What better time to cruise than the festive season? For those who fancy getting away from the responsibilities of Christmas and New Year, a cruise can be a fabulous option.
Discovery Princess was beautifully decorated for the festivities, and the ship immediately brought the spirit of Christmas to life with a stunning tree and seasonal touches throughout. There were festive fun and games for adults and families alike, so guests could do as much or as little as they liked. The celebrations also extended to a fun range of seasonal coffees and cocktails, which added to the holiday atmosphere.
Our cruise sailed from Sydney to New Zealand, and the three sea days at the beginning of the itinerary allowed plenty of time to rest and recover from a busy year. It was a lovely way to ease into the holiday, slow down and enjoy the ship before reaching our first port.
Our mini suite was perfect for 14 days travelling with a teenager. We both had our own space and could enjoy time in the cabin as well as around the ship. The lounge was a three-seater that could also be used as an extra bed for larger families, making the layout practical and comfortable.
The Piazza, as always, was the heart of the ship, with something happening throughout the day. On Deck 5, the International Café was the place to find a morning cuppa as well as light snacks available all day. Casual dining venues including sushi, Gigi’s Pizzeria and O’Malley’s Irish Pub also fringe the Piazza, with music adding to the atmosphere for much of the day. It is a people watcher’s dream.
We chose the walk-in dining option and never had to wait more than ten minutes, soon working out the best times to head to dinner. The World Fresh Marketplace was larger than any Princess buffet area I had seen previously. While it was often busy, we could always find a seat, and the service was attentive. We never waited long for a beverage to enjoy with our meal.
We pre-purchased the Princess Plus package, which was fabulous for OceanNow delivery, morning and afternoon cuppas, drinks and of course every teenager’s dream, Wi-Fi. Being a Christmas cruise, there were also fun themed cocktails to help get everyone into the festive spirit.
On a longer cruise, laundry is something to consider, although admittedly it is not a highlight of any cruise. The self-service laundries have become even easier to use with the Ocean Medallion, as you simply tap your medallion to operate the washers and dryers at a nominal cost, as well as purchase washing powder. Elite Captain’s Circle members also receive included laundry, and we found the turnaround time to be excellent.
Travelling with an older child (teenager), means they may not always be keen on the teen club, even though it offered a great program. Fortunately, there was still plenty to do, from trivia and shows to simply exploring the ship. Discovery Princess has a full sports court, allowing for basketball, two games of pickleball at the same time and even family dodgeball. There are also table tennis tables and fun crew vs passenger challenges.
New Zealand is a terrific destination for families, with plenty of active ways to experience its picturesque beauty. We were able to kayak, cycle and walk, which made the itinerary feel both scenic and engaging.
In Dunedin, we joined one of the best and most rewarding tours of the cruise, the Nature’s Wonders wildlife tour. This privately owned conservation area was an unforgettable experience. We saw fur seals, including newborn pups frolicking in rock pools, as well as blue penguins and incredible albatross. They really are something to behold, and it created a core memory from the trip.
This festive season cruise was a wonderful reminder of how easy and enjoyable Christmas and New Year can be at sea. Discovery Princess offered the right balance of celebration, relaxation and family-friendly activity, while New Zealand provided the perfect scenic backdrop.
