Soon, Princess Cruises will debut its newest Royal-Class ship , Discovery Princess, in Sydney for her first-ever homeport season. The ship will sail from 6 December 2025 to 7 April 2026, offering a mix of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific itineraries.
Discovery Princess is the newest ship ever to be based in Australia, representing a milestone for the local cruise market. The 145,000-tonne vessel joins the cruise line’s Royal-Class, bringing a premium product to Australian waters.
Over her four-month deployment, Discovery Princess will operate 12 voyages, including five roundtrip cruises to New Zealand, two to Fiji, and several coastal itineraries that showcase destinations such as Kangaroo Island, Port Douglas and other regional favourites.
The newest onboard experiences are coming to Sydney
Matthew Rutherford, Vice President, Asia Pacific, said Discovery Princess embodies the line’s contemporary evolution.
“She’s not only world-class – she’s the newest ship ever to be homeported in Australia, and she’ll deliver an unforgettable, premium cruise experience with innovative offerings and state-of-the-art facilities that Australian cruise guests will love,” Rutherford said.
“Discovery Princess’ maiden homeport season offers an incredible way to explore the best of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji – all from the comfort onboard.”
360: An Extraordinary Experience debuts for the Australian market
Among the onboard highlights is 360: An Extraordinary Experience, a multi-sensory, seven-course dining journey available on only two Princess ships worldwide. The immersive concept combines cinematic storytelling, visual projection, sound and scent to transport diners through destinations including Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona and Provence.
Rutherford described it as a game-changer for the Australian market.
“If you want to try the newest restaurant in Sydney, 360: An Extraordinary Experience is a must. It’s an incredible, one-of-a-kind dining journey,” he said.
Beyond 360, guests can dine at several signature venues, including Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and Catch by Rudi. Travellers who purchase a Premier package receive all-inclusive access to these venues, adding value for those seeking bundled inclusions.
$20,000 Future Cruise Credit promotion
To celebrate Discovery Princess’ upcoming arrival, the cruise line has launched a new incentive for travellers. From 6 November to 9 December 2025, any guest who books a new cruise or upgrades an existing booking to a Princess Plus or Premier package will go into the draw to win a share of $20,000 in Future Cruise Credit.
The promotion includes a $10,000 voucher for one winner and $1,000 credit for ten runners-up. The offer is designed to stimulate early bookings across the line’s regional program and build awareness of the ship’s entry into the Australian market.
Strengthening regional footprint
Discovery Princess’ Australian debut marks a significant expansion of the cruise line’s investment in the region. The deployment follows the brand’s continued focus on offering locally relevant itineraries and premium experiences.
The brand’s Royal-Class design has proven successful in the North American and European markets, and the cruise line expects the same strong performance in Australasia. The ship’s introduction also provides increased capacity during the southern summer, meeting heightened demand for premium cruising options.
The arrival of Discovery Princess follows the October 2025 launch of sister ship Star Princess, underscoring the line’s modernisation and global fleet renewal strategy under parent company Carnival Corporation & plc.
Trade significance and opportunity
For Australian travel advisors, Discovery Princess’ season presents both a product refresh and a client conversion opportunity. The combination of a new ship, exclusive dining experiences and a strong promotional offer gives trade partners compelling content for sales and marketing.
Cruise specialists can position the ship as a new option for repeat Princess guests, while also attracting first-time cruisers drawn to premium dining, local itineraries and enhanced onboard technology.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Discovery Princess brings a fresh, premium product into the Australian market with strong trade leverage potential. Advisors can capitalise on the ship’s exclusivity and the $20,000 incentive window to drive early season sales.
