Christmas Cruise on Princess Cruise Line’s-Discovery Princess

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and creating lasting memories. This Christmas, my extended family and I embarked on a magical journey aboard the Discovery Princess by Princess Cruise Line, exploring the stunning Mexican Riviera. From the enchanting ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta to the luxurious amenities on board, our multi-generational cruise was a festive adventure filled with laughter, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.

The Discovery Princess

As we stepped on board the Discovery Princess, we were immediately captivated by the ship’s grandeur and elegance. The Embarkation process was quick and smooth. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly crew set the stage for an incredible holiday voyage. Our group, spanning three generations, eagerly anticipated the adventures that awaited us. The ship was beautifully decked out for the Christmas season with gorgeous decor, most of the crew wearing Santa hats, holiday music piped throughout the vessel, and = much to the delight of the children onboard – a visit from Santa, himself, on Christmas Day!

Exquisite Dining at the Ketchikan Dining Room

Christmas is a time for feasting, and the Ketchikan Dining Room on the Discovery Princess exceeded our culinary expectations. The diverse menu, featuring both international cuisine and local specialties, delighted our taste buds. Our attentive waitstaff, Miguelito & Nerisa, made each dining experience special, whether it was a festive holiday meal or a casual dinner with the family. Our family is still talking about the amazing Lobster Thermidor and the most tender Pot Roast ever!

Entertainment for All Ages

I’ve heard cruises are best explained like a buffet – there is something for everyone! Our days on board were filled with laughter and entertainment suitable for all generations. Trivia contests brought out the competitive spirit in the family (we WON the 80’s trivia!), while the Lido deck with its pools and recreational areas offered a space for others to swim and relax. The aft-facing infinity pool offered an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean as we sailed down the coastline. Movies, concerts and live football games were shown on the big screen so we didn’t miss out on anything. The Rock Opera was a musical extravaganza that left us in awe, and the talented comedian had us in stitches with laughter.

Pickleball on the High Seas

For the more active members of our family, the Discovery Princess offered the perfect outlet for energy with its pickleball courts. Playing while surrounded by the breathtaking ocean views was a unique and exhilarating experience. It turned into a friendly competition, creating memories that we will cherish for years to come. The fitness centers offered exercise and spinning courses, free and machine weights, cycles and treadmills with ocean views and an outdoor jogging track a few decks above the waves.

Exploring the Mexican Riviera

The ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta each had their own charm and allure. In Cabo San Lucas, our family saw the iconic El Arco rock formation on our way to find and watch whales. We were amazed at how many we were able to spot! Apparently December is a prime time to see them as they migrate south for the winter. Mazatlan captivated us with a fantastic zip line adventure ending at an authentic tequila factory. And Puerto Vallarta’s picturesque landscapes provided the backdrop for a fantastic ATV excursion and unforgettable family photos. Each port offered a diverse range of activities as other family members kayaked, met sea lions, and learned to make authentic ceviche, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Luxurious Relaxation at The Enclave Thermal Suite

One of the highlights of our cruise was the Enclave thermal suite, an adult-only, exclusive and serene space designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. With heated ceramic loungers, soothing aromatherapy experiences, and therapeutic water features, it provided the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the ship. The multi-generational appeal of the Enclave was evident as both grandparents and grandchildren found their favorite spots to unwind. Our family also took advantage of the pampering services of the Lotus Spa with hair styling, manicure and massage appointments.

Princess Medallion technology

You might wonder how a group of twelve people in five different staterooms could keep track of one another on such a large ship. A significant contributor to the seamless and enjoyable experience on our cruise was the innovative Princess Medallion technology.

This wearable device, about the size of a quarter, revolutionized the way we navigated the ship and enhanced our overall vacation. The Medallion served as our personalized key, effortlessly unlocking our stateroom doors as we approached. It also streamlined the embarkation and disembarkation processes, saving us valuable time that we could then invest in exploring the ship. I recommend having them shipped to you before the cruise to skip the long line of passengers waiting to pick up their Medallion at the port. The ease of access to onboard services, such as ordering food and beverages from anywhere on the ship, deck maps, or locating and messaging family members in real-time through the OceanCompass feature, made our experience stress-free. Princess Medallion truly exemplifies the future of cruising, making it an invaluable asset for travelers seeking a technologically advanced and hassle-free vacation.

Our Christmas cruise on the Discovery Princess was nothing short of magical. From the luxurious amenities on board and the ship’s Love Boat themed horn, to the captivating ports of call, every moment was an opportunity for family bonding and celebration. The ship truly catered to the diverse interests of our family members, making it a holiday season to remember. As we disembarked with hearts full of joy and memories etched in our minds, we knew that this Christmas cruise would be cherished by us all.

Hilary Boyer

Fort Worth, TX