Voyages of Discovery
Line: Voyages of Discovery
Established: 2001
Vessels: MV Discovery
Star Rating: 4 star
Tonnage: 20,186 GRT
Passengers: 698
What's included in the price:
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Entertainment
- Guest lecture program
- Bridge classes and tournaments
- Port taxes
- Gratuities
- Government fees
- Room service
What's new?
This is a one ship line that offers long distance cruising to some of the smaller ports around the world. The ship named MV Discovery was built in 1972 and was sister ship to the Love Boat. She has had two multi-million dollar refits and now offers most of what the modern cruiser is looking for. She does however have classic lines and somehow communicates her heritage without causing any discomfort at all. The ship falls into the medium size category when compared to some of the floating resorts of today’s cruising industry but she still offers many of their amenities, just on a smaller, more intimate scale.
MV Discovery ventures throughout the world to some exotic ports from the Arctic, Scottish Highlands, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, South America to the Antarctic. With seven decks and maximum passenger manifest of just 700 she offers what most cruise ships offers something for everyone.
The ship is equipped with two swimming pools and two Jacuzzis in the health club. There is a nightclub, five bars and two restaurants. One of these is formal with fine dining and the general dining room for the ship. The other is a chic club like “Invitation only” venue which is a special occasion to eat in. Every passenger will be invited to dine here at least once during their cruise.
There is a cinema on board with a seating capacity of 170. It is big enough to give the feeling of being in a real cinema but small enough to continue the atmosphere of intimacy felt throughout the ship. The cinema doubles up as the lecture theatre for the experts carried on board to give talks on the ports to be visited and other general interest subjects. Other evening entertainment is not so cabaret focussed as on some cruise ships but so there is not a Broadway style revue every night. There is dancing to the ship’s orchestra and a casino for those who like them.
There is a lounge known as the Carousel where most of the nightlife takes place but there are three other lounges that are quieter, but each having its own character. One is home to the on-board bridge club and chess is often played here too. For those who are more active, there is a fully equipped fitness and health care centre where passengers can experience some of the very latest relaxation therapies.
There are three classed of accommodation on board from suites through outside staterooms to inside staterooms. All are extremely well fitted out with plenty of room for all. There is plenty of storage space and all are equipped with flat screen TV. All cabins have showers but the suites and outside staterooms come with a bathtub. Of course, all cabins are air conditioned. The suites and outside staterooms have a mini-bar and constantly topped up fruit bowl. The cabins of these two classes have picture windows for ocean viewing but there are no balconies.
Voyages of discovery are seen as giving very good value for money but are not a budget line. Passengers come from all corners of the English speaking world with the occasional European or Japanese on board. Cruises are much longer than average so it is no surprise that most of the cruisers will be either cruising toward retirement or have already got there. The dress code is very relaxed with no black tie rigs ever seen. The captain holds a welcome aboard cocktail evening followed by direr but even here no jackets and ties are worn.
MV Discovery provides for long, relaxing holidays with most of the facilities of the floating resorts but definitely without the hustle and crowds.