Princess Cruises recently unveiled the new name of the sixth ship to join its Royal Class fleet: Discovery Princess . The world's fastest-growing premium cruise line also announced its most ambitious launch program ever, featuring itineraries around the globe aboard this new vessel. Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Mexico, and the California coast will be among the destinations this new Princess gem will visit during the 2021-2022 season. Furthermore, it will be the cruise line's first West Coast-based ship, sailing from Los Angeles .
Designed from the ground up within Princess' Medallion Class, the 143,700-ton Discovery Princess, with a capacity for 3,660 passengers, is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. It represents an evolution of the design platform used in the cruise line's previous Royal Class ships. Its debut is scheduled for November 3, 2021, when it will embark on its maiden voyage, a seven-day cruise through the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens.
Starting October 8, bookings will open for Discovery's trips to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and South America, just before it arrives in Los Angeles for its West Coast debut, including destinations such as Mexico and the California coast.
According to Mundomar Cruises, General Agent for Spain and Portugal and Preferred Agent in Mexico: “The Discovery Princess will offer our passengers the perfect setting for an unforgettable vacation, taking them to new places, opening them up to new cultures and experiences on board with every voyage.” They added: “The Discovery is both an expression of our brand and an important facet of our guest experience. We are confident that this new ship will provide our passengers with unforgettable vacations, creating memories that will last a lifetime, and we are proud to celebrate this significant milestone of establishing its home port on the West Coast.”
The Discovery Princess' inaugural season will feature 30 sailings across 21 unique itineraries, reaching more than 50 destinations in 23 countries, as well as other special voyages coinciding with holiday periods. Highlights include the following cruises:
- Mediterranean: 8 itinerary options ranging from 7 to 21 days, sailing to 19 destinations in 8 countries, departing from Rome, Athens, or Barcelona. On select voyages, late-day embarkation will be available in ports such as Barcelona, Genoa (Milan), and Mykonos. Departure dates are November 3, 10, 17, and 25, 2021.
- Caribbean: Six holiday season cruises of 4, 8, or 16 days, visiting 8 destinations in 7 countries. These cruises will also include Tortola (British Virgin Islands) in the Eastern Caribbean as a new port of call and will visit the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) in the Southern Caribbean. Departure dates are December 9, 13, 21, and 29, 2021.
- South America: 6 voyages visiting 22 destinations in 11 countries, including a unique 50-day journey from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Los Angeles. Late-day departures will be available in Rio de Janeiro (overnight stopover), Buenos Aires, and Lima (overnight stopover). Departure dates are January 6 and 24, and February 7, 2022.
- Mexico and the California coast: The Discovery Princess will make its West Coast debut from Los Angeles on March 1, 2022. Passengers can travel to the sun-drenched beaches of Mexico on a 5-day cruise with an overnight stay in Cabo San Lucas or opt for a 7-day voyage along the Mexican Riviera; enjoy the idyllic beauty of the California coast on a 7-day cruise along the classic California coast, with extended visits to cities like San Francisco and San Diego, and the unique experience of sailing under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Departure dates are March 1, 6, and 13, April 3 and 10, and May 1, 2022.
