Chip's Travel Blog

THE DISCOVERY PRINCESS

Discovery Princess, the newest ship for Princess Cruises is quite simply stunning. From the elegantly decorated public spaces that compare to luxury resorts to the well-crafted cuisine which can give 5-star restaurants a run for their money, the newest ship is sure to be a huge hit with seasoned and first-time cruisers.

Today, March 27, 2022, she sets sail on her inaugural voyage to the Mexican Riviera, the itinerary made famous on the iconic TV series The Love Boat. Discovery Princess will be sailing the Mexican Riviera and California Coastal cruise itineraries in April and then again this fall, winter and spring, and will sail the Alaska summer season this year and again in 2023.

For the fans of the Love Boat, Princess has created a special Love Boat themed cruise sailing the Mexican Riviera departing October 22, 2022. I still have some balcony cabins available so you can take part in the fun, meet the original cast members, celebrate the life of Gavin McLeod, and much more. I had opportunity to speak with Ms. Jill Whelan this past week on a preview of the Discovery Princess and she is so excited and looking forward to this special voyage. If you have interest in this cruise, you need to book soon or miss the boat. Call Chip to get you booking made.

When you board the Discovery Princess at the port of Los Angeles, you enter the ship on deck 6, right in the heart of the Piazza (decks 5, 6, and 7). TAKE IT ALL IN. You have just entered a beautiful European Luxury Resort that just happens to transport you to several ports over the length of your cruise and you only need to unpack one time. If you have been told that the cabins are ready, take the opportunity to find your cabin and drop off your carry-on items. Then without any carry-ons or luggage, grab a bite to eat in a restaurant, in the World Fresh Marketplace, or the pool deck.

My balcony cabin was beautiful (see photo), an incredibly comfortable bed, large flat screen tv, a small desk, a sofa (pops open to a bed for parties with three guests), a large closet space, and what felt like a slightly larger than average bathroom. I say that because my last cruise each time I bent over the sink to brush teeth or to shave, my behind pushed open the bathroom door…awkward.

I understand that opinion of food is subjective to the palate of the individual. I still believe that the cuisine on Princess does not get all the credit it deserves. The specialty restaurants are off the charts excellent. The main restaurants (all three of them) are as good as any town’s 4- to 5-star restaurants. The World Fresh Marketplace (buffet) has such a great variety of choices that even the pickiest of diners will find plenty to choose. The pizza at Gigi’s and on the pool deck is one of the best at sea. The burgers at Salty Dog on the pool deck is very good; the hotdogs and chicken strips are just good, nothing special. The Salty Dog Gastropub on deck 5 has an excellent selection of adult beverages and some very good pub snacks on their menu. The International Café, also on deck 5 is The-Go-To-Spot for a quick snack or panini. Finally, the Gelato shop provides some excellent creations (see photo).

With all this great food, desserts, and snacks, how does one avoid packing on the pounds. It is simpler than you may think. First and foremost, take the stairs as often as you can. The Discovery Princess is a large ship and you will certainly get your daily steps in. Second, rather than eating in the buffet (World Fresh Marketplace), dine in the restaurants for breakfast and lunch as well as dinner. These plates are adequately portioned so that you will not be hungry but also will not overeat. Third, when exploring the ship and when in port, walk as much as you are able. Fourth, if you feel up to it, get up early and join in on a yoga or spin class or just use the Fitness equipment to get a sweat going.

Why take a cruise vacation? With the booking perks that exist today and by prepaying the basic gratuities when you book your cruise, the vacation is very much an all-inclusive vacation. You board and unpack one time but have the benefit of visiting multiple different locations. Excellent dining, entertainment and accommodations are included in your cruise fare. You can spend you day lounging at the pool, attending an art auction, sit in on a culinary demonstration, compete against other guests in a trivia contest, test your luck at the casino, participate in any number of fitness activities at the fitness center, watch Broadway caliber production shows, go to a comedy show, or go to a magic show. Guests can do a much or as little as they choose. Guests who book a balcony cabin may choose to catch up on the latest novels and sit out on your private balcony soaking in the sunshine and the novel.

Are cruises for the kids? Absolutely. There are youth programs on board for the children to participate. A group for 3 to 7 year-olds, one for 8 to 12 year-olds, and one for the 13 to 17 year-olds. Your children may want to spend more time with the youth program than with you, their parents. Now to be clear, the youth activity programs are much better during school break times of the year. The more children sailing the greater the opportunities for your children to make friends which makes the youth program more fun. The result is a vacation where the kids had fun and were not bored but also the parents had fun, and enjoyed a relaxing vacation because they did not have to struggle with keeping the kids entertained.

There are not many vacations where you can return home refreshed, relaxed, and rejuvenated. Take a cruise.- Call Chip

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