Discovery Review

3.5 / 5.0
0 reviews

You'll love it or ....... not love it!

Review for the Baltic Sea Cruise on Discovery
User Avatar
larissaB
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Jul 2011

This was our second cruise on Discovery: the first, 2 years ago, was to Norway, the Faroes, Iceland and the Orkneys and was one of the best holidays we've ever had. This time we went to the Baltic (Copenhagen, Helsinki, St. Petesburg, Tallin and Warnemunde) and again had some truly wonderful experiences. Every port was a treat, and the weather was great too.

As for the ship: well, it very much depends on what you're wanting. It's small, intimate, spotlessly clean but not 5 star, with staff who are unremittingly cheerful and helpful. One big plus is that because of its size, it can get into ports that the bigger ships wouldn't even attempt. It has a very faithful following, with a high percentage of repeat cruisers (mostly over 50, though - not a ship suitable for youngsters).

Although Discovery is expensive, first-timers may be initially disappointed by what is on offer. There are two tiny pools (more plunge-pools than anything, to be honest) and two jacuzzis on the outside upper deck. Evening entertainment is not great - daily films are screened, and the Discovery troupe does a so-so cabaret twice an evening (songs from the shows, that sort of thing). There's a choice of lounges and plenty of deck space to wander around, plus a dedicated Bridge Room, a nice spa (but pricey treatments) and a gym. There are 2 restaurant sittings each night, and the Yacht Club on the upper deck for a la carte dining. Food's okay, plentiful and good quality but no Hestor Blumenthal here. The Phillipino waiters and cabin staff are wonderful and work terribly hard.

Cabin Review

3100: on the lowest passenger deck, near the Dining Room and Medical Centre. Larger than our previous,and more expensive,cabin up on Pacific deck, with a slightly more spacious bathroom and a longer cabin. Two portholes(the lids are closed in rough weather on the two lower decks, and this happened on two nights when we were there but it wasn't a problem) and the cabin is light enough. There is a window ledge under the portholes onto which you can climb and just lie there, watching the waves!

We were so pleased with this room, we booked it for next year!

previous reviewnext review

Find a cruise

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.