Voyages of Discovery Profile

Cruise in classic comfort aboard mv Discovery and travel with some distinguished guest speakers who will add rare insight to the places they visit. Built for global cruising, Discovery is large enough to sail the world’s great oceans, yet small enough to reach those less-frequented places.

Founded in 2002 by recognized travel industry entrepreneur, Gerry Herrod, Voyages of Discovery (Discovery World Cruises) offers cruise vacations to exotic destinations at affordable prices. During the Winter months, the mv Discovery calls at ports in South America, Antarctica , South Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, India and Red Sea. During the summer months, she sails to ports in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Aegean, Black Sea, Northern Africa, Scandinavia, Russia, the Baltic and Iceland . In May 2005, Voyages of Discovery (Discovery World Cruises) was taken over by U.K.-based All Leisure Group. The mv Discovery is operated under the Voyages of Discovery brand in the U.K. where the company maintains its headquarters.

The 20,000-ton mv Discovery was built in 1972 in Germany by Rheinstahl Nordseewerke, a builder of ships since 1903. Previously the Island Princess, sister ship to the Love Boat, before entering service as Discovery in 2003, she underwent an extensive, multi-million dollar refit creating, in effect, a brand new ship. The vessel retains its handsome, classic exterior profile, but now features every modern safety feature and amenity.

At 650 passengers – small in comparison to today's mega liners – Discovery is big enough for cruising to faraway places yet small enough to enter remote harbors that larger vessels must pass by. Facilities include 351 cabins and suites, equipped with televisions and built-in hairdryers; three restaurants; five elegant lounges; a well-stocked library; modern health club and beauty center; two swimming pools, one with a retractable dome; two Jacuzzis; and duty-free boutiques. Senior officers are Scandinavian, British and Dutch; the cruise staff is American and European; while the service staff -perhaps the ship's biggest asset - is from the Philippines .

Voyages of Discovery was awarded the 2006 and 2007 "Best value in the Specialty Cruises” category from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society for the second consecutive year. The line was also voted winner of the “Favourite Niche Cruise Line” at the British Travel Agent Awards 2007.

Life Onboard

The moment you step on board mv Discovery, you'll feel a genuine warmth in the welcome of her crew and staff. On the bridge are Captain Derrick Kemp from Britain, an experienced Master who has had command of passenger ships for the past 16 years. With him is fellow Britain, Captain Michael Cavaghan, recently transferred from Swan Hellenic's Minerva II.

They are supported by a team of Officers from Europe and over 300 friendly international crew members. Cabin and restaurant staff hail predominantly from the Philippines. Renowned for their high standards, you'll be the first to appreciate their courteousness and their attentive levels of service. In addition to our experienced cruise staff and the company of the guest speakers we've invited to join us, you'll also enjoy the talents of a highly accomplished team of musicians and entertainers.

Together, they'll ensure that your time aboard Discovery is as rewarding and enjoyable as can be. As well as the wonderful places you'll travel to, Discovery is a destination unto herself. Whether you prefer relaxing in a quiet corner, dancing, keeping fit and treating yourself to a massage, or dining out, life on board Discovery will keep you as busy or as relaxed as you like.

Dining

Dining on board is always a special event and on mv Discovery you will experience new levels of gastronomic delight. From breakfast through to midnight snacks you will be impressed by the choice and quality of the superb food their chefs have prepared and by the friendly, attentive service of the stewards.

BREAKFAST

Full breakfast will be served in the Seven Continents Restaurant or "al fresco" on the Sun Deck. Sitting basis is open. Continental breakfast is also available in your cabin.

LUNCH

Lunch is taken on an open sitting basis in the Seven Continents Restaurant or "al fresco" on the Sun Deck.

DINNER

Dinner is served at two sittings in the Seven Continents Restaurant. The timings will depend on the day's program, but usually early sitting is approx 6.15pm and Main sitting is approx 8.15pm. Your preference should be indicated at time of booking, and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, but cannot be guaranteed. Occasionally - for example, when we are in the Land of the Midnight Sun there will be the chance to dine "al fresco" on the Sun Deck.

YACHT CLUB

The Yacht Club, situated forward on Sun Deck, offers a superb alternative dining venue with marvelous views on three sides. Specialty themed menus such as Italian, Oriental, Polynesian or Mexican will be served. The Yacht Club is "invitation only", and with seating for approximately 100 people, all passengers will receive an invitation to dine here at least once a week - reservation required.

Entertainment

Voyages of Discovery deliberately avoids much of the razzmatazz that is sometimes associated with cruising, but provide instead a low-key program of quality entertainment. In the evenings take in a show then dance to the ship's orchestra in the Carousel Lounge, relax over a quiet drink in the Explorer Bar, dance away the excess pounds in the Night Club! Alternatively, pit your wits against our quiz master or enjoy a feature film in the cinema.

During days at sea there will be a program of informative talks, visits to the Bridge, art classes, films and music recitals; you might prefer to select a book from the library and relax on deck, enjoy a board game, visit the gym or pamper yourself in the new health and beauty centre; you might prefer to do nothing but watch the world sail by. The choice is yours.

BRIDGE

On Voyage of Discovery cruises there will be the opportunity to participate in an on-board program of bridge. There will be a series of lectures and organized competitions on all departures, under the supervision of an experienced bridge director, plus organized sessions of duplicate bridge every day.

Health, Fitness & Beauty

The fully equipped health and beauty centre and gym is spread over two decks and offers clear views over the stern of the ship. With modern exercise equipment, men's and women's saunas, hairdresser and treatment room for facials and massage, it has all you need to pamper yourself and indulge your senses.

For further relaxation there are two open-air jacuzzis outside the beauty salon. There will also be gentle daily exercise classes either on deck or in the aerobics area of the gym.

A HOST OF DISTINGUISHED GUEST SPEAKERS

To enhance the value of your time ashore and keep you entertained and informed during your time on board, all cruises will offer a carefully planned program of talks and lectures. To see a list of Voyages of Discovery's (Discovery World Cruises) speakers click here.

INFORMAL TALKS

There will be a series of highly-acclaimed illustrated talks given by our experienced cruise staff and port lecturers on the places we visit. These talks are informal and informative - not aimed at those with a specialist or academic interest - and will appeal to all those who wish to have more knowledge of the places they will visit.

GUEST SPEAKERS

On all cruises there will be additional guest speakers who will give more in-depth talks on their own particular areas of expertise, sometimes connected with the destinations of the cruise, sometimes of more general interest. All have been invited for their special ability to entertain as well as inform. We shall be welcoming two or three guest speakers on every sailing as well as specialists in other areas of interest such as art and photography, who will give classes for those who wish to participate.

On cruises to Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords your expedition leader will be Dr Peter Carey, a zoologist with research interests in seabirds and seals. Peter has participated in expeditions to Antarctica, Alaska, New Zealand and the sub-Antarctic islands and has worked as a scientist on projects concerning Adelie penguins, skuas and fish.

Among our guest lectures are Teams from Mayo Clinic and BBC History Magazine

Full details of Voyages of Discovery guest speakers will be sent to you prior to departure.

Shore Excursions

Excursions on shore will be a highlight of your cruise. A comprehensive excursion guide will be sent to you before you travel. The guide provides full information on each excursion together with guidelines as to the amount and degree of walking involved.

With Discovery, all of our guides are friendly and English speaking, and have worked with Voyages of Discovery for many years. At most ports of call there will be a choice of excursions to suit your interests.

GUIDE TO COSTS

Half day tours and excursions en route from the airport to the ship and vice-versa will cost from approximately $45. Full day tours, most of which include a restaurant/hotel lunch and sometimes a dinner on the return journey to the ship will cost from $95.

BOOKING EXCURSIONS

All Summer Shore Excursions can be pre-booked although it is also possible (subject to space) to book your tours on board.