Discovery (cruise ship)

"Discovery" (formerly "Island Venture", "Island Princess", "Hyundai Pungak" and "Platinum") is a cruise ship, currently in operation with Discovery Cruises

History

The ship began operation in 1972 with Flagship Cruises, under the name "Island Venture". In 1974 she was sold to P&O's Princess Cruises along with sister ship "Sea Venture". The pair were renamed "Island Princess" and "Pacific Princess", the latter now operating as the "Pacific". Both appeared in the 1970's television sitcom The Love Boat, although the "Pacific Princess" was the main feature of the show. The "Island Princess" operated as part of the Princess fleet until 1999, when she was sold on to Hyundai Merchant Marine of South Korea. Renamed "Hyundai Pungak" her role was to transport South Korean pilgrims to religious sites in North Korea

After a brief stint as the "Platinum" the ship went through a major refit between 2001-2003. Since 2003 the vessel has been sailing as "Discovery" under the care of the cruise company "Voyages of Discovery" (part of the All Leisure Group Plc) cruising out of Harwich, England. Voyages of Discovery sells these cruises predominately to the British, American, Australian, New Zealand and South African markets.

For the most part "Discovery" can be found in the Northern Hemisphere (Baltic, Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Aegean, North Africa) in the English Spring and Summer, and the Southern Hemisphere (South America, Antarctica, Indian Ocean, India, Mediterranean) in the Autumn and Winter.

Reports from passengers [September 2008] indicate that the ship has [or has had] a substantial problem with one Main Engine - probably the turbo-charger. Although spares were received, these were not fitted. The vessel has, therefore, operated on three engines, and at a slightly reduced speed.

tatistics

The ship is 168.8m long and 24.7m beam, originally measured 19,910 GRT and was built at Nordseewerke, Germany. She could carry 646 passengers, and had a top speed of 21.5 knots. The Discovery Cruises web site lists her current gross tonnage as 20,186, top speed as 18 knots and passenger capacity as 698. Propulsion is by four Fiat medium speed diesel engines with a combined power output of 18,000 shaft horsepower. The engines are individually clutched and geared in pairs to each of the two shafts which drive controllable pitch propellers. This arrangement enables one or more engines to be shut down and declutched as required. Current registry is under the Bermudan flag.

On board eight decks are open to the public; Sky Deck, Sun Deck, Bridge Deck, Promenade Deck, Riviera Deck, Pacific Deck, Bali Deck and Coral Deck.

External links

* [http://www.voyagesofdiscovery.com/ UK Voyages of Discovery site] website
* [http://www.discoveryworldcruises.com/ US Voyages of Discovery Cruises site] website
* [http://www.voyagesofdiscovery.com.au/ OZ Voyages of Discovery site] website
* [http://www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.nz/ NZ Voyages of Discovery site] website
* [http://www.antarcticadiscovery.com/ Antarctica Discovery site] website

References

* "P&O- Port Out, Starboard Home", David L. Williams, Ian Allen Publishing, 2002
* [http://www.discoverycruises.com.au/ Discovery Cruises Australia site] website
* [http://www.ruderhaus.de/reviews/pre-dwc-disc.htm mv Discovery Photo Review] website