Discovery Review

3.5 / 5.0
0 reviews

Three times lucky!

Review for the Baltic Sea Cruise on Discovery

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Jul 2010

Being laid up in bed for a while I have had a chance to read all the reviews of Discovery so thought it was about time I wrote one myself. A fair proportion of the complaints I have read seem to have come from American passengers - maybe they are used to higher standards or larger portions at dinner but Discovery seems to suit British travellers quite well. OK the ship is not in the first flush of youth but at least she isn't a floating apartment block and can get into places where those monsters can't go. She is meant for discovery and adventure and does it well. The age profile is about right for us (I am 64, my man is 62), mostly about our age, some younger, a lot older but all very active.

My partner and I have cruised on the ship three times, in 2003 or 4 (can't remember!), 2007 and 2010. Last time we met a couple who were well into double figures and have probably notched up 20 cruises on Discovery by now. So it does have a loyal following! The ship has several things that really make it stand out: the crew, mainly Filipino in the cabins, restaurants and bars, who are all unfailingly cheerful, helpful, polite and smiling at all hours of the day or night. They keep the ship spotlessly clean with the same attitude. Another good thing is the lecture programme, arranged to complement the itinerary with a few general topics as well. The lecturers are top notch experts in their field and I have always found them very approachable as well. There are so many lectures etc that it can be difficult to fit every thing in!

As for facilities, OK the pools are laughable, there's no ice rink or climbing wall, but thank goodness for that. There are plenty of public spaces with comfy chairs where you can sit with a book or just watch the world go by, there's a library and cinema, and there are quizzes and lighthearted talks by crew members about such esoteric topics as napkin folding! There is always a monster jigsaw on the go (addictive - can keep you up till the small hours!). Sometimes there are art classes or a choir and if you like bridge there is plenty of opportunity to play with a dedicated room and tutors to help you. I have not tried the spa but it is reputed to be good and the gym, also not my scene, has a huge panoramic sea view window to gaze out of while you are getting hot and sweaty. There is also a shop selling basics such as toiletries, jewellery, clothes and souvenirs from previous ports.

Cabin Review

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.