Discovery World Cruises: refined cruising on inventive itineraries at affordable fares

Cruise Travel, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Theodore W. Scull

Outdoor activities such as deck quoits, shuffleboard, golf putting, and ping-pong take place on the four highest decks, providing pockets of privacy and eliminating crowding. The retractable dome allows for all-weather use of the pool and two whirlpools, and provides a well-protected space to enjoy buffet breakfasts and lunches. Pool-area deck chairs are of the white plastic type, while others, located on the open promenade and at the stern railing, are traditional wooden steamer chairs with cushions. Outdoor deck space is generous and wind-protected.

Colorful furniture patterns give a cheerful atmosphere indoors, especially where natural light streams in. Several public rooms have forward- or aft-facing views, and they lend themselves to reading, quiet contemplation, and conversation during the day, taking on a more social buzz in the evening.

The Discovery Lounge and adjoining Explorer Bar have a wide swath of two-deck-high glass looking out onto the aft pool deck. Passengers gather inside for drinks and dancing before and after dinner. The curved mezzanine above holds the card room. On the starboard side amidships, the Palm Court serves as a connecting gallery, reading room, and the main location for afternoon tea with light streaming in through the promenade-deck-style windows.

The forward-facing Carousel Show Lounge provides gently terraced, semi-circular seating for specialty lectures (one of the line's strengths), and evening entertainment such as classical concerts, singers, comedians, crew shows, and local folkloric acts. Additional venues are an impressive library, smallish casino (with four roulette, blackjack and poker gaming tables and three-dozen slot machines), a cinema, night club, gym, spa & beauty salon, internet center, photo gallery, boutique, and an impressive two-deck-high reception lounge with mezzanine.

The 351 average-size cabins and suites include 222 outsides (windows or portholes) but none with private balconies. The 17 cabin categories are spread over five decks, and room configurations vary even within the same level. Bed arrangements include twin or double beds (some in L-shaped arrangements), direct-dial telephones, TVs, safes, and built-in hairdryers. All categories have some cabins with a third upper berth or a sofa bed, and a few can accommodate four. A large number are set aside for single travelers. The highest categories have tub baths, and Bridge Deck rooms have views partly obscured by lifeboats. Interconnecting cabins are not displayed on the deck plan.

My cabin, 7101, was forward facing with an upward sloping deck and furniture footing crafted to match the curve. The large-view window looked onto a small forward deck then over the bow. At night, the shades had to be drawn so file light did not interfere with the bridge watch one deck above, The cabin was roomy and had a comfortable couch, coffee table, a large-screen TV, vanity cum desk, three closets, and plenty of shelf space. The bathroom had a full-size tub and wide counters but no toiletry shelves.