Discovery Princess Returns to Service with New Voyages in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand

Published on December 8, 2025

The Discovery Princess, a Royal-class ship from Princess Cruises, has resumed service after finishing a scheduled drydock at the Seatrium Tuas Boulevard Yard in Singapore. The ship had essential maintenance, technical upgrades, and major refurbishments of its public areas and staterooms. This prepares it for a series of exciting voyages in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand for the 2025 season. The 116,000-ton vessel arrived in Singapore in early November and completed a two-week stay at the shipyard after moving from Alaska. While in drydock, the Discovery Princess received updates to its carpets, upholstery, and furniture, which improved the overall guest experience. The ship’s return to service marks its first trips in the Southeast Asia region after a 29-night repositioning cruise from North America. This cruise included stops in Alaska, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.

Voyages in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific

Following its drydock, Discovery Princess began offering a five-night cruise in Southeast Asia, visiting Malaysia’s Port Klang, Langkawi, and Penang. This short sailing allowed guests to experience some of Southeast Asia’s most famous destinations before the ship’s transition to the Australian and New Zealand markets for its first season down under. The Southeast Asia cruises have proven to be a popular addition for Princess Cruises, offering guests a combination of luxury and exploration in vibrant cities and picturesque coastal areas.

The ship is now embarking on an 18-night repositioning cruise to Sydney, marking its inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand. During this time, the Discovery Princess will offer a range of three- to 14-night itineraries to destinations including Fjordland National Park in New Zealand, and Lautoka and Suva in Fiji. With Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia on the itinerary, the ship provides passengers with the opportunity to explore some of the most breathtaking and remote destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.

Princess Cruises in the Pacific and Beyond

The addition of Discovery Princess to the region significantly boosts Princess Cruises’ presence in Australia and New Zealand, as the ship joins other Royal-class vessels in offering unforgettable voyages across the Pacific. The expanded itineraries include visits to iconic destinations such as the majestic New Zealand Fjords and the serene islands of Fiji, providing a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.

Before returning to North America for its Alaska summer season in 2026, the Discovery Princess will also sail through Hawaii, Tahiti, and the South Pacific. These extended cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful islands and cultural hubs in these regions, making them an attractive option for travelers looking for an immersive and luxurious experience.

Drydock Updates for Other Princess Ships

While Discovery Princess is now back in service, it is not the only Princess ship to undergo drydock. The Sapphire Princess recently completed maintenance at a North American shipyard in September 2025, while the Crown Princess is also currently undergoing refurbishments at the Seatrium Tuas Boulevard Yard in Singapore. These scheduled drydocks are part of Princess Cruises’ commitment to maintaining its fleet to the highest standards, ensuring all guests enjoy a premium cruising experience.

Princess Cruises continues to prioritize customer satisfaction with regular upgrades to its ships, ensuring that each vessel maintains its signature blend of luxury, comfort, and world-class service. The Discovery Princess’ latest upgrades are part of the brand’s ongoing investment in its ships, enhancing the onboard experience for guests.

Future of Princess Cruises in the Region

Princess Cruises is focused on expanding its Asian, Australian, and South Pacific itineraries. They are introducing new experiences for passengers to enjoy. The successful launch of Discovery Princess in Asia and Australia shows the cruise line’s growth in these regions. We see an increasing demand for luxury cruises. With its focus on cultural and natural exploration, Princess Cruises attracts travelers who want a mix of relaxation, adventure, and luxury while visiting some of the most iconic places on Earth.