Discovery World Cruises was founded in 2002 by recognized travel industry entrepreneur Gerry Herrod to offer cruise vacations to exotic destinations at affordable prices. The 20,000-ton MV Discovery was built in 1972 in Germany by Rheinstahl N ordseewerke, a builder of ships since1903. Before entering service as Discovery in 2003, she underwent an extensive, multi-million dollar refit creating, in effect, a brand new ship. The vessel retains its handsome, classic exterior profile, but now features every modern safety feature and amenity. At 650 passengers - small in comparison to today's mega liners - Discovery is big enough for cruising to faraway places yet small enough to enter remote harbors that larger vessels must pass by. Facilities include 351 cabins and suites, equipped with televisions and built-in hairdryers; three restaurants; five elegant lounges; a well-stocked library; casino; modern health club and beauty center; two swimming pools, one with a retractable dome; two Jacuzzis; and duty-free boutiques. Senior officers are Scandinavian, British and Dutch; the cruise staff is American and European; while the service staff - perhaps the ship's biggest asset - is from the Philippines. Gerry Herrod is the former chairman of Orient Lines, Ocean Cruise Lines and Pearl Cruises. He was also the founder of Travellers International, which in the 1970s grew to be the largest European tour operator for U.S. travelers. According to Herrod, "Discovery's focus is on giving passengers an in-depth exposure to the destinations visited, while providing the traditional comforts of a luxury liner at an affordable price". Discovery World Cruises has established its U.S. headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while its operations center is based in London.