For the first time, Discovery Princess has arrived in Auckland, becoming the youngest in the Princess fleet to visit New Zealand's shores.
Discovery Princess made her spectacular maiden call into Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour, where she was welcomed by a ceremonial water cannon salute marking her first visit to the region. The ship also did a full 360-degree turn in the harbour to honour the occasion.
The highly anticipated visit is part of Discovery Princess’s inaugural voyage to New Zealand and coincides with the cruise line’s 50th year of also cruising to Australia and the South Pacific.
Launched in 2022, Discovery Princess is the youngest and newest Princess Cruises ship to ever visit the country. She is the sixth Royal-Class ship and the third-newest ship in the Princess fleet.
Measuring an impressive 330 meters in length, two metres longer than Auckland’s Sky Tower, Discovery Princess has a capacity for 3,660 guests and 1,346 crew. On board, guests can enjoy 1,830 staterooms, over 20 eateries and bars, 19 decks, four pools and a 922-seat theatre.
Princess Cruises Vice President Asia Pacific Matthew Rutherford said the ship’s arrival marks an exciting chapter for cruising in the region.
“Deploying a Princess ship of this size and calibre to New Zealand and Australia for the 2025/26 summer season is a strong signal of our commitment to this part of the world,” said Rutherford.
"For 50 years, we've proudly shared the wonder of cruising with Kiwis who love to explore their own background and beyond. Discovery Princess embodies the very best of our Royal-Class design and innovation, a ship that combines modern elegance with all the hallmarks of the Princess experience that our guests know and love.”
Rutherford said the ship offered world-class dining at its signature restaurants like Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and The Catch by Rudi, each offering distinctive flavours and exceptional service.
Discovery Princess will visit Auckland six times over this summer season, bringing more than 20,000 guests to the region. Sister ships Crown Princess, Island Princess and Coral Princess will also make calls to Auckland, highlighting the city’s growing importance as a premier cruise destination.
He added that Auckland was an incredibly popular port with guests.
“From exceptional food and wine to stunning natural scenery and cultural experiences, there’s something here for every traveller. We’re proud to play a part in supporting the local economy and tourism sector and look forward to another successful cruise season ahead.”
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