Discovery Princess Makes Maiden Call To Tāmaki Makaurau

Discovery Princess made her spectacular maiden call into Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour today, 15 December, 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 Aotearoa and coincides with the cruise line’s 50th year of cruising to New Zealand, 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 third-newest ship in the Princess fleet.

Measuring an impressive 330 meters in length – two metres longer than Auckland’s Sky Tower is tall – Discovery Princess has capacity for 3,660 guests and 1,346 crew. On board, guests can enjoy 1,830 staterooms, over 20 eateries and bars, 19 decks, 4 pools and a 922-seat theatre.

Princess Cruises Vice President Asia Pacific Matthew Rutherford says 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,” says 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.

“The ship offers world-class dining at our signature restaurants like Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and The Catch by Rudi, each offering distinctive flavours and exceptional service. For something truly special, there’s 360: An Extraordinary Experience, a first-of-its-kind immersive culinary journey that engages all the senses – exclusive to Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess.”

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.

“Auckland is an incredibly popular port with our guests,” adds Rutherford. “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.”

Discovery Princess will depart Auckland the evening of 15 December, sailing overnight to the Bay of Islands for her maiden call there on 16 December.

About Princess Cruises:

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalisation and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. 

Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. 

Sun Princess, the brand’s new, next-level Love Boat named Condé Nast Traveler’s Mega Ship of the Year, introduces the groundbreaking Sphere Class platform and will be joined by sister ship, Star Princess, in Fall 2025. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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