Discovery, formerly operated from 1972 to 1999 by Princess Cruises, has a very attractive traditional ship profile and well balanced, somewhat rounded exterior styling. As the former Island Princess, it was, together with sister ship Pacific Princess (pres­ently Pacific), one of the pair of original “Love Boats” in the American television series The Love Boat. Hyundai Asan Cruises acquired the ship in 1999, and operated cruises from South Korea to North Korea. In 2001, the entrepreneur Gerry Herrod, who formerly founded the long defunct Ocean Cruise Lines (and Orient Lines, presently owned by Star Cruises/Norwegian Cruise Line) bought the ship. He then spent $10 million refurbishing and updating it for its present cruising role under the brand name of Voyages of Discovery, principally for the UK market. For the winter season, the ship carries five Zodiac inflatable shore landing craft.

One of the ship’s two outdoor swimming pools has a glass dome (magrodome) cover, which can be used in inclement weather conditions. There is no wrap-around promenade deck outdoors, however.

Inside, the public areas are quite spacious considering the size of the ship, and there are numerous public rooms (some with high ceilings), with reasonably wide passageways. These include a lobby with mezzanine level and curved staircase (several shops and offices are on the upper level), and the Discovery Lounge, located aft, has a two-deck high glass wall overlooking the aft deck. There’s an internet center, equipped with six computer stations, and a library with 5,000 books provided by the Marine Society. Tasteful decor is featured throughout, with pastel colors and fine artwork that is pleasing to the eye, if a little bland. The forward observation lounge also acts as an indoor dining area.

The ship, which has been well maintained, and is quite elegant, with comfortable surroundings for the older passenger who wants plenty of space and does not want to be part of larger, more impersonal ships. Discovery com­petes directly with Marco Polo (Orient Lines), which is an older ship with the same type of passengers and following that Discovery seeks to attract, in this limited, but growing, marketplace. After a messy start-up as Discovery, the ship has now settled down. Concessions run the hotel operations, dining, spa/beauty services, and shops. The onboard currency is the British pound. All gratuities are included. Perhaps a self-serve launderette or ironing room (missed by many British passengers) would be a useful addition.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008