CruiseTipsTV Unplugged - Cruise Tips and More Cruising New Zealand on Discovery Princess: Full Ship Review + Pros & Cons
Mar 11, 2026
A lively ship review covering cabins, pools, promenades and standout public spaces. Dining gets attention from buffet pastries to specialty restaurants and a theatrical 360 dining experience. The hosts weigh scenic fjord sail-ins and unpack-once convenience against missing inland highlights like Queenstown, Rotorua and winery country. Practical tips and logistics pepper the conversation.
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Pick Less Crowded Pools To Actually Enjoy Deck Time
- Use the multiple pools to avoid crowding because Discovery Princess has four main pools plus a retreat and an enclave pool making pool space abundant.
- Favor the retreat and aft wake-view pool for quieter adult-only or scenic options compared with typical busy cruise pools.
Buffet Stands Out With Daily Bakery Aisle
- The World Fresh Marketplace buffet on Discovery Princess is exceptionally large and features an in-line pastry shop with daily-baked breads and pastries.
- Freshly baked rolls and cakes make avoiding carbs difficult and elevate the buffet above typical cruise buffets.
Avoid Cabins Under Hot Tub Deck If You're Light Sleeper
- Avoid booking staterooms directly under the hot tub deck if you're a light sleeper because crew setup noise starts early around 5:00 a.m.
- Choose a cabin near the retreat pool only if you're comfortable with occasional early deck noise; balconies there are notably large.