What Is Princess Cruise Lines Newest Ship Revealed Here

When it comes to luxurious ocean travel, few names resonate as strongly as Princess Cruises. With a legacy spanning over five decades, the cruise line has consistently redefined the art of seafaring vacations, blending elegance, innovation, and unforgettable experiences. In recent years, Princess has made headlines with the introduction of its newest flagship—a vessel that promises to set a new benchmark in modern cruising. This ship isn’t just another addition to the fleet; it’s a bold statement of what’s possible when tradition meets technology, comfort meets sustainability, and adventure meets refinement.

So, what is Princess Cruise Lines’ newest ship? The answer lies in the Discovery Princess, the latest and most advanced vessel in the Princess MedallionClass fleet. Launched in early 2022 and officially entering service in March of that year, the Discovery Princess represents the culmination of years of research, design, and customer feedback. With a capacity of over 3,600 guests, state-of-the-art amenities, and a focus on personalized, frictionless travel, this ship is more than a floating resort—it’s a glimpse into the future of cruising. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the Discovery Princess, exploring its groundbreaking features, luxurious accommodations, immersive entertainment, and how it stacks up against its predecessors. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, this is everything you need to know about Princess Cruise Lines’ newest ship.

The Evolution of Princess Cruise Lines: From Humble Beginnings to the Discovery Princess

Tracing the Legacy of Princess Cruises

Founded in 1965 with a single ship, the Princess Patricia, the cruise line began as a modest operation offering voyages from Los Angeles to Mexico. Fast forward to today, and Princess Cruises has grown into one of the world’s most recognized cruise brands, operating a fleet of 15 ships and serving over 1.7 million passengers annually. The evolution hasn’t just been about scale—it’s been about innovation. From introducing the first cruise ship with a full-service spa (the Royal Princess in 1984) to pioneering the MedallionClass experience, Princess has consistently led the industry in guest-centric advancements.

Visual guide about what is princess cruise line’s newest ship

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The Birth of the Discovery Princess

The Discovery Princess is the sixth and final vessel in the Royal-class series, following the Royal, Regal, Caribbean, Sky, and Enchanted Princess. However, unlike its predecessors, the Discovery Princess was designed with a renewed focus on sustainability, guest personalization, and digital integration. Built by Fincantieri at their shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the vessel measures 1,083 feet in length, has a gross tonnage of 145,000, and features 19 decks. What truly sets it apart is not just its size, but its MedallionClass technology—a system that transforms the guest experience from booking to disembarkation.

Why the Discovery Princess Stands Out

While all Royal-class ships share a similar design, the Discovery Princess includes several exclusive upgrades. For example, it was the first ship in the fleet to feature a dedicated Discovery at SEA program, offering curated enrichment activities in partnership with the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. Additionally, the ship boasts an expanded World Fresh Marketplace buffet, a redesigned Sky Suite experience, and enhanced accessibility features for guests with mobility challenges. These refinements reflect Princess’s commitment to not just keeping pace with industry trends, but setting them.

MedallionClass Technology: The Heart of the Discovery Princess Experience

What Is the Medallion?

At the core of the Discovery Princess is the OceanMedallion—a quarter-sized wearable device that serves as your digital concierge, room key, payment method, and personal navigator. Guests receive the Medallion before boarding (either at home or at the terminal) and can wear it as a pendant, clip, or even a ring. Once activated, it uses a proprietary network of sensors across the ship to deliver a seamless, personalized experience.

How the Medallion Enhances Your Cruise

Keyless Stateroom Entry: No more fumbling with keycards. Your Medallion unlocks your cabin as you approach the door.
Contactless Payments: Link your Medallion to a payment method for instant purchases at bars, shops, and excursions.
Personalized Greetings: As you walk through the ship, crew members can greet you by name—thanks to the Medallion’s proximity detection.
On-Demand Dining: Order room service or a drink from your Medallion, and it’s delivered to your location (e.g., poolside or theater seat).
Interactive Wayfinding: Use the Medallion or the OceanNow app to navigate the ship with real-time directions.

For example, imagine you’re enjoying a cocktail at the SkyLight Bar on Deck 18. You decide you’d like a slice of chocolate cake. Instead of leaving your seat, you tap your Medallion on the nearby sensor, select “Dessert Delivery,” and 15 minutes later, a server brings the cake directly to your table. This level of convenience is what makes the Discovery Princess feel truly next-gen.

Tips for Maximizing Your Medallion Experience

To get the most out of your Medallion, follow these tips:

Download the OceanNow app before your cruise and link your Medallion.
Enable location services and notifications for real-time updates.
Use the “Find My Party” feature to locate family or friends on the ship.
Set up your preferences (e.g., favorite drink, dining times) in advance via the app.
Keep the Medallion charged—it has a 7-day battery life but can be recharged at designated stations.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with children, request a MedallionKids band, which allows you to track their location and receive alerts if they wander beyond a set boundary.

Luxurious Staterooms and Suites: A Home Away from Home

Stateroom Categories and Features

The Discovery Princess offers a wide range of accommodations, from interior cabins to expansive suites. All staterooms are designed with comfort and functionality in mind, featuring:

Plush Princess Luxury Beds with premium linens
Smart TVs with on-demand movies and live satellite channels
USB and wireless charging stations
Spacious bathrooms with rainfall showers
Climate-controlled balconies (on balcony and suite categories)

The ship’s staterooms are divided into five main categories:

Category	Size (sq ft)	Key Features	Best For
Interior	165–185	Virtual balcony (real-time ocean view), compact layout	Budget-conscious travelers
Oceanview	175–195	Large picture window, natural light	First-time cruisers
Balcony	215–235	Private balcony, sliding glass door	Romantic getaways
Mini-Suite	315–335	Separate living area, larger balcony, upgraded amenities	Families or extended stays
Sky Suite	750–1,000	Private elevator, 24/7 butler, exclusive dining, VIP excursions	Luxury travelers

The Sky Suite Experience: Unparalleled Luxury

The Discovery Princess features two Sky Suites, located at the front of the ship on Deck 18. These suites are the largest in the Princess fleet and offer:

Floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views
Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living/dining area
Private access to the Sky Suite Lounge, offering complimentary cocktails, canapés, and concierge services
Priority boarding, disembarkation, and tender service
Exclusive shore excursions with private transportation

Guests in the Sky Suite also receive a Personalized Welcome Amenity, such as a curated gift basket or a private in-suite cocktail reception. For example, a family of four might receive a bottle of champagne, gourmet snacks, and a custom itinerary planner for their Alaska voyage.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Princess Cruises has made significant strides in accessibility. The Discovery Princess includes:

Over 40 wheelchair-accessible staterooms with roll-in showers and grab bars
Accessible elevators, restrooms, and public areas
Sign language interpreters (available with advance notice)
Tactile maps and braille signage

If you or a traveling companion have accessibility needs, contact Princess’s Accessibility Desk at least 30 days before your cruise to arrange accommodations.

Dining and Culinary Excellence: A Feast for the Senses

Main Dining and Specialty Restaurants

The Discovery Princess offers over 25 dining options, catering to every palate and preference. The Main Dining Rooms (three in total) feature flexible dining times and menus that rotate daily, with options like grilled salmon, beef tenderloin, and vegan risotto. For a more intimate experience, try one of the specialty restaurants:

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: Handmade pasta, truffle risotto, and a curated Italian wine list.
Crown Grill: Premium steaks, fresh seafood, and a vintage wine cellar.
Chef’s Table Lumière: A 10-course tasting menu with wine pairings, hosted in a private glass-walled dining room.
Ocean Terrace: Sushi, sashimi, and Asian-inspired small plates with ocean views.

Each specialty restaurant requires reservations (available via the OceanNow app), and there’s a cover charge ranging from $25–$50 per person.

Casual and On-the-Go Options

For quick bites, head to the World Fresh Marketplace, the ship’s largest buffet, which features:

Global cuisine stations (Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American)
Made-to-order omelets, pasta, and crepes
Freshly baked breads and desserts
Gluten-free and allergy-aware menus

Other casual options include Alfredo’s Pizzeria (hand-tossed Neapolitan pies), Truffle Burger Bar, and International Café (coffee, pastries, and sandwiches). Don’t miss the Chocolate Journeys program, which offers decadent desserts like molten lava cake and chocolate truffles.

Dietary Needs and Customization

Princess Cruises is renowned for its Special Dietary Request program. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, diabetic, or have food allergies, the culinary team can accommodate your needs. Simply:

Submit your dietary requirements during online check-in.
Speak to the maître d’ on embarkation day to confirm your preferences.
Enjoy customized menus at every meal.

Example: A vegan traveler can enjoy a three-course dinner with options like jackfruit tacos, lentil curry, and dairy-free chocolate mousse.

Entertainment, Activities, and Wellness: Endless Onboard Experiences

Live Shows and Performances

The Discovery Princess features the Lotus Spa & Salon (more on that below) and the Princess Theater, which hosts nightly Broadway-style productions. Recent shows include:

Born to Dance – A high-energy tribute to classic musicals
Rock Opera – A fusion of rock, opera, and dance
Magic to Do – A family-friendly illusion show

Shows are free and reservations are recommended (book via the OceanNow app). For a more intimate experience, check out the Take Five jazz lounge, which features live music nightly.

Onboard Activities and Enrichment

From fitness to education, the ship offers a packed schedule of activities:

Discovery at SEA: Interactive workshops with Discovery Channel experts (e.g., shark biology, space exploration)
Princess Cruises Culinary Arts Center: Cooking demos by guest chefs
Bridge of Dreams: A glass-bottomed walkway 154 feet above the sea
Top Deck Games: Mini-golf, shuffleboard, and basketball

For families, the Camp Discovery youth program offers age-specific activities, from science experiments (ages 3–7) to dance parties (ages 13–17).

Wellness and Spa Retreats

The Lotus Spa & Salon is a 20,000-square-foot sanctuary featuring:

Thermal suites (sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool)
Treatment rooms for massages, facials, and acupuncture
Fitness center with Peloton bikes, TRX training, and yoga classes
Salon services (hair, nails, waxing)

Try the Seaweed Wrap or Deep Tissue Massage to unwind after a day of exploring. For a unique experience, book the Spa Villa, a private suite with a whirlpool tub and ocean views.

Destinations and Itineraries: Where the Discovery Princess Sails

Primary Itineraries and Regions

The Discovery Princess primarily sails in:

Alaska: 7-night voyages from Seattle, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway
California Coast: 5–10 night cruises to San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ensenada
Mexican Riviera: 7-night trips to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán
Canada & New England: 7–10 night fall foliage cruises

Each itinerary includes Medallion-enabled shore excursions, where your Medallion grants priority access to tours and exclusive onboard debriefings with local guides.

Tips for Choosing Your Voyage

For wildlife lovers: Choose an Alaska cruise—whale watching and glacier tours are unforgettable.
For relaxation: Opt for the Mexican Riviera—sun, sand, and margaritas await.
For culture: Book a Canada & New England cruise—historic cities like Quebec and Boston shine.
For families: The California Coast offers shorter itineraries and kid-friendly ports.

Pro tip: Use the OceanReady tool to preview your itinerary, book excursions, and check port maps before departure.

Conclusion: The Future of Cruising Awaits

The Discovery Princess isn’t just Princess Cruise Lines’ newest ship—it’s a revolution in ocean travel. From the MedallionClass technology that anticipates your every need to the Sky Suite that redefines luxury, every detail has been crafted to create an experience that’s as seamless as it is spectacular. Whether you’re savoring a truffle burger at sunset, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or unwinding in the Lotus Spa, this ship offers something for every type of traveler.

As the cruise industry continues to evolve, the Discovery Princess stands as a testament to Princess Cruises’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and guest satisfaction. With its blend of cutting-edge tech, world-class dining, and immersive entertainment, it’s not just a ship—it’s a destination in itself. So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey that’s equal parts adventure and indulgence, the Discovery Princess is waiting. Book your voyage today and discover the future of cruising.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Princess Cruise Line’s newest ship?

Princess Cruise Line’s newest ship is the Sun Princess, launched in 2024 as the first vessel in the Sphere Class. It features innovative design, expanded dining options, and the largest casino in the fleet.

When did the Sun Princess set sail?

The Sun Princess, Princess Cruise Line’s newest ship, embarked on its maiden voyage in February 2024. It currently sails in the Mediterranean before repositioning to the Caribbean later this year.

What makes the Sun Princess different from other Princess ships?

The Sun Princess introduces a futuristic “Sphere” design with a glass-enclosed Piazza atrium and 360-degree views. It also boasts tech-forward staterooms, immersive entertainment, and sustainable propulsion systems.

How many passengers does Princess Cruise Line’s newest ship accommodate?

The Sun Princess can host 4,300 guests at double occupancy across 2,150 staterooms. Its expanded suite options include the new Signature Collection with exclusive amenities.

What onboard activities are unique to the Sun Princess?

Princess Cruise Line’s newest ship features the Sea Breeze outdoor deck with a suspended glass platform, a multi-story theater with augmented reality shows, and an interactive “Horizon” dining experience.

Where can I book a cruise on Princess Cruise Line’s newest ship?

Sun Princess itineraries are available on the official Princess Cruises website, with 7- to 14-day voyages in Europe and the Caribbean. Early bookings often include onboard credit or free upgrades.

Key Takeaways

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