Voyages of Discovery was founded in 2002 by noted travel entrepreneur, Gerry Herrod (TWA Getaway, Ocean Cruise Line, Orient Lines). Under its original name, Discovery World Cruises, the line operated the mv Discovery during winter months on cruises to Antarctica, South America and the South Pacific. The balance of the year, the vessel was chartered to UK-based All Leisure Holidays for Northern Europe and Mediterranean cruises under the Voyages of Discovery brand.

Founded in 1985, All Leisure Holidays specializes in destination-oriented land tours and cruises throughout the world. Trading divisions include the cruise lines Swan Hellenic and Hebridean Island Cruises, and tour operator Discover Egypt.

As a destination specialist, Voyages of Discovery offers 10- to 182-night cruisetours to some of the world's most exotic destinations. Discovery's cruisetour vacations include pre- and/or post-cruise hotel packages in Barcelona, Bangkok, London and Cairo. Cruises calling at Mombasa include a three-night safari to Amboseli and Tsavo national parks.

Many itineraries include overnight stays on board in ports such as Safaga, Mumbai, Colombo, Singapore, Bali, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hong Kong, Mahe, Port Louis, Cape Town, Mombasa, Istanbul, Sochi, St Petersburg, Reykjavik, Bordeaux, Rouen (Paris), Nice, Sorrento, Palermo, Venice, Dubrovnik, Alexandria and Aqaba.