The British-owned Voyages of Discovery (All Leisure Group) operates a single ship for the British and American markets. Discovery World Cruises was the U.S. marketing firm from 2003 until 2007 when it was folded into the UK firm.
Fleet
At 20,000 tons, the Discovery was first completed in a German yard in 1972 as the Island Venture for a Norwegian firm. She soon passed to Princess Cruises as the Island Princess as did her sister, the Sea Venture to trade as the Pacific Princess for many years. Then in 2002, the ship was completely refitted to a new purpose-built standard for longer cruises that cater to mostly retirees with wanderlust. And her size, larger than most expedition ships, means that people with moderate incomes can enjoy landings in Antarctica and calls at seldom visited islands with rates well below most cruising adventures. In spring 2008, the parent company will take on along-term charter of the Explorer II, to be renamed Minerva and operated under the revived Swan Hellenic banner.
Itineraries
Itineraries are destination driven such as in Europe and exotic and far flung such as Antarctica and South America.
Dining and Decor
Dining is the traditional two sittings at assigned tables and the food is continental catering to British and American tastes. The ship also features the Yacht Club, a specialty restaurant requiring reservations but without an extra tariff. The ship’s décor is modern and simple.
Programs
The enrichment program comes in right up at the top of the scale with lectures geared to themes and to the destination.
Onboard Experience
Passengers looking for a cruise far from the maddening hordes will find her 650-berth complement to be just right for the popular and out of the way ports she visits. She draws North Americans, British, Australians, New Zealanders and others who are comfortable speaking English. Life on board is traditional ocean liner style, with the minimum of hype and glitter and the maximum of social interaction and mind expansion.
Competitors
While the Discovery is not quite as classic in atmosphere and design as the Saga Rose and Saga Ruby, she comes pretty close and perhaps is most similar to Orient Lines’ Marco Polo both size and passenger mix.
