Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and access is highly restricted. Princess is one of the few cruise lines with the permits to enter, making this part of the journey a truly special event.
- Park Rangers Onboard: During the scenic cruising day, National Park Service Rangers board the ship to provide expert commentary on the geology, history, and wildlife. They even host a Junior Ranger program for the kids in the youth center.
- Wildlife Hotspots: Keep your binoculars ready! The bay is a prime location to spot humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals resting on ice floes, sea otters, and bald eagles. The massive Margerie Glacier is often the highlight, offering the chance to witness dramatic ice calving with a thunderous roar.
Dining Variety: Included and Specialty Options
Dining on the discovery princess is an experience in itself, with a vast range of complimentary and specialty options to explore.
- Included Dining Highlights: Your cruise fare covers the Main Dining Rooms (named Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan after Alaskan ports), the extensive World Fresh Marketplace buffet, and the popular 24-hour International Café for pastries, sandwiches, and desserts. For a quick, casual bite, don’t miss the Salty Dog Grill for burgers and hot dogs, or Slice for poolside pizza by the slice.
- Specialty Indulgences: In addition to Bistro Sur La Mer, you can indulge in the finest cuts at the Crown Grill steakhouse or enjoy authentic Italian dishes at Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria. For the ultimate culinary affair, the Chef’s Table Lumiere offers an exclusive, intimate multi-course tasting menu hosted by the Executive Chef.
- New Experiences: The ship also features The Catch by Rudi, a specialty seafood restaurant, and O’Malley’s Irish Pub (replacing the Salty Dog Gastropub), which offers classic pub fare like fish and chips and stout stew.
Excursions: Exploring the Best of Alaska
The discovery princess offers a wide range of shore excursions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Alaskan experience.
- Glacier Adventures: For an unforgettable thrill, the Helicopter Tour & Glacier Trek combines a scenic flight over Juneau’s icefields with the opportunity to land on a glacier and explore it on foot. For a truly Alaskan experience, try Dog Sledding on Mendenhall Glacier.
- Historic Railway: In Skagway, you can take a ride on the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, following the historic trail of the gold rush stampeders high into the mountains. This is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
- Cultural Immersion: In ports like Ketchikan, guests can explore the rich indigenous culture with visits to the Totem Heritage Center or enjoy the fun, competitive Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.
Onboard Entertainment and Dining
Even as you cruise through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, the discovery princess ensures there’s never a dull moment on board.
Casual Dining: Casual dining on Princess Cruises includes options like the Horizon Court Buffet, Prego Pizzeria, the Trident Grill, and the International Café. These venues offer a variety of quick, delicious meals and snacks in a relaxed setting.
Entertainment: Enjoy world class productions in the Princess Theater, where Broadway style shows are performed nightly. One of the signature features of princess cruises is their outdoor movie theater, Movies Under the Stars, offering a truly magical experience under the Alaskan night sky.
Relaxation: The Discovery Princess offers several pools and hot tubs. The Enclave, the largest ever thermal suite on a Princess ship, offers a tranquil escape with sensory showers and a Hammam.
Conclusion: Why Discovery Princess is the Ultimate Ship for an Alaskan Adventure
The Discovery Princess offers everything you could want in an Alaskan cruise—luxury, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. From the ship’s stunning design and top-notch amenities to the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska, this cruise promises to be a journey of a lifetime. Whether you’re exploring the glaciers of Glacier Bay or enjoying a gourmet meal on board, the Discovery Princess ensures that every moment of your cruise is filled with wonder and delight.
Ready to experience the magic of Alaska aboard the Discovery Princess? Book your once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan adventure with Scott and Thomas today. Our personalized service and expert knowledge ensure that your dream cruise becomes a reality. Don’t wait—start planning your unforgettable journey now!
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