Voyages of Discovery - Specifications and profile

**Ally** · 10-23-2006, 05:48 AM

From inception back in 1983 our ethos has been to provide historical and cultural voyages of interest and discovery. Initially specialising in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red & Black Seas, we have since expanded to add more exciting destinations to our itineraries.

Your Voyage of Discovery starts the moment you step aboard Discovery and feel the genuine warmth in the welcome from the crew and staff of this friendly ship. Many of them previously served on the highly-regarded Marco Polo. You will discover a ship that is a haven of relaxation away from the stresses of modern life, whilst you travel in harmony with people who - like you - want to see and learn a little more about the world around them and want to do it in comfort and style. It is like travelling with a group or club of like-minded friends; there is the pleasure of sharing similar interests and yet plenty of time and space to relax on board and ashore.

Ship's Profile

Passenger Decks 8 - Sky, Sun, Bridge, Promenade, Riviera, Pacific, Bali & Coral
Number of lower berths 698
Gross Tonnage 20,186 tonnes
Length 168.74 metres
Beam 24.64 metres

Draught
7.49 metres
Cruising Speed 18 knots
Crew International crew under a Bermuda registration

Facilities include:

* 2 Pools, one with Retractable Roof
* 2 Public Jacuzzis
* 3 Lounges
* Library
* Card Room
* Gymnasium and Health Centre
* Lecture Theatre and Cinema
* Internet Centre - 6 stations
* Casino
* 2 Restaurants plus Dining on Deck
* Medical Centre
* Shop
* Photo Gallery
* 5 Bars and Night Club
* Beauty Salon
* Satellite TV, Hairdryer and Personal Safe in every Cabin
* Telephone, Fax and e-mail via Satellite

Additional Specifications

Built by Rheinstahl Nordseewerke GMBH, Emden, Germany
Re-furbished 2001 - 2003, under the supervision of ship designers A&M Katzourakis
Registration Bermuda
Construction Spacious public areas, abundant open deck spaces and promenades of the traditional trans-Atlantic passenger liners. Full autonomy for worldwide cruising with ample capacity to cover long distances without reprovisioning of food, fuel and fresh water.
Main Engines 4 Fiat C4210SS at 4,500 HP (each)
Total output 18,000 HP

Propellers
2 Four blade, Kamewa controllable pitch propellers
Stabilisers Fitted with Denny Brown AEG D type fins (3.9 x 1.8 metres) producing 90% roll reduction at a speed of 18 knots
Air Conditioning New equipment and distribution system throughout the ship. Capable of producing an average of 10 - 15 air changes per hour in public spaces under tropical conditions. Individual temperature and pressure control in every cabin.
Electrical Current 110v/220v AC 60 HZ
Generators 3 Fiat Type B 308 ESS sets at 1,200kw each
1 Fiat Type B 306 ESS set at 900kw
Autonomy Fuel storage for 10,000 nautical miles at average cruising speed. Refrigerated and dry storage facilities for over 1000 persons for an extensive period. Potable water-making capacity of approx 250 tons/24 hours by means of three flash evaporators and one reverse osmosis plant.
Steam Plant Two auxiliary boilers combined with two exhaust gas boilers produce approx 7,500kw steam for all services on board.
Communications Equipped with the latest radio and satellite communication systems including internet connection. Worldwide telephone capability from each cabin.
Navigation Fitted with new, state of the art navigational equipment.
Environmental Protection Complies with all 1992 'Marpol' specifications for waste management. Fitted with a U.S. developed 'Omnipur' system for waste water treatment. Solid refuse is managed through pulpers, grinders, crushers and compactors. In addition a purpose built incinerator is fitted.
Safety The ship complies with the latest SOLAS convention as well as all IMO recommendations to date. The most up to date, stringent requirements in view of fire prevention have been applied. An automatic sprinkler system throughout has been retrofitted in addition to a modern fire detection and alarm system.
Security Our on board security team provides around the clock surveillance and security. Metal detectors and other security devices are in place to ensure a safe and secure environment aboard the vessel.
Tenders The vessel is equipped with four high speed purpose built passenger tenders and six inflatable zodiac landing craft (for the Antarctic in winter).

**Ally** · 10-23-2006, 05:49 AM

Cabins

Cabins on Discovery are tastefully furbished to provide maximum space and comfort and are fully equipped with private facilities, television, air-conditioning, hairdryer and personal safe.

The ship provides 350 cabins sleeping 2 to 4 passengers, including 2 single cabins. The cabins have twin beds or a double bed, and some cabins have upper berths which can be folded away when not required. The maximum number of lower berths is 698.

PREMIER CABINS (Bridge and Promenade decks)

Cabins on Bridge and Promenade Decks have bath and/or shower. Cabins on other decks have a shower. Every cabin has air-conditioning, TV (for films and videos), hairdryer and personal safe. Outside cabins have picture windows. On summer cruises guests in premier cabins receive bathrobes for use during the cruise and slippers, as well as fruit and a bottle of Champagne to welcome you aboard. NB: The view from the Owner's Suite (Cabin 8023) and Junior Suite (Cabin 8024) is obscured by lifeboats.

STANDARD CABINS (Coral, Bali, Pacific decks)

Every cabin has a bathroom with shower, air-conditioning, TV (for films and videos), hairdryer and personal safe. Outside cabins on Pacific deck have two windows. Outside cabins on Bali and Coral Decks have two portholes.

SINGLE CABINS

There are two single cabins on Discovery on Promenade Deck, plus a limited number of twin bedded cabins on Pacific and Bali Decks available for sole occupancy.

All solo passengers will be invited to a drinks reception early in the cruise to meet other passengers who are travelling alone.

**Ally** · 10-23-2006, 05:49 AM

Facilities

HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTRE

* Fully equipped Gym. Work out whilst enjoying views over the stern
* Beauty salon for facials and massages and manicures
* Hairdressers
* Juice Bar
* Ladies and Men's saunas

2 SWIMMING POOLS

* Deck Pool - An outdoor pool with sun deck and sun loungers, with views to the stern
* Crystal Pool - Stunningly located pool at the very top of the ship, with a sliding glass roof which can be drawn back, depending on the weather

2 PUBLIC JACUZZIS

* Open air Jacuzzis on deck with view to the stern

4 LOUNGES

* The Carousel Lounge and Bar - An ideal venue for the nightly entertainment programme
* The Discovery Lounge - An unusual feature of the Lounge is the stunning sheer glass wall looking directly out onto the swimming pool and stern of the ship.
* Palm Court - A quiet place with comfortable chairs to sit and watch the world sail by
* Bridge Club Lounge - venue for Bridge tournaments and quiet board games

6 BARS

* Waves Bar, Hideaway Bar, Carousel Bar, Explorer Bar, Yacht Club Bar & Seven Continents Bar

2 RESTAURANTS

* Seven Continents Restaurant - elegant restaurant offering a memorable dining experience
* Yacht Club Restaurant - sophisticated "invitation only" dining room

CINEMA

* Discovery cinema and theatre for lectures, seating 170 passengers

LIBRARY

* Fully stocked library with a wide range of novels and reference books and comfortable surrounding for those wishing to relax with a good book

CARD ROOM

* Relax over a game of cards or selection of board games

INTERNET CENTRE

* A fully equipped internet centre with the latest technology to keep in touch with home or research your next destination

COMMUNICATIONS

* Telephone, email and fax via Satellite

PHOTO SHOP

* A dedicated photo gallery where you can have your pictures developed whilst you are on board

MEDICAL CENTRE

* Available 24 hours a day

SHOP

* Full range of duty free gifts and essentials
* Our ship operates on a cashless system and all purchases will be logged on your personalised cabin card

MEZZANINE LOBBY

* A distinguishing feature of mv Discovery is the sweeping staircase between Bali and Pacific Decks.

**Ally** · 10-23-2006, 05:52 AM

Deckplan information can be found here...

MV Discovery Cruises, MV Discovery Cruise Ship: Deck Plans

Life on board

Eight decks and all the contemporary amenities you'd expect

The moment you step on board 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 or treating yourself to a massage, 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 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 our 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 programme, 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 guarenteed. 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 marvellous views on three sides. Speciality 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.

Excursions

Excursions on shore will be a highlight of your cruise. A comprehensive excursion guide will be sent to you before you travel: 10 weeks before departure for Summer cruises or with final documentation for Winter cruises. 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 us 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 £19. Longer tours, most of which include a restaurant or hotel lunch or sometimes a dinner on the return journey to the ship will cost from approx. £49. Some excursions include an overnight stay in a top hotel and can cost from approx. £150.

BOOKING EXCURSIONS

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

Health & 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.

Entertainment

We deliberately avoid much of the razzmatazz that is sometimes associated with cruising, but provide instead a low-key programme 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, meet up in the Bridge Club or drop into the Hideaway bar with its slots machines and wide-screen satellite TV. Alternatively, pit your wits against our quiz master or enjoy a feature film in the cinema.

During days at sea there will be a programme 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.

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 programme of talks and lectures.

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

To see our who’s who of guest speakers please click here

Guest speaker details are correct at time of publishing, but are subject to change.

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.

Teams from BBC History Magazine will be on board the 'Adriatic & Aegean Treasures' cruise departing in October 2006, and also on 'Galapagos, Panama & Bermuda', 'The Northern Capitals' and 'Arabian Treasures' cruises departing April, August and October 2007 respectively.

**Ally** · 10-23-2006, 05:55 AM

Voyager Calendar is available here...

Voyages of Discovery Cruises: Antarctica Cruises, Galapagos Cruises, Baltic Cruises, South Pacific Cruises and more