Cruising the Princess way

Posted 10 January, 2024 John Pedler. This content is sponsored by Princess

Ahoy cruisers! Discovery Princess®, the newest ship in the Princess fleet, will be arriving in Australia for the 2025-26 cruising season.

Discovery Princess has a busy schedule during its time in our waters, including a few trips across the Tasman Sea.

On 14 February 2026, Discovery Princess departs Sydney for a two-week voyage of New Zealand’s scenic wonders. From the achingly beautiful Bay of Islands and the old-world charm of Christchurch to the deep blue waters of Fiordland, this is a tour of our neighbour’s greatest hits.

For a real treat, gather family or friends together and book a luxurious Sky Suite, complete with expansive living areas, and well-appointed bedrooms and bathrooms. Head outside your stateroom to experience the largest balcony at sea, with 270-degree views and the best seats on board to enjoy the outdoor cinema.

Like other vessels in the Princess fleet, Discovery Princess offers a wide range of dining options, including an endless variety of flavours from the buffet, Japanese delights at Ocean Terrace Sushi bar, and authentic Italian at Sabatini’s Trattoria. If you’re up for a snack, there’s also pizza, burgers, ice-cream and sandwiches.

Discovery Princess also hosts a culinary adventure known as 360: An Extraordinary Experience; a seven-course, immersive dining experience, complete with interactive tabletops, a 360-degree screen, producers’ tales about the provenance of the food served, and a few extra surprises.

Crown Princess® will also be in our waters for some great local cruises. The 28-night Round Australia voyage sails from Adelaide on 17 November 2025. Settle into your stateroom, unpack, and you won’t need to wrestle a suitcase for the rest of the trip.

This is the Aussie voyage of a lifetime, visiting 14 ports in some of the country’s most iconic locations. In historic Hobart, treat your tastebuds to an epicurean journey, sampling fresh seafood, local cheeses, regional wines and handmade chocolates, en route to the pretty town of Richmond.

In North Queensland, explore the tropical wonderland of the Whitsunday islands and the colourful marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.

Embrace the frontier lifestyle of Darwin, witness the awesome power of Adelaide River’s jumping crocodiles, and take a trip to the waterfalls and swimming holes of rugged Litchfield National Park.

In Western Australia’s north-west, cruise the waters of the remote Kimberley and stroll along the broad white sands of Broome’s Cable Beach.

The south of Western Australia is all about picturesque coastal scenery, tasty local wines, mighty forests and magical caves.

For a two-night taste of the cruising lifestyle, embark on a Melbourne-to-Sydney seacation. Shop (or eat) ‘till you drop in Victoria’s lively capital, then sail into one of the worlds’ greatest harbours.

The grandeur of Sydney Harbour never gets old, and what better way to experience it than from the deck of a cruise ship. From the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, to Bondi Beach and The Rocks, all the major landmarks are within easy reach.

Whichever cruise you select, you’ll have access to Princess’ huge variety of onboard activities. Whether it’s lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand, catching a live show, or strolling among the boutiques and cafes of the European-inspired piazza, you can be as busy or as chilled as you choose.

And while the little ones are making new friends and a mess at the kids’ clubs, the folks can head for The Retreat, an adults-only zone with its own pool and plenty of room to relax.

The 2025-26 southern cruising season promises to be a cracker, and no-one knows their way around Australia and New Zealand better than Princess.