Review of the TSE cruise on the Discovery

[Cruise Raider]

We just returned a couple of days ago from the Total Solar Eclipse Cruise on the Discovery.  It was absolutely amazing.  Not only did the Captain, the navigators, both onshore and onboard, the entertainment staff, food and beverage directors get involved, but it was obvious that the corporate powers were also highly invested to make this cruise a very special one for everyone.

 

There were special events, eclipse glasses, viewing certificates, a enrichment lectures, eclipse cocktails and cookies, commemorative  coins, a planetarium set up in the theater, games, stargazing, constant communications, etc. to make our cruise so very memorable.  
The crew and even officers were handing out cold water, sunscreen upon request, cookies during the morning of the eclipse.  Captain Tony was incredible in keeping us posted, cruising out to the best location in the path of the totality where there were very few clouds, etc and along with his team, he succeeded in every aspect of his extensive planning.  The cruise director, Cole, invited Captain Tony on the wake show to answer questions from the passengers.  There were some great questions asked and answered.  Terry, the hotel general manager, assisted in making all of her associated duties happen seamlessly!  All the loungers were removed from the top decks for the most room for the passengers and crew to view the event!  Raymond, the food and beverage director also made his job look easy, even though we know it wasn’t.  It was so impressive that the top officers made sure that as many of their crew/staff as possible were able to view the eclipse.  
 

What surprised me, as never having witnessed a TSE in my lifetime, was the neon tinge I saw during totality.  Also, the eclipse seemed to last just one minute, even though it was over 4 minutes.  It really cooled down quickly once the eclipse was in totality.  I knew it would happen, but just not to that extent.  I liken all of this to watching the rose bowl parade on TV vs seeing it in person.  You can’t smell the roses or the horses or make eye contact with those on the floats from watching it on TV.  It was a magical experience to feel the temperature drop, to see the colors of the environment around you change and to hear the cheers from all the other umbraphiles onboard!  

 

Here are a few comments about the entire cruise .. 

We booked a B2B so, we were onboard for the 3 day prior to the cruise.  There was a meeting in Sabatini’s to instruct all the ‘in transit’ passengers on what to expect and instructions on what to do, where to meet, etc. I think there were 171 of us.   Nicely done, Princess.  We were in the same cabin so, didn’t have to pack up any of our things!  We told our room steward to take turnaround day off for our cabin.  He insisted on taking care of our cabin that evening but we told him we were just fine and put our do not disturb sign out.  

During the in transit passenger meeting, we were told our account would roll over to the next cruise.  While our onboard credit did automatically roll over as promised, much to their dismay, there was some issue for those with the packages. It was all cleared up by guest services without question but had to be removed manually and so was a time consuming project for them, to be sure.  I did realize how valuable it was for us to have a package after seeing our drink charges for April 3rd.  
Anyway, we had to disembark between cruises to clear the ship but we all met in a group in the theater by 9:30 AM and were escorted off the ship and back through a waiting area in the terminal before we boarded about 30 minutes later.  While there were no seats in the terminal, it wasn’t a terribly long time to wait in line to re-embark.  Time to start our super special cruise!   
 

We had the premier package for our cruise and made our specialty reservations ahead of time.  I already knew I love The Catch by Rudi and it didn’t disappoint. They seated us at the balcony seats overlooking the piazza.  We absolutely loved it!  Many complained about it being too noisy there but, it didn’t bother us one bit!  
We ended up eating at the Catch 3 times over the course of our 13 day B2B sailing and every time, the service and food were spectacular.  I tried the Dover sole due to a recommendation from a friend and think the lobster or the Chilean sea bass is so much better.  The crab cakes and the tail of citrus on the appetizer menu are my favorites, although the calamari is also excellent.  
We also had one meal at the Crown Grill and it was also excellent, I just happen to like seafood so much and don’t eat red meat so, the Catch is my absolute favorite due to their more extensive options of fish and seafood. 

 

We also ate at the Slaty Dog GastroPub a couple of times and it was excellent.  I heard some complaints from others about the food and/or service but that wasn’t our experience so, can’t speak to that.  I think it was the best it’s ever been.  Right after our sailing, they were starting construction to change it over to an O’Malleys Irish Pub so, glad I had the chance to go a couple of times on this latest cruise.  The space for O’Malleys will replace not only the Salty Dog, but also the Gelato / Ice cream area .. at least that’s what we were told.  I also heard that Sabatini’s and The Catch by Rudi will be trading spots.  I believe that is happening soon, maybe it has already been started.  
I did notice the Crab Shack being held at lunch time on sea days in the GastroPub area.  
Of note, Churchills, the smoking bar between the Take 5 and casino, has been converted to an arcade. That may have happened earlier this year if not late last year.  
 

Ultimate Balcony Dinner:  wow, wow, wow 

We’ve never done this before but our friend and the head of our travel group set it up for 12 of us on her suite balcony.  They’ve never done a UBD for 12 people before but you’d never know it.  The food and service were absolute perfection.  I believe it is $110 per couple and may even be better than the specialty restaurants.  It was way too much food but they sent the extra up to our cabin for us and we made a couple bowls of lobster noodle soup the next day.  The Japanese noodle soup station in the buffet is so good and perfect for leftover protein to be added.  OK .. now my friends may tease me about this but I hate wasting food so, I always use my leftovers for something yummy the next day. Yes, even on a cruise!  
 

360° Experience:  Again … wow, wow, wow 

I’ve never done this before either and am happy they have an early dinner option.  I even saw they were setting it up for a lunch option on the last day of the cruise.  They may have added that in over demand vs having that option available on a regular basis.  
I will say, I never will feel as though I would have to do that again as, it just can’t be beat!  It is more like a dinner and a show than just a meal.  I was wowed by the entire experience.  This time, it wasn’t too much food, it’s more about the presentation, the wine paring and the 360 screen.  It was so incredibly imaginative and just wonderful!  
 

We were treated to incredible meals and parties the entire cruise.  I love the new small bite lunch menu.  I did order chicken tacos twice and received fish tacos but, they were still great.  The chicken curry on the pub lunch menu is delightful.  
Whomever is making the minestrone soup in GiGI’s should be given a raise.  Actually, all the food was just spectacular throughout the cruise.  And what about those French fries.  They are my weakness but try to never eat them.  When they are made like they did on our latest cruise, that was a huge challenge.  Best fries ever!  I fear it’s going to take me some time to work off the few pounds I gained.  
I always put it on my survey that I wish I could order a sandwich via the app with a choice for NO FRIES!  I have no will power and hate to waste food.  🤣  At least when I go to the SD grill, I can ask for 3 fries .. they laugh but always comply.  

Our cabin steward was excellent, a bit quiet and non intrusive but gracious and so very competent!  We’ve actually had that same cabin in the past and I swear, it was like brand new due to excellent cleaning procedures and maintenance.  If I looked for an out of place hair or any dust, I would be hard pressed to find it.  Even the balcony was spic and span.  The first full day, the shower drained very slowly and we left our steward a note and it was fixed in no time flat, never to happen again.  
 

The entertainment was also phenomenal.  I love the two production shows, Spotlight Bar and Rock Opera, on this ship but we’re always scheduled for something else during the shows.  Thankfully, we’ve seen both of them several times in the past.  Mockingbird, our favorite band, played throughout the cruise and even got the theater one night with a tribute to Adele!  They just killed it .. in a very great way!  

 

I loved the officer engagement on this ship!  They mingle with the guests and make sure everything is going perfectly.  I really had no complaints .. oh, other than the extra pounds I brought home with me.  Those dang excellent fries 🍟.. 😆 

Oh and I don’t think I mentioned how awesome the eclipse cookies were, too!  I really only had one little bite and knew better to get hooked on those, too!  😮 

And for those of you that question the value of the packages, they are so worth it.  Just when I didn’t think the cruise could get any better than it already was, my DH won a great prize through the Princess prizes on the last day!  😁 

 

 

 

[Host CJSKIDS]

Sounds like it was the perfect cruise!  What an awesome review and it makes me more excited to be leaving on Saturday on the Enchanted.  I have 2 reservations for The Catch and am excited to be back there and to try out O'malley's pub.  I'm a sucker for an Irish Pub and spend quite a bit of time at one here in town.

 

[karatemom2]

Thank you so much for this fabulous review. I'm so jealous. We had looked at trying to book it with our last casino come back offer, but it was all sold out. No amount of trying seemed to be able to get us a room!

 

We had friends onboard, a lady who has been cruising Princess since she was a teenager in the 70's. She has more days than I can even imagine and has done some amazing cruises, but she flat out said it was far and away the best cruise experience of her life. That is really saying something!

 

So excited to hear they are adding O'Malley's Pub. And very happy to hear you enjoyed your 360 Experience - we did at New Year's and it was amazing. Thank you also for your great review of the UBD - I just booked it thanks to your recommendation and others for our upcoming cruise and am very excited after hearing all of your great comments and seeing your photos.

 

Truly sounds like you all had the trip of a lifetime. I wish we had been more on top of it a long time ago when we had a chance to book a trip like this out of our home port. Oh well! Guess I'll have to keep an eye out for those 2026 Eclipse itineraries!

[MsSoCalCruiser]

@Cruise Raider Thank you for sharing your review. I really enjoyed reading it. It sounds like you had an amazing time. I wish I would have booked that one! 

[startedwithamouse]

1. Excellent review!  

We were on the 3 day prior to the eclipse cruise, then jumped over to the Sapphire 32 day since the TSE was sold out. 

Discovery was a hot mess on NYE, and the new hotel GM has really turned things around for the better. 

Cole is such fun as a CD!

[Cruise Raider]

16 hours ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

Sounds like it was the perfect cruise!  What an awesome review and it makes me more excited to be leaving on Saturday on the Enchanted.  I have 2 reservations for The Catch and am excited to be back there and to try out O'malley's pub.  I'm a sucker for an Irish Pub and spend quite a bit of time at one here in town.

 

I am with you .. I am excited to try out O’Malleys!  I am just not sure when that will happen.  I hear tale it might be open for lunch on sea days.  I would love to try their chicken wings.  They are messy but I can’t resist a great chicken wing.  
 

[partybarbie]

Loved reading your review! Thanks so much for posting. It sounds like you had a fabulous cruise.

[Cruise Raider]

14 hours ago, startedwithamouse said:

1. Excellent review!  

We were on the 3 day prior to the eclipse cruise, then jumped over to the Sapphire 32 day since the TSE was sold out. 

Discovery was a hot mess on NYE, and the new hotel GM has really turned things around for the better. 

Cole is such fun as a CD!

We enjoyed Cole as our CD on the Ruby and then again on the Discovery back in January.  He was scheduled to go home before the Eclipse cruise but asked to be extended, as I believe he put a lot of work into this sailing.  So glad he did.  He is funny, energetic, thoughtful and extremely talented.  His assistant was Oz.  They started the wake show with the Cole&Oz..scopy show every day.  They cracked me up!  Anyway, so glad he decided to extend his contract to see the fruits of his labor for this very special cruise!  The team had 250 commemorative coins made for this cruise and the only way to get one was to win one.  We won ours by putting a letter into the wake show box. Yay .. so very special!  
Captain Tony and his wife, Renee, were also so very present amongst the passengers, always stopping to chat and a friendly smile.  You could tell they were just excited to see the eclipse as we all were.  The respect Captain Tony showed to the entire crew was incredible!  They all loved him and spoke about him with so much admiration!  It is a happy crew that is a productive crew and that comes from the top down.  
Lastly, Raymond, the new F&B director and Terry, the hotel general manager were both extremely present and asked for feedback from their staff and guests!  What a huge impact they have had onboard this most beautiful ship!  🚢 

 

 

[Lady Arwen]

Thank you so much!  It sounds like such an amazing cruise.  I’ll admit to being more than a little bit jealous.  I’m also a lover of fries, but I try very hard to resist the temptation.  I love that you order only 3!  Now that’s restraint!

[Cruise Raider]

15 minutes ago, Lady Arwen said:

Thank you so much!  It sounds like such an amazing cruise.  I’ll admit to being more than a little bit jealous.  I’m also a lover of fries, but I try very hard to resist the temptation.  I love that you order only 3!  Now that’s restraint!

They always look at me oddly and even chuckle when I ask for 3 fries but I know if there are more on my plate, I will eat them. I savor those 3 fries and eat them ever so slowly!  😆  

 

And yes, this past cruise was the one to beat!  We head out on the Crown for a B2B this weekend .. it’s going to be a tough act to follow!  

[Lady Arwen]

1 hour ago, Cruise Raider said:

They always look at me oddly and even chuckle when I ask for 3 fries but I know if there are more on my plate, I will eat them. I savor those 3 fries and eat them ever so slowly!  😆  

 

And yes, this past cruise was the one to beat!  We head out on the Crown for a B2B this weekend .. it’s going to be a tough act to follow!  

Wow!  Bon voyage, I’m sure it will be just lovely!

[rodndonna]

Thanks for the review ! 

 

We were on your TSE cruise and nice to relive experiences and read about the experiences we missed (like 360)

 

 It was our first Princess cruise - so the bar is set perhaps a little high now for Princess 🤔

 

 

[Hulagirl]

Hi Cruise Raider!

 

Yes it was a good cruise.  We also did the Catch and 360 again.  Both were outstanding.  Loved Magdalena in 360 with her presentation.  Was good before but she brought a whole new twist to it and made the experience even so much better. 

 

We were lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time with Renee (Captain Tony's wife) in the Concierge lounge almost every evening.  She gave us so much insight as to what went on (and what didn't contribute) for the past few years to bring this entire cruise experience together.  She is absolutely the nicest person and so much fun to be around.  She did tell us John Padgett was on the ship when we boarded on the 3rd.  

 

Also seeing Steve Wozniak in the Concierge lounge several nights was a treat too.  Do down to earth and seemed so happy to talk to people.  He and I almost ran right into each other as I was getting off the elevator and he was getting on.

 

Have to laugh about those fries!!  Honestly they were beyond good.  Even the big bowls of them in the buffet we crisp and hot.  Glad I only got them twice the entire time as they could have been a huge downfall for me.  How did they keep them so crisp and good???

 

TSE morning was fantastic.  Will never forget when that last bit of sun disappeared and just the ring around it was visible.  We were out on the open deck and there was such a hush from everyone for a few seconds and then the cheering.  Something not to be forgotten.

 

Was happy that with turnaround now we didn't have to go outside and then back through the screening process as we have had to in the past.  Nice they have made this an easier operation now.

 

Great cruise now onto our next adventure on another line.  So happy to have met you.

 

Susan

[CruzinNoony]

Thanks so much for the wonderful review.  We were on for the B2B also and agree with all you said.  It really was one of the best cruises ever.

[Cruise Raider]

@Hulagirl.. it was our absolute pleasure to meet you, as well!  I still can’t get over how many wonderful people we met and all the fabulous events onboard.  Renee and Captain Tony were just the nicest couple.  My heart melted in the theater when he mentioned that he met the “love of his life” onboard a Princess ship and that she oftentimes stays right there onboard while he is performing his duties as master of the vessel.  They were both so very friendly, not only to the passengers but also to the crew.  
We only made it to the PES lounge one time over the whole 13 days.  We always had something else scheduled.  Heck, we never even made it to the MDR for dinner once.  
We were lucky enough to be invited up to our friend’s Sky Suite for the big event for perfect viewing!  But, it appeared to be so civilized out on the top decks.  It didn’t appear to be all that crowded and the viewing was actually perfect from wherever people happened to be standing.  So, no need for pushing and shoving, no vying for space to stand.  I always say, if the crew of a Princess cruise actual world’s governments, there probably wouldn’t be any wars and things would actually get accomplished.  They know how to work together and compromise better than most governments do!  
 

@Lady Arwen.. I am sure I will have a great time on my upcoming cruises on the Crown.  I so appreciate all of the efforts, hard work and talents of all the crew members on all the ships!  Plus, a few of our good friends work onboard and love being able to spend time with them.  Since we have no plane rides, that makes it so very convenient and we can take a few cases of spicy ramen noodles for the crew.  

 

[Hulagirl]

Was great meeting you and Have Dog Will Travel.  I knew she had the Sky Suite.  We never went to the PES lounge.  We were in the Suite Concierge Lounge since we had one of the Owner's Suites.  Love that lounge and Gerardo was great in there as well as Ivan. 

 

Yes Renee started on the Sun Princess back in late 1999.  At first we were thinking we had been on the ship at the same time, but she started a few months after our cruise.  It was so nice spending so much time with her on this cruise.  Capt. Tony showed up a few times to find her for dinner.  She was such a positive for our cruise experience. 

 

Agree on the upper deck for viewing the eclipse.  We got up there around 9:45 and had no problem at all finding a place to stand.  At least where we chose to stand it was perfect.  Renee made sure to send one of the staff over to spray my arms with sunscreen.  Had totally forgotten to do that. 

 

Was definitely a good cruise.

[1emerald1]

Thank you so much for the review.  I booked this cruise when it was first released, but due to an onslaught of family issues I had to cancel.  Thanks for sharing your experience, as well as well as everyone else who has contributed.

[Captain-John]

4 hours ago, Hulagirl said:

Also seeing Steve Wozniak in the Concierge lounge several nights was a treat too

 

Crikey, I did not think a mass-market cruise ship would be favoured by a centimillionaire. Makes me feel even better about my choice to sail Discovery next year.

 

Thanks everyone for relaying your experience on the ship, great insight. Interesting O'Malley's is being installed. Also keen to try the UBD.

[bladerunner6]

3 hours ago, Captain-John said:

 

Crikey, I did not think a mass-market cruise ship would be favoured by a centimillionaire. Makes me feel even better about my choice to sail Discovery next year.

 

Thanks everyone for relaying your experience on the ship, great insight. Interesting O'Malley's is being installed. Also keen to try the UBD.

In regards to Woz using a mainstream cruise line to see the eclipse:

 

He wanted to see the eclipse and Captain Tony did an impeccable job of finding clear skies and setting the ship adrift.

 

I am dubious that a private yacht charter would have done any better.

Edited April 17 by bladerunner6

[blizzard44ca]

Was also on this cruise.  
The eclipse was amazing - we were on the running track near the aft, and there was lots of space.

We also really liked the Catch.  As it turned out, we had surf and turf 3 times (Catch, UBD, & MDR) and all three were very good!

Captain Tony was very visible on the ship (never seen a Captain so many times).  All the officers were very visible, and friendly.

Cole and Oz made a great team, and would happily sail with either of them again.

[Thrak]

35 minutes ago, bladerunner6 said:

In regards to Woz using a mainstream cruise line to see the eclipse:

 

He wanted to see the eclipse and Captain Tony did an impeccable job of finding clear skies and setting the ship adrift.

 

I am dubious that a private yacht charter would have done any better.

 

We tried to see "The Woz" when he spoke in the theater but it was totally packed and even standing room at the back was a zoo. I'm not an "Apple" guy and have never had any form of fondness for Steve Jobs but The Woz is a "real" guy and contributed so much to computing. He's one of the real heroes of the computer revolution.

[Shelly97060]

Great review! We also were on the TSE cruise and agree with you, it was fantastic! So happy to have experienced it!  
 

Thank you for taking the time to write the review!

[Cruise Raider]

6 minutes ago, Thrak said:

 

We tried to see "The Woz" when he spoke in the theater but it was totally packed and even standing room at the back was a zoo. I'm not an "Apple" guy and have never had any form of fondness for Steve Jobs but The Woz is a "real" guy and contributed so much to computing. He's one of the real heroes of the computer revolution.

We got to the theater a bit early and they just closed the doors .. full to capacity!  
I agree, Wozniak was really the brains behind the icons that made Apple so user friendly!  Seems like he was kind of pushed out or at least to the side.  

 

[Astro Flyer]

It was an amazing cruise & agree with all of the comments made by others about the things we experienced. Captain Tony was great & under his leadership there was a happy crew that provided great service. We sailed Discovery’s inaugural & second cruises in Spring 2022 & the ship was good as new.
 

We dined at Sabatini’s on the last night & asked the restaurant manager (headwaiter) about the swap of locations that the Catch chef told us was planned but not when. The Sabatini’s RM said that the swap in venues would happen in 10 days which would be on 4/22 if everything goes as planned.

 

Edited April 17 by Astro Flyer

[Cruise Raider]

12 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

It was an amazing cruise & agree with all of the comments made by others about the things we experienced. Captain Tony was great & under his leadership there was a happy crew that provided great service. We sailed Discovery’s inaugural & second cruises in Spring 2022 & the ship was good as new.
 

We dined at Sabatini’s on the last night & asked the restaurant manager (headwaiter) about the swap of locations that the Catch chef told us was planned but not when. The Sabatini’s RM said that the swap in venues would happen in 10 days which would be on 4/22 if everything goes as planned.

 

Good to know .. thanks for the info!  
Personally, I don’t mind the location of the Catch but have heard others complain about the noise factor.  We eat dinner rather early so, maybe that is why it did not have any negative impact on us.  The louder music from the piazza probably hadn’t started until we were finished eating.  
No matter where they locate the Catch, we will follow.  It is just that good!  The only meal I’ve ever eaten which is as good as the Catch was the Ultimate Balcony Dinner on this latest cruise.  The 360 experience was phenomenal but not as much about the food as about the presentation and phenomenal service.  One waiter per couple .. wow!