This ship proves you don't need a theme park on board for a great cruise

There's no rollercoaster or ice rink.

Absolutely nothing to shoot you into the air, turn you upside down or make you feel like you're floating, skydiving or in a race.

There's not even a water slide, never mind a rollercoaster one like this one I was compelled to try last year.

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And we discovered on part of a cruise from Sydney to New Zealand the vibe on Discovery Princess, the newest Princess cruise ship to call Australia home for the season is firmly traditional.

On-board events which would seem a little old fashioned to some cruisers used to mega ships were some of the most popular.

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Inside Discovery Princess cruise ship that's arrived in Australia for the first time

Officers verses guests competitions, mini golf, trivia and bingo... those things you do on a ship but probably never would bother on land.

Most folk even dressed for formal night which you don't always see these days.

There are also all enough hot tubs and pools for each day of the week, including a stunning one on the aft of the ship, plus spa and thermal suite, The Enclave.

The sports courts were also packed... with folk playing pickleball.

Discovery Princess Cabins

We had a balcony cabin on the highest guest deck, Sun, deck 17 next to the adults-only Retreat Pool and bar.

The décor was modern and light and the balcony was a decent size with two chairs plus the mini fridge was handy

While bathrooms on ships are never particularly spacious in this one I really could sit on the loo and touch all four walls... not that it mattered.

However, we were a LITTLE disappointed about the lack of towel animals.

It's one tradition we'd like to be maintained, Princess Cruises, if you're reading.

Discovery Princess excursions

Of course, a cruise is also about new experiences and travel destinations.

Have you ever smelled a little blue penguin's burrow?

It's pretty stinky.

But passengers on Princess Cruises which call at the New Zealand port of Dunedin can do just that.

Nature's Wonders on the Otago Peninsula is a rustic, family-run attraction which lets visitors get close to some of the wildlife the area is famous for.

And when we say close, we mean it.

Our jaws dropped as days old New Zealand fur seals suckled their mothers just metres away.

Predators on this vast swathe of peninsula are trapped to try and safeguard the future of native species which also includes sea lions and albatrosses.

Visitors are strictly only allowed to go to certain areas aboard argo buggies.

One beach hasn't seen human feet since the site was bought by the Reid family, 23 years ago, boss Perry told us.

You can even see little blue penguins actually inside their burrow in a special hide.

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"They're curious, not frightened," he told us as we peered at their fluffy faces - and also inhaled that, we shall say, unique aroma.

And what made the day even more special is Princess Cruises has funded the hides and burrows as part of its environmental and cultural projects in New Zealand, called Princess Local Partnerships.

Michael Mihajlov, Carnival's Senior Director of Destinations say it's not a "token" effort either.

Other projects on the way including a plan to help save the Australasian Crested Grebe on one of the south island's lakes by creating man-made islands.

Cruises to Milford Sound, New Zealand

But you don't actually even need to pay for an excursion (sorry Princess) to see one of the highlights on this particular 12-day cruise.

One of the best things I've done on a ship was just part of the itinerary.

We spent a day gliding in and out some of the famous fjords in Fiordland National Park on the South Island.

Now, I've cruised in Alaska and gazing at the waterfalls of Milford Sound through the eerie mist was equally impressive.

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Especially as commentary from a park ranger was broadcast across the ship.

Insider tip: Order a balcony breakfast for this day, a feast including smoked salmon bagels, fruit and pastries served outside on a white tablecloth-laid table.

At $89 for two you'll certainly never get a better view with your morning croissant.

And you don't even have to get dressed.

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Discovery Princess Food and Drinks

While we were only on board for five days, in the interests of journalism, we tried as much as we possibly could.

Here are the best things we ate and drank:

• Lobster Tail and the Key Lime pie bar at Crown Grill, one of the more fancy speciality restaurants which brings old-school sailing vibes.

• The desserts from World Food Market (aka the buffet); special mention to the white chocolate donuts and peach cobbler with custard.

• The coffee, sandwiches and cookies at the International Cafe (included for everyone).

• Cauliflower steak in the main dining room (also comes with your ticket). Even our non -pescatarian friend rated it.

• Everything at 360: An Extraordinary Experience. This theatrical-style seven course dinner is pricey at $229 but it's not just the taste of your Med cuisine you're getting - but the smells, sights and sounds too...

• The scones and fruit tarts at afternoon tea which is served on sea days, a tasty (and apparently bottomless?) gem many cruises don't know about.

• Moët & Chandon at Bellini's Bar - the spot to indulge our fancy tastes for Champagne by the glass.

The verdict

Discovery Princess is the last of Princess' Royal Class ships, launched in 2022.

It's a rarity for cruise firms to send their newer ships Down Under, but only Star Princess (which set sail last year) and Sun Princess (launched in 2023) outdate this one from Princess Cruises.

Of course, you need to leave Australia to sail on those which makes it a much more expensive holiday.

While this season with Discovery Princess is almost over, sister ship Royal Princess will return in 2026-27 to do similar itineraries.

And if you're looking for a classic cruise from Australia on a modern ship which proves bigger isn't always better, this is a solid option.

The writer travelled as a guest of Princess Cruises.