Princess Cruises has celebrated a major milestone on Sydney Harbour, marking 50 years of cruising in Australia and the South Pacific with the inaugural arrival of Discovery Princess — the newest ship ever to homeport at Circular Quay.
Discovery Princess begins maiden Australian season
The cruise line says Discovery Princess’ arrival is a significant way to honour half a century of operations in the region, reinforcing Princess Cruises’ strong connection with the Australian market. The ship will be based in Sydney from now until seven April 2026 for its first Australian season.
Discovery Princess showcases Princess Cruises’ Royal-Class design, offering contemporary spaces, elevated dining and a range of immersive onboard experiences tailored to Australian tastes. Signature dining venues include Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and The Catch by Rudi, while the ship also features 360: An Extraordinary Experience, an immersive culinary concept exclusive to Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess.
Senior global leaders travelled to Sydney for the celebration, acknowledging Australia’s longstanding support for the brand and highlighting Princess Cruises’ commitment to future growth in the region.
Strong commitment to Australia and New Zealand
Princess Cruises continues to refine and expand its offering for the local market, with itineraries designed for both first-time cruisers and seasoned travellers. Programs range from short coastal sailings to longer voyages across Asia, the South Pacific and global destinations, including its renowned World Cruises.
The company also recently announced a notable expansion, with Sapphire Princess set to homeport in Western Australia for the 2027–28 season — reinforcing the cruise line’s intention to deepen partnerships with state and federal stakeholders and support continued industry growth.
With Discovery Princess now sailing from Australia’s most iconic harbour, the 50-year anniversary serves as a reminder of Princess Cruises’ enduring presence and ongoing investment in delivering memorable cruising experiences to Australian travellers.
Learn more at Princess Cruises.
Image credit: Toby Zerna/Princess Cruises Australia
