Discovery Princess Arrives in Australia to Launch a Record-Breaking Luxury Cruise Season and Redefine Premium Ocean Travel

Published on December 6, 2025

Australia’s cruise landscape is entering an extraordinary new era with the arrival of Discovery Princess, the largest and most technologically advanced Princess Cruises ship ever deployed in the region. The 145,000-ton Royal-class vessel entered Sydney Harbour in a spectacular dawn arrival, marking the start of a highly anticipated inaugural season that promises to redefine luxury cruising for Australian travellers. This deployment underscores the growing significance of the Australian market within the global cruise industry and highlights the expanding appetite for premium, resort-style experiences at sea.

A Flagship for Modern Cruising

Discovery Princess is set to be homeported in Sydney until April 2026, offering an extensive range of voyages departing from both Sydney and Melbourne. The itineraries span iconic destinations across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, catering to both first-time cruisers and seasoned travellers seeking elevated experiences. The vessel’s presence represents a major step in the evolution of cruising in Australia, combining scale, luxury, and innovation in a single, state-of-the-art ship.

The ship features MedallionClass technology, providing guests with touchless services, enhanced navigation, and personalized onboard experiences. With over 1,300 private balconies and expansive public areas, Discovery Princess blends comfort, privacy, and panoramic views with a range of leisure, entertainment, and wellness options. Specialty dining venues, tranquil retreats, and observation decks create immersive spaces for relaxation, socialising, and culinary indulgence, ensuring every voyage is memorable.

Exceptional Dining and Local Sourcing

A key highlight of the ship’s operations is its commitment to sourcing fresh, high-quality produce from across Australia. Each week, Discovery Princess consumes more than 6,000 kilograms of fresh fruit, over 4,000 kilograms of vegetables, more than 1,500 dozen eggs, and up to 2,000 kilograms of meat and seafood supplied by producers from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania. These partnerships not only deliver exceptional dining experiences onboard but also contribute significantly to local economies, supporting regional suppliers and farmers.

The culinary offerings are designed to meet the high expectations of Australian guests, combining regional ingredients with international cuisine. From casual dining to premium specialty restaurants, the menus reflect a dedication to freshness, quality, and variety, elevating the onboard dining experience and setting a new standard for cruise gastronomy in the region.

Building on a 50-Year Legacy

Princess Cruises has cultivated a strong presence in Australia over the past five decades, evolving from modest seasonal deployments into one of the largest international cruise operations in the region. Since its initial entry in 1975, the brand has introduced world cruises, round-Australia itineraries, and seasonal deployments that have built enduring loyalty among local travellers. Today, hundreds of thousands of Australians and New Zealanders sail with Princess Cruises annually, reflecting the enduring popularity and growth of the brand in the region.

Over time, the fleet has grown to include technologically advanced ships and increased capacity, incorporating modern amenities and services tailored to evolving guest expectations. Discovery Princess represents the culmination of this growth, offering unparalleled comfort, scale, and innovation while preserving the brand’s tradition of exceptional service.

Economic and Community Impact

Beyond its appeal to travellers, Discovery Princess delivers significant economic benefits to home ports and surrounding regions. Each ship call generates millions of dollars for the local visitor economy through port fees, tourism, shore excursions, provisioning, and employment. The vessel’s presence in Sydney and Melbourne strengthens the role of cruising in supporting regional economies and showcases the industry’s capacity to drive sustainable economic growth.

The ship’s inaugural season also coincides with special celebrations onboard, including exclusive events, themed menus, and commemorative experiences, enhancing the overall travel experience while fostering engagement with local communities and suppliers.

A Vision for the Future of Cruising in Australia

Discovery Princess embodies the future of cruising in Australia, blending luxury, technology, and regional connection in a single experience. Her advanced facilities, innovative systems, and commitment to premium hospitality set a new benchmark for travellers while strengthening ties to local economies and suppliers.

As the ship embarks on her inaugural voyages, she signals a renewed era of opportunity for the Australian cruise industry. With a focus on elevated guest experiences, economic contribution, and regional engagement, Discovery Princess establishes a blueprint for premium cruising that will shape the industry for years to come.

This landmark deployment highlights Australia’s importance in the global cruise market and demonstrates how modern cruise operations can deliver world-class experiences while supporting local communities. Discovery Princess is more than a ship—it is a symbol of innovation, growth, and the evolving future of cruising in Australia.