Discovery Princess itinerary map for January 3, 2026 (15 nights)
Discovery Princess cruise ship

Discovery Princess — January 3, 202615-Night New Zealand on Princess

This 15-night cruise aboard the Discovery Princess departs from Sydney, Australia on Saturday, January 3, 2026 and returns on Sunday, Jan 18th. January weather across this route averages 84°/51°F.

The itinerary safety score for this sailing is 8.6 out of 10, averaged across 8 ports.

Cruise Length
15
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Sydney
Australia
Port Stops
8
Sea Days
7

Cruise Price - Discovery Princess January 3, 2026

Discovery Princess · January 3, 2026

The graph below tracks historic price of the Discovery Princess cruise ship departing January 3, 2026. The most recent price for this sailing starts at $1,098 ($74 per night) for an Inside Cabin. Compared to the average price of $1,193 ($80 per night), this represents a recent decrease of 8%.

🛏️
Inside
$1,098
🌊
Oceanview
$1,748
🌅
Balcony
$1,712
👑
Suite
$1,998

Price History – Discovery Princess January 3, 2026

inside cabin
Discovery Princess
January 3, 2026
$1,098
8% vs avg: $1,193

Prices change often and may differ at checkout. Click to see the latest available price.

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Cruise Itinerary Map - 15 Night New Zealand (Sydney Roundtrip)

Discovery Princess · January 3, 2026

The Discovery Princess sails on January 3, 2026 for a 15 Night New Zealand (Sydney Roundtrip). The ship will depart the port of Sydney, Australia at 3:00 PM and will return to the port of Sydney, Australia on Jan 18th at 5:00 AM. During the 16-day journey, the Discovery Princess will visit 7 additional ports and will spend 7 days at sea.

Cruise itinerary route

15 Night New Zealand (Sydney Roundtrip)

  • JAN03
    Sydney, Australia
    Sydney, Australia
    A: — - D: 3:00 PM
  • JAN04
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN05
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN06
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN07
    Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
    Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
    A: 6:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • JAN08
    Tauranga, New Zealand
    Tauranga, New Zealand
    A: 5:30 AM - D: 4:45 PM
  • JAN09
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Auckland, New Zealand
    A: 5:30 AM - D: 6:00 PM
  • JAN10
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN11
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Wellington, New Zealand
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • JAN12
    Picton, New Zealand
    Picton, New Zealand
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • JAN13
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN14
    Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
    Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
    A: 6:00 AM - D: 7:30 PM
  • JAN15
    Cruise Fjordland National Park
    Cruise Fjordland National Park
    A: 10:00 AM - D: 6:00 PM
  • JAN16
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN17
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN18
    Sydney, Australia
    Sydney, Australia
    A: 5:00 AM - D: —
Loading map...

Cruise Ports

January 3, 2026 · 15 Night New Zealand (Sydney Roundtrip)

Sydney, Australia — Day 1 of Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 cruise
Day 1•Saturday, Jan 3

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: —•Departure: 3:00 PM

Sydney, Australia, offers docking at Circular Quay. Travelers explore Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Excursions visit Blue Mountains. Local markets sell meat pies. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures iconic landmarks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamingtons, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like opal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Aboriginal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Sydney’s urban charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic coasts, making Sydney an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 2 at sea — Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 itinerary
Day 2•Sunday, Jan 4

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the Discovery Princess — featuring Sabatinis, Fitness Center, The Mix & Photo Gallery.

Day 3 at sea — Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 itinerary
Day 3•Monday, Jan 5

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the Discovery Princess — featuring Sabatinis, Fitness Center, The Mix & Photo Gallery.

Day 4 at sea — Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 itinerary
Day 4•Tuesday, Jan 6

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the Discovery Princess — featuring Sabatinis, Fitness Center, The Mix & Photo Gallery.

Bay Of Islands, New Zealand — Day 5 of Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 cruise
Day 5•Wednesday, Jan 7

Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 PM

Bay of Islands, New Zealand, offers docking at Waitangi Port. Travelers explore Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Paihia. Excursions include dolphin-watching tours. Local markets sell hāngī. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic sites and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes kumara, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like paua crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Bay of Islands’ coastal charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural heritage and marine adventures, making Bay of Islands an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Tauranga, New Zealand — Day 6 of Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 cruise
Day 6•Thursday, Jan 8

Tauranga, New Zealand

Arrival: 5:30 AM•Departure: 4:45 PM

Tauranga, New Zealand, offers docking at Tauranga Port. Travelers explore Mount Maunganui and Rotorua’s geothermal sites. Excursions include Maori cultural tours. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures geysers and Bay of Plenty vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance geothermal hikes. Tauranga’s cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and indigenous heritage, making Tauranga an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Auckland, New Zealand — Day 7 of Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 cruise
Day 7•Friday, Jan 9

Auckland, New Zealand

Arrival: 5:30 AM•Departure: 6:00 PM

Auckland, New Zealand, offers docking at Auckland Port. Travelers explore Sky Tower and Waiheke Island. Excursions include Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban harbors and Hauraki Gulf vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like Maori crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Auckland’s urban charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and scenic islands, making Auckland an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 8 at sea — Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 itinerary
Day 8•Saturday, Jan 10

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the Discovery Princess — featuring Sabatinis, Fitness Center, The Mix & Photo Gallery.

Wellington, New Zealand — Day 9 of Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 cruise
Day 9•Sunday, Jan 11

Wellington, New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 5:00 PM

Wellington, New Zealand, offers docking at Wellington Port. Travelers explore Te Papa Museum and Mount Victoria. Excursions visit Weta Workshop. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban harbors and Cook Strait vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like Maori crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Wellington’s cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern museums and scenic lookouts, making Wellington an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Picton, New Zealand — Day 10 of Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 cruise
Day 10•Monday, Jan 12

Picton, New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 5:00 PM

Picton, New Zealand, offers docking at Picton Port. Travelers explore Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Track. Excursions include wine-tasting in Blenheim. Local markets sell whitebait fritters. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures fjord-like sounds and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like paua crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance track hikes. Picton’s coastal charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic waterways and wine regions, making Picton an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 11 at sea — Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 itinerary
Day 11•Tuesday, Jan 13

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the Discovery Princess — featuring Sabatinis, Fitness Center, The Mix & Photo Gallery.

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand — Day 12 of Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 cruise
Day 12•Wednesday, Jan 14

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: 7:30 PM

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand, offers docking at Port Chalmers. Travelers explore Larnach Castle and Otago Peninsula. Excursions include wildlife tours for albatross. Local markets sell hokey pokey. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Gothic castles and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes whitebait fritters, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like paua crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance peninsula hikes. Port Chalmers’ cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic castles and scenic wildlife, making Port Chalmers an engaging destination.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Cruise Fjordland National Park — Day 13 of Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 cruise
Day 13•Thursday, Jan 15

Cruise Fjordland National Park

Arrival: 10:00 AM•Departure: 6:00 PM

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand, offers no docking; ships cruise Milford Sound within the park. Travelers observe Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls from deck. Zodiacs spot bottlenose dolphins. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season December to March; rain frequent. Photography captures sheer cliffs and rainbows. Dining onboard includes green-lipped mussels. Souvenirs, like sound postcards, in ship shops. Briefings stress ecosystem protection. Kayaking explores Hall Arm. Rain gear essential for wet climate. UNESCO-listed Fiordland’s dramatic fjords and wildlife provide immersive nature experiences in this temperate rainforest paradise.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Day 14 at sea — Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 itinerary
Day 14•Friday, Jan 16

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the Discovery Princess — featuring Sabatinis, Fitness Center, The Mix & Photo Gallery.

Day 15 at sea — Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 itinerary
Day 15•Saturday, Jan 17

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the Discovery Princess — featuring Sabatinis, Fitness Center, The Mix & Photo Gallery.

Sydney, Australia — Day 16 of Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 cruise
Day 16•Sunday, Jan 18

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: 5:00 AM•Departure: —

Returning to Sydney, Australia — see Day 1 above for port info.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link

Weather Forecast

Discovery Princess - January 3, 2026 Weather Forecast

Average monthly weather for your cruise ports

Sydney, Australia

⛅

January

Typical Weather

100°F

Average High

61°F

Average Low

Rainfall

0.11in

Daily average

3.3 in monthly total

Shore Excursions

Explore the most popular excursion options at each port.

From beach breaks and snorkeling to local food tours and cultural landmarks, these shore excursions help you make the most of every stop. Browse by port below to compare top-rated options and plan your day before you board.

See all Sydney Shore Tours

Itinerary Safety Score

Based on comprehensive research of cruise port safety information, including recent crime reports, travel advisories, Global Peace Index rankings, and specific port security concerns, we've created a "safety score" for each cruise port stop. The overall rating below represents a combined score for your specific cruise itinerary.

Itinerary Safety Rank
86 / 100
safer than 86% of all cruises
86
8
/ 10
Sydney, Australia
Sydney
Travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft in tourist areas and nightlife districts while enjoying the overall safety of Sydney.
9
/ 10
Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
Bay Of Islands
The Bay of Islands offers a safe environment for travelers with low crime rates, minimal commercial traffic, and sheltered anchorages.
9
/ 10
Tauranga, New Zealand
Tauranga
Tauranga, New Zealand, offers a low-crime environment and well-developed facilities, ensuring a safe experience for cruise travelers.
8
/ 10
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland
Auckland offers a generally safe environment for cruise travelers, but visitors should remain vigilant against petty crime in tourist areas.
9
/ 10
Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington
Wellington is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates, allowing travelers to explore its attractions with minimal risk.
9
/ 10
Picton, New Zealand
Picton
Picton is a safe cruise port with low crime rates, but travelers should prioritize road safety and remain vigilant about environmental hazards.
9
/ 10
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
Port Chalmers
Port Chalmers offers a safe environment for cruise travelers with low crime rates and well-maintained facilities for exploration.
10
/ 10
Cruise Fjordland National Park
Fjordland Park
Travelers can safely enjoy the stunning beauty of Fjordland National Park from their cruise ship, prioritizing passenger safety.

Cruise Ship

Discovery Princess

⚓ Tonnage

145,000

vs avg 128,868

🛠️ Year Built

2,022

vs avg 2,011

📏 Length (ft)

1,083

vs avg 1,020

👥 Passenger Count

3,660

vs avg 3,197

The Discovery Princess has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 145,000 gross tons. The ship measures 1,083 feet in length. Discovery Princess is included in Princess’s Royal class. At full capacity, the Discovery Princess holds 3,660 passengers. That includes 2,314 cruise vacationers and 1,346 staff members. The Discovery Princess total number of staterooms is 1,830.

Click above for more Discovery Princess stats, tips, imagery, and more.

  • 📊Size comparison chart against other ships
  • 🍸Bars, restaurants, and venue highlights
  • 🛠️Renovation and dry-dock schedule
  • ❓FAQ's about Discovery Princess

Also of interest:

Discovery Princess Deck PlansDiscovery Princess Cabin SearchDiscovery Princess Health Score

Other Discovery Princess Sailings

Same ship, different dates

← Previous sailing

Dec 20, 2025

14-Night 14 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip)

All sailings

Discovery Princess schedule

Full itinerary calendar

Next sailing →

Jan 9, 2026

14-Night 14 Night New Zealand (Auckland Roundtrip)

Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 FAQ

What's the cheapest cabin on the Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 cruise?▾

Live pricing is not currently available for this sailing. Sign up for price-drop alerts above to be notified when fares appear.

What's the weather like on the Discovery Princess January 3, 2026 route?▾

Across the ports visited on this 15-night route, January averages 84°F highs and 51°F lows. See the per-port weather forecast section above for daily detail.

How safe is the January 3, 2026 Discovery Princess itinerary?▾

This itinerary scores 8.6 out of 10 on the Gangwaze Itinerary Safety Score, averaged across 8 ports. We weight current travel advisories, recent crime data, and Global Peace Index signals — see the Safety Score section above for the full per-port breakdown.

When does the Discovery Princess sail and return on this itinerary?▾

The Discovery Princess departs Sydney, Australia on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM and returns on Sunday, Jan 18th, 2026 at 5:00 AM. Total duration: 15 nights.

Who is the cruise director for the Discovery Princess sailing on January 3, 2026?▾

Cruise director assignment for this sail date is not currently confirmed in our records.

Can I track price drops for this Discovery Princess itinerary?▾

Yes — use the price tracking opt-in on this page to get an email when cabin prices drop for this exact sailing. We snapshot fares daily.

Researched and assembled by Gangwaze Cruise Editorial using daily-refreshed itinerary, pricing, weather, and safety data.

Last Updated: May 21, 2026