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Royal Princess Deck Plans & Reviews

Royal Princess

Activities & entertainment

Arts and Crafts Classes *
Beauty Salon *
Bullseye Range
Center Court
Dancing Classes
Deck Parties
Disco and Dancing
Fitness Center
Fitness Classes *
Whirlpools (7)
Hydrotherapy Pool *
Internet Cafe *
Jogging Track
Lotus Spa and Salon *
Solo Travelers Get Togethers
Table Tennis
The Driving Range
The Game Lounge
The Enclave *
The Library
Ultimate Ship Tour *
Wine Tasting *
The Sanctuary *
The Beach House Teen Lounge
Camp Discovery Youth Center
Princess Casino *
The Shops of Princess *
Fine Arts Gallery *
Photo Gallery *
Guest Services
Shore Excursions Desk *
Captains Circle Loyalty
Future Cruise Planning *
OceanMedallion
Wedding Chapel
Concierge Lounge
Churchills Cigar Lounge *
Self_Service Laundry *
Medical Center
Comedy Shows
Movies Under the Stars
Outdoor Movies
Princess Live
Princess Theater
Vista Lounge
Allegro Dining Room - Main
Concerto Dining Room - Main
Symphony Dining Room - Main
Good Spirits at Sea - Craft Cocktails *
Horizon Bistro - Buffet
Horizon Court - Buffet
Horizon Terrace - Casual
Bellinis - Champagne Bar *
International Cafe - Coffee & Pastries *
Princess Live Cafe - Cafe *
Trident Grill - Pool Grill
Chefs Table Lumière - Gourmet *
Alfredos Pizzeria - Gourmet Pizza
Gelato - Ice Cream *
Swirls - Ice Cream
Sabatinis Italian Trattoria - Italian *
Crooners - Martini Bar *
The Pastry Shop - Pastries
Prego Pizzeria - Pizza
Mermaids Tail - Pool Bar *
Retreat Bar - Pool Bar *
Outriggers Bar - Scenic Bar *
SeaView Bar - Pool Bar *
Wheelhouse Bar - Pub *
Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar - Seafood *
Crown Grill - Steakhouse *
Vines Wine Bar - Wine Bar *
Room Service *
Excellent 80
Very Good 32
Terrible 31
All languages ( 197 )
English ( 196 )
Arabic ( 1 )

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Princess Cruises Royal Princess Review

The first new princess ship in 5 years brings a number of enhancements to the line’s typical layout and design. but a few changes made no sense to us..

Updated February 9, 2016

Creating a new “class” of ship is not something a cruise line takes lightly. Now costing upwards of a billion dollars to construct and with a life expectancy of about three decades, no detail is too small during the development of today’s mega-ships. With each berth costing an average of $175,000 or more, every square inch of seagoing real estate matters.

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

About Our Cruise

Where royal princess missed, our cabin: deluxe balcony, obstructed view, cabin amenities, other cabins, allegro, concerto & symphony dining rooms, horizon court, crown grill, ocean terrace seafood bar, alfredo’s pizzeria, trident grill & prego pizzeria, international café & gelato, wine maker’s dinner & chef’s table lumiere, crab shack & fondues, in-room dining, international café & princess live café, bellini’s bar, crooner’s lounge & bar, mermaid’s tail, outrigger bar, retreat bar, seaview bar and seawalk, wheelhouse bar, lotus spa and salon, fitness center, other recreation, shows and entertainment, ship communications, internet facilities, dress codes, laundry facilities, general health and safety, smoking policy, general policies.

Aboard this gleaming new ship, we met a Princess regular who shared with us the concerns she harbored ahead of departure. “I’d heard about problems from guests on the first sailings—there was some grumbling,” she said. “But I researched my cabin location carefully and moderated my expectations.”

Towards the end of our cruise we caught up with her again and asked how she like Royal Princess. “I think it’s great,” she told us. “But I knew what to expect.”

This is our kind of traveler—someone who takes charge of their vacation and does the research necessary to make sure they get everything they want out it. We, too, had some concerns about this ship. Read on to find out what we learned, and what you need to know before booking your cruise on Royal Princess.

This is actually the third ship to be named Royal Princess. The first launched in 1984 and was christened by Diana, Princess of Wales—it now sails under the name Artania for a German tour operator. Fittingly, it was Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge—Princess Kate, to those in the know—who handled the naming honors for the new Royal Princess. (The black-and-white spotted outfit she wore for the christening is displayed behind glass near the guest services desk.) The $750 million ship was launched in June 2013; a twin, Regal Princess, debuts in May 2014.

Snub-nosed yet sleek, Royal Princess carries 3,560 passengers, about 16 percent more than Princess’ next largest ship. Weighing in at 142,449 tons, Royal Princess launched as the ninth-largest cruiser. As the first new Princess ship in almost five years, it was no surprise that the line opted to change things up a bit. Some of these evolutions amount to solid improvements; a few of them flat-out didn’t work for us. Princess seems to have acknowledged some of these issues—in late 2013 the line announced there would be some changes to the deck plan for Regal Princess. Nonetheless, as befits a duchess, Royal Princess is one of the flashiest vessels at sea—she warrants more than a cursory overview.

An enlarged, sparkling Piazza is among the things designers got right. This three-deck-high atrium is an appealing axis for the ship, where entertainment offerings spark to life. We enjoyed these from seats in one of several bars, or at the expanded venues Alfredo’s Pizzeria and the International Café, both Princess stalwarts. The new seafood bar Ocean Terrace is an excellent addition that we would welcome on other Princess ships.

The Piazza isn’t wasted on mundane functions such as a front desk or shore excursion desk—these are smartly tucked out of sight on Deck 5, next to the spa entrance, allowing better traffic flow for both these desks and the atrium. And yes, rather than a spa above the bridge, the usual configuration, on Royal Princess the spa is located on the lowest public deck. None of the treatment rooms have views, but the space is swank and well utilized (the fitness room is completely separate, on Deck 17). One caveat: On other Princess ships the steam room and sauna are open to all passengers; on Royal Princess the steam room and sauna are inside the Thermal Suite, for which one must purchase a pass.

Princess’ traditional Horizon Court buffet has received a major makeover here, with a broader food selection and more stations and, again, improved traffic flow. On select nights, one corner of Horizon Court is turned over to a specialized menu (with a surcharge) for fondue or a crab feast, to mixed results. Staged entertainment was much improved over the staid, stale shows we’ve usually experienced on Princess ships. It’s loud, flashy and colorful—not for all tastes, but at least it’s not boring.

The corridors leading to cabins are lined with framed photos of Princess destinations, taken by cruisers—some of them are quite good. Cabin décor has been spruced up, getting away from the drab, outdated color scheme found on other Princess ships. The interactive TV system, a first for Princess, works well, and features an extensive on-demand selection that does not require pay-per-view fees.

The check-in process did not go well for our cruise. We arrived at Port Everglades shortly before noon and found hundreds of people outside the terminal in a queue that snaked on and on. There was poor communication between ground staff, with conflicting information about where to go. The process exceeded 80 minutes, and we weren’t seated for any of it.

We were annoyed that the center stairwell rises only to Deck 7, the top deck of the Atrium. If your cabin is located midship—as ours was—you either need to head to the forward or aft stairwells or take the elevators. Not surprisingly, the elevators were overburdened and slow. Keeping our figure intact means using the stairs on our way to the buffet, but we tired of trekking up and down the long hallways to the stairwells. Also, this is also the first Princess-designed vessel to not have a traditional promenade deck circling the ship. Instead, there’s a veranda about 100 feet long that extends from Deck 7 on either side of the ship at the Piazza. While this is a pleasant enough space to use, we missed being able to stroll around the ship (joggers will find a short running track on Deck 18).

And, whoever thought of locating the toilet paper dispenser in cabin bathrooms behind the toilet—the most ergonomically awkward location possible—should have their design credentials removed. Hanging the dispenser from the ceiling would have made more sense! True, it didn’t bother us that much, but it was a laughably bad decision—like some diabolical game of Twister played from a toilet seat.

But whether by design or default, on this itinerary Princess pulled off a neat trick: When we wanted our cruise to be subdued and relaxing, that could be found, whether in our cabin or at an unexpected hideaway we found on deck 7 aft. By the same token, when we were in the mood for an upbeat, festive atmosphere, that could also be found. On the second formal night we eased into our best duds around 7:30 and sauntered down to the Piazza and found the entire area buzzy and alive, with not a seat to be had at Crooners. Somehow, we didn't mind—we ogled the dresses and the photo posing and soon enough a table became available. It felt like exactly the right dose of hubbub and easy-going glitz, surrounded by people genuinely appreciating this dazzling new ship.

So although we think Princess Cruises’ bean counters cut some corners in determining the specs for Royal Princess, the ship is a truly handsome addition to the Princess family. With fingers crossed, Princess will be able to address most of these deficiencies when Regal Princess launches in May 2014. Read on for more details about our cabin, the ship’s dining options, and more. One of the interesting innovations on Royal Princess is a complete absence of the usual oceanview accommodations. There are 342 Interior cabins—that is, cabins with no view. These offer a good way to save money, but most of us will opt instead for one of several types of Balcony cabins, the standard of which measure 222 square feet (according to Princess), including the balcony. We had a Deluxe Balcony , described below, which added 11 square feet to the standard quarters. There are also Mini-Suites and Suites .

Another big change for Royal Princess is that the decks aren’t in a ziggurat configuration—like a wedding cake—meaning decks have more privacy (and shade) than before. But this has a downside. As we mentioned earlier, the balconies on Royal Princess are smaller overall (and probably will be for Regal Princess, as well).

However, careful examination of deck plans reveals there are a few cabins on each deck with larger balconies—a smart option for those who don’t want to be squished into an undersized veranda or pay a premium to land in a suite. For instance, there are a few larger balconies on Deck 8 forward, and on decks 15-16 above the bridge you’ll find enlarged forward-facing balcony units (note that all of these have a steel railing instead of glass). Also, at midship from decks 8 through 15 there are two slight protrusions on each side of the ship, below the SeaView Bar (port side) and SeaWalk (starboard)—as a result, about eight cabins on each deck get an angled, slightly larger balcony where the ship’s superstructure extends out a few feet. One caveat: Guests in the cabins on Deck 15 starboard will find the interior of their cabin to be partially in view of those using the SeaWalk.

We were looking to save a few bucks on our cruise, so we opted for a guarantee balcony cabin with an obstructed view. At embarkation Princess upgraded us to a deluxe unit, which added 11 square feet to the interior of our cabin. Other than the size of the balcony and the amount of obstruction—more on that below—we were happy with our cabin. Princess has spruced up its cabin décor, offering a more contemporary, less bland environment. While still somewhat generic, we liked it.

The queen-sized mattress offered a nice medium between firm and soft, and we found the bed linens appealing, with a ribbed texture—we slept well. Behind the bed was padded wall/headboard. The mattress was actually two twin beds pushed together (they could be separated for passengers not sleeping together), and the split was adequately concealed by a pillow-top. Small nightstands with lamps flanked the bed, and there were light switches on either side of the bed for the main lighting fixtures. The lamps on the nightstands were not quite sufficient for reading, but a pair of overhead spotlights above the pillows did the job.

The cabin layout was in Princess’ usual style, with the closet area walled off from the bedroom, creating a dressing room of sorts. The closet area, which had no door, was 6-foot 1-inch wide with a shelf overhead, allowing ample storage space for clothes on hangers (there were 22 hangers, but room for more). Above the hangers was a long shelf, which had our life preservers and beach towels. Next to the closet was also a cabinet with five shelves (one of which held the safe), and we had storage space under the bed for our luggage.

The couch was a pullout bed, though we were told when extended it blocked access to the balcony. A built-in desk faced the couch, where there was a phone, ship directory, and electrical outlets (two three-prong 120-volt outlets, plus one European-style, 230 volt “schuko” outlet). Next to the desk was a mini-fridge that contained four cans of soda (Coke, Sprint, including diet versions—$1.95 each). Above the mini-fridge was a drawer storing a hair dryer and above this was a shelf with bottled water ($3.50), an ice bucket and a pair of glasses; the ice bucket was refilled daily. There was an oval coffee table that was a bit small for two people dining.

Facing the bed, mounted on the wall, was a ViewSonic 42” flat screen TV. The screen did not pivot, but was fine for viewing from the bed or the couch. Our cabin was primarily illuminated by overhead lights, controlled by switches at the cabin door and another behind the bed-pillows. At check-in, nametags were posted outside all cabin doors, identifying the occupants and their status level in Princess Cruises’ Captain’s Circle.

The cabin acoustics were good. However, we could hear the TV from the cabin next door till late at night (maybe they were hard of hearing?). General announcements over the ship p.a. system could not be heard inside cabin or outside in the hallways, but they were audible on outside decks (bridge announcements could be heard in hallways).

Our bathroom was compact but the space was utilized efficiently. There was a large mirror over the rectangular sink, and the shower (no tub) was to the left, with the toilet in between. The toilet paper roll was stupidly positioned behind the toilet. On one side of the mirror there were three shelves adequate for a standard travel kit; there was no makeup mirror. The hairdryer was fixed inside the desk, not in the bathroom.

The shower stall was level with the bathroom floor—a two-inch lip kept the water in its place; there was a fabric shower curtain and, inside the shower, a retractable laundry line. Oversized bottles of shampoo/conditioner (combined) and body soap, branded to the ship’s Lotus Spa, were mounted on the wall. The products were okay, but not for anyone with special hair needs. There was also a tube of body lotion by the sink, along with a soap bar. There was no sign instructing us what to do when we wanted towels replaced, but they weren’t replenished when they were hung on the towel rack (just as we wished).

The Princess Cruises’ website said our cabin measured 233 square feet total. We consider this to be a generous interpretation of our cabin’s usable space. By our measurement, the inside of the cabin came out to approximately 188 square feet. We measured the balcony at 47.5 inches deep by 108.5 inches wide, or 35.8 square feet, so let’s call it 224 square feet total. While the interior space for our cabin was comfortable for two, there was no getting around the fact that our balcony was snug—certainly not adequate for two to enjoy dining outside (as is typical on most Princess ships).

Further, on the Princess website our cabin was advertised as a “part obstructed view.” When we called Princess to inquire what the obstruction was, we were told it only involved the pullman bed, in the event it was pulled down for a third guest—that there was “nothing” obstructing the view from the balcony. Not true. In front of our balcony, a lifeboat was off to the side, while other contraptions rose above the railing to block most of our view. As you can see from the photos, our view was quite obstructed, especially when we were seated.

Standard features in all Royal Princess cabins include twin beds that converted into a queen, 100-percent Egyptian cotton linens, evening turndown and chocolates on the pillow, a mini-fridge, safe, phone, and 110V, 60-cycle AC electrical outlets. The bathroom was stocked with Princess-branded shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. While a waffle-weave bathrobe was also waiting for us in the closet on previous Princess cruises, that wasn’t the case on Royal Princess.

Our TV was a 42” ViewSonic flat screen, mounted against the cabin wall facing the bed. Although the monitor was a High-Definition model, the signal input for all channels was analog—only the ship’s own signal was high-def. Additionally, picture input was incorrect sizing, meaning the information contained on the sides of the screen was cut off. Still, the roster of free entertainment on-demand was impressive, most of it offered in high-def presentations. This included 10 TV comedy shows (from both cable and network channels) with a selection of 5 episodes each (The Middle, Veep, 30 Rock—all from season one); 10 drama series with 5 episodes each as well (Dexter and Homeland season one, Good Wife season three)—just enough to get us hooked on a series or two. There were about 100 movies available on-demand, split between theatrical releases of the previous year and big titles from the 1970s and 80s. There were no pay-per-view charges, and the TV’s interactive features were easy to operate.

We did not stay in the rest of these cabins, but we have summaries here provided by Princess Cruises. Note that photos below have been provided by the cruise line and not our reviewer.

Interior The Interior stateroom is approximately 166 to 175 square feet and richly appointed with fine amenities. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

Balcony (Obstructed) Obstructed View Balcony staterooms are approximately 222 square feet and feature all the comforts and amenities of the Balcony cabins, but have a partially or fully obstructed view from the approximately 41 square foot balcony. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

Balcony The spacious approximately 222 square foot Balcony stateroom is appointed with fine amenities and outstanding views from an approximately 41 square foot private balcony. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate up to 4 passengers.

Premium Deluxe Balcony Larger than our Standard Balcony staterooms, Premium Deluxe Balcony cabins provide approximately 233 square feet of comfort, and an approximately 41 square foot balcony and includes all the same features of the Balcony stateroom, plus an additional sofa bed for lounging or sleeping a third passenger. Some also have a pullman bed to accommodate a 4th passenger.

Mini-Suite with Balcony The luxurious Mini-Suite offers approximately 299 square feet of comfort and an additional, separate seating area with a sofa bed for lounging or sleeping a third passenger. The spacious balcony is approximately 41 square feet and the bathroom offers a combination tub and shower. Some also have a pullman bed to accommodate a 4th passenger.

Mini-Suite with Balcony The Premium Mini-Suite offers a spacious cabin with an extra-large balcony. The cabin features a separate seating area with a sofa and the bathroom offers a combination tub and shower.

Suite with Balcony Premium accommodations and luxurious appointments are the signature of our expansive 440 to 682 square feet Suites. Your Suite stateroom includes a spacious cabin and large 83-338 square foot balcony, along with special suite-only benefits. Suites feature a separate seating area with a sofabed, walk-in closet, full bathroom and deluxe amenities.

{{photo_gallery "Royal-Princess-p2-g5"}} In addition to the main dining room (split into three venues) and buffet—both included in the cruise fare—Royal Princess has a larger variety of dining options than other ships in the fleet. In addition to familiar Princess surcharge restaurants such as Sabatini’s (Italian) and Crown Grill (steakhouse), Royal Princess offers the line’s first raw bar, Ocean Terrace , for which menu items carry an à la carte charge. There were two one-off dinners held in the Horizon Court buffet—one a crab feast, the other a fondue splurge. Another surcharge option was one of several special wine pairing dinners—we didn’t try the Chef’s Table Lumiere (which carries a $115 add-on and was sold out by the time we boarded), but we enjoyed the Wine Maker’s Dinner .

Alfredo’s Pizzeria , available on some but not all Grand Class ships, gets more real estate on Royal Princess, as well as an expanded menu. There’s no fee to dine here, but we had mixed experiences. International Café , the ship’s 24-hour coffee station, had what seemed to be a greater variety of treats on offer in its deli case, also without surcharges, and the poolside Trident Grill rolls out a new smokehouse menu at night. But the best improvement seemed to be at Horizon Court , which boasts improved traffic flow and an expanded food selection, including new action stations where food is cooked to order.

In all, while there were no major surprises good or bad in the dining opportunities aboard Royal Princess, the new options will be welcome news to Princess regulars, and the old standbys were pleasantly consistent.

Rather than a single, two- or three-deck restaurant, Royal Princess splits its main dining room into three separate venues, all using the same menu. This affords a somewhat more intimate dining experience, though each room seats 600 or more. Décor of the Concerto and Symphony rooms, located on decks 5 and 6 just behind the Piazza, was similar, with lots of polished wood tones. But we’d say Allegro, located on Deck 5 aft, was the more striking venue, with its nod to Art Deco and Frank Lloyd Wright styling (seen in the photos below). Breakfast was served each morning in the Concerto dining room, as well as lunch on sea days. A semi-private room within each venue was dedicated to 12-guest feasts, described below under “Wine Maker’s Dinner & Chef’s Table Lumiere.”

During the booking process we were given the option of the traditional dining plan, which meant eating dinner at either 5:30 or 8 p.m., or the Anytime plan, which we chose, allowing us to dine between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. On the first night of our cruise we came to the podium at 7:43 p.m. and were issued a pager—it didn’t buzz until 29 minutes later, which seemed like an unreasonable wait for a table. Shortly after we were seated the maître d’ came on the p.a. system and suggested that guests should come when the restaurant first opened each night at 5:30, or later at 7:15 or 7:30, “to help us even out the dining experience for everyone.” Since we had arrived only a few minutes after 7:30, this didn’t quite add up. We’ll chalk up the delay to opening night machinations, as we waited little more than 10 minutes our next evening here, the energy evolving from overly busy to pleasantly buzzy.

In the Concerto Dining Room we found the meals above average compared to our other Princess cruise experiences. There were no menu surprises, but almost everything hit the mark. Among the starters we especially enjoyed the creamy asparagus soup which, rather than being creamy was light and refreshing and included an oddly appealing dumpling of poached salmon. Princess does a decent job with salads, and there are always a couple pasta dishes, available in an entrée size or smaller portion as an appetizer (the fettuccini Alfredo is a longtime Princess fave). Both the entrées we tried were excellent. The pan-seared barramundi fillet in a tarn of chive and mustard seed sauce was served with asparagus and potatoes; the prime rib was a better cut and perfectly cooked (better than on other Princess ships we’ve tried this dish). Desserts, however, didn’t wow us.

The breakfast menu for the main dining room isn’t long, but it covers the basics well. This included cereals—hot and cold—yogurt, a smoked salmon plate, several egg dishes, pancakes and freshly baked pastries. The fruit plate arrived two different ways here—once as diced fruit in a bowl (the “assorted melon cocktail”), the other as a plate of freshly sliced fruit. There’s a different breakfast special daily, such as huevos rancheros or the lumberjack special (grilled minute steak with eggs, mushrooms and hash browns).

Lunch is served on sea days, with a different menu each day covering a number of options (including brunch fare for late risers). We tried the fish tacos one afternoon, and the tuna melt another day—neither particularly impressed. Other items that looked better included the nasi goring (Indonesian spiced rice with chicken and beef satays), Irish lamb stew, vegetarian stuffed yellow bell pepper, and there was always a couple pasta dishes, soups and salads.

Afternoon tea was offered daily from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Concerto Dining Room.

Wrapping around the aft portion of Deck 16, Horizon Court is the efficient buffet option aboard Royal Princess. Despite the ship’s size, and the venue’s popularity at breakfast, we didn’t have issues finding an empty table. The buffet lines are expanded and the food selection was somewhat greater than we’ve experienced on previous Princess cruises; most of the fare changed daily. There were action stations where specific items were cooked to order, and a dedicated pastry shop (we usually find baked goods to be a strong suit for Princess). One corner of Horizon Court was dedicated to a couple pop-up restaurants on two nights of the cruise (described below under “Crab Shack & Fondues”). We found hand sanitizers not as prevalent as we would normally expect, but al fresco washrooms were available at each end and side of the buffet.

In contrast with the main dining room, the breakfast selection was more varied. Omelets were cooked to order and there were more than a dozen ingredients to choose from, with egg white omelets an option; a daily scramble was also offered, such as eggs with tomato, goat cheese and mint. There were yogurt parfaits and breakfast burritos and other items not found on the main dining room menu. Princess gets breads and pastry right—we can’t resist the crusty whole wheats and flaky croissants.

Lunch included such fare as tasty fassolada (a white bean casserole with Greek roots), vegetarian lasagna, baba ghanoush, black mussel hot pot, turkey and veal kebobs, hibachi lamb riblets, and various stir fries. The dinner selection offered a similar variety, and items were nicely presented. Soups such as tortellini and spinach or cock-a-leekie were served from cast iron tureens, and there were usually intriguing international dishes such as Bombay seafood paella, pancetta-wrapped cod fish fillet, and chicken paillard with amber ale and onion gravy.

The extensive dessert station was hard to pass up, and light snacks came out at tea time, 3:30 to 5:30 each afternoon. Coffee, tea and iced tea were provided from dispensers, made from a concentrate. Juice flavors available at breakfast included orange drink, grapefruit, tomato, cranberry and apple. The ship’s standard wine list was available, and cocktails from the standard drink menu could be ordered from servers.

Located on Deck 7 aft, Crown Grill is the Princess steakhouse, a venue that carries a $25 surcharge for dining. We found the add-on to be reasonable for a meal of Sterling Silver beef, served in wood-paneled rooms that faced an open kitchen. On Royal Princess, the Wheelhouse Bar serves as the lounge for Crown Grill, a smart innovation that gets better use out of both of these Princess institutions. If there’s a downside, it’s that—combined—both spots seemed busier than we see these venues (independently) on other Princess ships. We didn’t try for a dinner reservation until a couple days into our cruise and were surprised to find that most tables were fully booked through the end of the cruise. “It’s like this every night,” said the maître d.

We finally got in at 9:15 p.m. and the restaurant was packed. Our waitress, who was friendly and upbeat, seemed to struggle to keep pace. Empty plates and glassware sat on the table unnoticed for most of our meal, and the menu’s promise of gourmet sea salts was never delivered. Fortunately, our meal was good.

The appetizer selection includes such treats as black tiger prawns and papaya, Meditterranean style spiny lobster cake, carpaccio of pine nut-coasted lamb loin, and a cherrystone clam bake. We started with the shrimp and pancetta bisque, which neither heavy nor rich, and followed with the goat cheese and heirloom tomato salad with spinach and yellow beets. We’re not sure about the heirloom tomatoes (they seemed pretty run-of-the-mill to us and almost invisible) but the overall dish was pleasing.

Main courses include a variety of seafood items, such as pan-roasted barramundi papillote, and a Prince Edward mussel pot. We could order 4-oz lobster tails or, with an additional $20 surcharge, there was a whole Maine lobster or 12-oz Australian lobster tail on offer. But we opted for the 14-ounce rib eye, which we found to be competently prepared. We asked for medium-rare and the steak arrived just as ordered, with a reasonable amount of marbling, and almost no gristle. To accompany, we chose a baked potato with all the trimmings—tasty—along with creamed spinach. Other meats available included a New York strip, Kansas City strip or filet mignon, along with a veal chop, lamb rack, or pork chop.

Also available at Crown Grill is a Pub Lunch , held on two sea days during our cruise. Despite the announcement being buried in the Princess Patter in tiny print, this was a popular event—the crowd spilled over into the Wheelhouse Bar. There were just four items on blackboard menu—fish and chips, bangers and mash, steak and kidney pie, and a ploughman’s lunch. We found the fish and chips acceptable, but the service seemed distracted and unprepared for the rush.

We liked this new dining concept for Princess, a raw bar overlooking the Piazza from Deck 7. Items are priced à la carte, and it is possible to run up a modest tab, but it makes a great option for a light meal or for tasty appetizer before heading to dinner. All items are prepared to order behind the bar, and one can sit at the bar or at a series of small tables overlooking the atrium. Curiously, Ocean Terrace didn’t see much traffic on our cruise, but we think will develop a following with time.

The menu was longer than we anticipated, covering such fertile territory as fresh shucked oysters (3 for $6, or 6 for $10), oyster shooters with pepper and vodka, salsa and tequila, or a bloody mary ($3 each, or $7.50 for the flight), and sushi nigiri ($4.50 for 2 pieces). Another section was devoted to tapas, and included such fare as king crab cocktail, a chili and lime crab margarita, and Italian pollastrini sardines (all $6). We also found Balik brand smoked salmon from Russia ($15) and poached Maine lobster tail ($10), as well as a chilled sampler platter that seemed like the best value—$20 for two.

We opted for the ahi tuna poke ($4.50) and a sashimi trio of ahi tuna, yellowtale and salmon (6 pieces for $6). These were just fine, and promptly delivered. While the cocktail menu didn’t appear to include anything that wasn’t available elsewhere, we were happy to see a good list of chilled vodka available, along with Momokawa organic sake.

We’ve enjoyed Alfredo’s on other Princess ships, and we looked forward to the venue on Royal Princess, which head been heralded in advance as heaving earned a larger space as well as an expanded menu. Located next to the Piazza on Deck 6, this Naples-style pizza joint is open noon to midnight, and there’s no surcharge for dining here, making it a great option for a light or even full meal. Though not truly Neapolitan (no wood-burning ovens on cruise ships, please!), the open kitchen produces pizzas made-to-order, served in a 121-seat dining room lined with windows facing the sea. Unfortunately, service did not go smoothly on both our visits here, so our enthusiasm was somewhat muted.

The menu offers a half-dozen different pizzas, including the Romana (mozzarella, anchovies, capers and black olives), the vegetariana (mozzarella, grilled zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted bell pepper, mushrooms, red onion and avocado), and a capricciosa (mozzarella, artichoke, mushrooms, ham and black olives). There was even a Pizza Hawaiiana—but we won’t go there. We opted for one called the Royal Princess, which was a tasty combo of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, Parma ham and shaved parmesan, delivered nice and hot, straight from the oven.

While the Alfredo’s menu on other Princess ships has little more than pizzas on offer, Royal Princess had greater variety. This included antipasto plates—vegetarian or with ham, salami, mortadella, bay shrimp and salad—a vegetarian minestrone soup, a mixed green salad, a rolled stuffed eggplant dish, a pasta, and desserts. On another visit we tried the vegetarian antipasto, a beautifully presented plate of mozzarella, grilled zucchini, tomatoes and basil—the simplicity was wonderful. We also dived into the pasta—agnolotti stuffed with veal, beef and parmesan, and bathed in a creamy veal and sage sauce. It was quite rich, but also delicious. For dessert we tried the tiramisu, which was acceptable.

Our only problem was with the service. Both times we ate at Alfredo’s less than half the tables were occupied. But servers on the first visit were spread thin, while the waiter on our second visit was under-trained and/or in over his head. Hopefully these issues were anomalies that have since been rectified. If so, the food is well worth a try.

Located next to the ship’s main Fountain Pool these venues flanking the Mermaid’s Tale bar delivered fair grilled items and pizzas. At Trident Grill we found burgers (as well as veggie burgers and grilled chicken), hot dogs (including bratwurst) and fries. The cheeseburger we tried here was competent but otherwise not special. We didn’t sample Prego’s pizzas on this cruise, but they didn’t appear to be nearly as good as the ones at Alfredo’s downstairs (admittedly, we favor Neapolitan style over New York pizzas). Cheese and pepperoni were always available, along with a daily special.

But here’s the twist: Another of the new dining venues introduced on Royal Princess is the Smokehouse-Style BBQ , available nightly from 6 to 11 p.m. We gave it a whirl one night and found a short menu starring orange molasses grilled chicken, beef chili, and North Carolina-style pulled pork (along with the daytime offerings of burgers and hot dogs). We’re not barbecue experts, but we weren’t much impressed with the pulled pork or the chili. It’s strictly informal—collect your own silverware and napkins and find a table—but at least there was no line.

During the afternoon and into the evening there was chicken and cashew Waldorf salad, mushroom and spinach salad, shrimp salad, grilled vegetables, zucchini and bacon quiche, beef and Guinness pie, and various cheeses; small sandwiches included grilled chicken and pineapple with curry mayonnaise, roast pork with avocado and spicy cilantro, and barbecue beef and jack cheese. There were also plenty of sweet treats, such as pistachio pudding, chocolate cream puffs, mocha truffle tartlets, orange short cake etc.

Next door to the International Café was the Gelato café, where eight different flavors tempted us. A three-scoop dish was $2.75, including toppings such as brownies, peaches, M&Ms, etc. There were also alcoholic sundaes available for $6.50.

On select nights of each cruise, there are two different special meal offerings conducted in the main dining rooms. One is the Chef’s Table Lumiere , priced $115 per person and limited to 12 guests. They dine in a private section of the Allegro Dining Room surrounded by “a curtain of fiber optic light.” We were all set to try it, but it was fully booked by the time we boarded Royal Princess (reservations are not possible in advance of embarkation). But we were able to sign up for the Wine Maker’s Dinner , a $40 event conducted in the Concerto and Symphony venues, within semi-private rooms enclosed by wine bottles.

The meal was not a literal wine-pairing experience—a different wine accompanying each course—but it did offer a wine-infused dinner that was substantially upgraded from the normal main dining room fare, well-served by two waiters and a wine steward, and accompanied two wines. In our case this was Donnafugata’s anthilia—a full-bodied, summery white wine from Sicily—and Spellbound’s petite sirah, a balanced choice from California. Neither wine was remotely top-shelf but glasses were poured as needed. Combined with the plussed-up menu and dedicated service, the dinner was the best we had aboard Royal Princess, and a fair value, too. The entire experience encompassed two-and-a-half hours.

The evening opened with a preprandial glass of Amadeus prosecco for toasting. The first course was a delicate amuse-bouche, a scallop perched atop a small mound of pea and mint purée. This was followed by a silky white bean veloute with flecks of chorizo, a couple morsels of lobster, and spiked with Calvados. The decadent third course was finished tableside—gnocchi stuffed with asiago cheese and bathed in a portobello mushroom cream sauce. For main course, we were served tournedos Rossini, a dish said to have been created for the Italian composer. This classic preparation of filet mignon was topped with pan fried foie gras and a sliver of black truffle. The dessert was terrific, a Napoleon of three mousses, with truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries for anyone who had room. Lemoncello and espresso were also offered.

If we had a criticism, and it’s a small one, it’s that the overall menu was a bit too rich for our taste—there were three courses infused with cream, plus the very hearty beef. Most of us didn’t finish the entrée. But it was still a special experience and we’d recommend it, particularly for foodies.

On two nights of our cruise the aft port side corner of Horizon Court was set aside for a pair of dining concepts that are new to the Princess fleet, both carrying a $20 surcharge. On one night it was Crab Shack and we arrived to find the buffet venue’s tables covered in brown butcher paper with a “Crab Shack” logo splashed across, and crayons provided for drawing. This set the stage for an informal meal, a bit like a clambake, perhaps.

The appetizer for the evening was popcorn shrimp and hush puppies, which arrived with dipping sauces—tarter sauce and a “Bayou-style” rémoulade. The shrimp were succulent, piping hot and engulfed with tasty batter. This was followed by a robust Manhattan style clam chowder, which we enjoyed, and then our choice of four entrées. These included a clam and mussel pot, peel and eat shrimp in old bay, and the Bayou-style Mud Bug boil. We chose the Royal’s Mixed Steamer, a metal bowl loaded with snow crab legs, jumbo shrimp, clams, mussels and kielbasa, along with a half-ear of corn on the cob and a few new potatoes. It was a scrumptious and messy feast—fortunately a plastic bib was provided to protect our clothes. The meal finished with a cheesecake swirled with caramel—it was okay, but not as special as what had preceded.

On another night, this corner was converted into Fondues , and we won’t make you guess what was on offer. Starters included a chopped salad, a charcuterie platter, and a German potato pancake with cured salmon. We chose the latter, which was served with horseradish cream and sprigs of dill. A shot of kirschwasser—cherry brandy—arrived just before main course, which was a choice of three fondues. There was a traditional Swiss cheese fondue of gruyère and emmental, and another made with sparkling wine and served with bread and chicken morsels. We chose the Bavarian cheddar and beer fondue, which came with rye bread and slices of bratwurst. The dish was quite hearty (we could barely finish it), though it struck us as a bit ordinary, especially considering the up-charge. For dessert there was chocolate fondue served with marshmallows, strawberries and pineapple, or mandel knuspergeback—traditional German almond crisps our waiter recommended against. We opted for the Viennese apple strudel served with vanilla cream, which was marginally satisfying.

We had the same waiter on both evenings here, and he was a gem—upbeat and thoroughly attentive. And on both nights we were impressed that all hot food came out just so (having an open kitchen just a few feet from the tables helps). We fully enjoyed our Crab Shack meal and would recommend it, but the fondue meal was less interesting.

On Royal Princess, room service was available 24 hours, with no charge for delivery. The breakfast menu was continental (cold) except for an English muffin with egg, bacon and cheese, served hot in a foil wrapper. The balance of the menu was cold packaged cereals, yogurt, fruit, bread roll, croissant or Danish (with preserves), along with juices, coffee and tea. Breakfast was available any time from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.

We ordered breakfast one morning using the card hung on the door the night before, requesting delivery for between 8 and 8:30 a.m. We were out on our balcony that morning enjoying the arrival into port, and apparently the delivery was attempted around 7:45 a.m. With no response to their knock, the server returned the order to the galley. A phone call came at 8 a.m. and we were asked if we wanted our order; the order was redelivered at 8:10 a.m. When we asked why the order arrived so early we were told there were many orders for 8 a.m. and they couldn’t deliver them all at once. Unfortunately, when breakfast arrived our egg sandwich was lukewarm—even the coffee (in a thermos) was no longer hot. There was no cream for the coffee (apparently, one has to check it off on the order form, though sugar was automatically delivered).

The all-day menu included three salads (mixed garden greens, Caesar with chicken strips and Chef’s), soup of the day, a half-dozen sandwiches ranging from vegetarian to club house, hot dog, hamburgers, croquet monsieur, lasagna and a Moroccan vegetable crock pot with pita. Desserts included flan, chocolate fudge cake and a chocolate chip cookie.

We ordered lunch shortly after noon one day and were asked to allow 20 to 30 minutes for delivery—the knock on the door came just 16 minutes later. Soup of the day was abondigas, and despite one little meatball it was tasty, faintly spicy (this was also the soup of the day at the buffet upstairs). Our vegetarian sandwich was thick with iceberg lettuce, but also a few thin slices of avocado; the bread had been toasted and the edges sliced off. We were offered a side of potato chips, French fries or coleslaw; we chose the latter but found it to be heavily lathered in mayo and didn’t finish it. Otherwise, it was a decent light meal, and it arrived exactly as ordered. Royal Princess has a dozen bars and lounges spread across the ship, several of which adjoin the Piazza, where live music and entertainment is often conducted. Our favorite of these was Crooners , a Princess institution offering an inviting martini selection, but the Wheelhouse Bar is another good place for live piano and cocktails. Most of the other venues have familiar names, but a new one is the SeaView Bar , which has a see-through walkway on one side, for gazing down onto the waves.

Signature cocktails were available in most venues, and most were priced $7.95—they included the traditional “007 Classic” with Stolichnaya vodka or Tanqueray gin, an “ultimate” mai tai with Bacardi Oakheart and Cruzan dark rum, and Lynchburg lemonade with Jack Daniel’s whisky. Simpler drinks (made with house brands) were $5.50. House spirits were $5, while call brands started at $5.50, and went up from there. Non-alcoholic cocktails were also available, all priced $4.

Wines available by the glass included Hogue riesling, Nobilo sauvignon blanc, Woodbridge chardonnay, Katnook Estate shiraz, Estancia pinot noir and Robert Mondavi cabernet sauvignon, at prices ranging $7.25-$7.95. An unnamed house white and house red were offered for $6.25. Korbel brut reserve was available in 187ml bottles for $7.25 and Nicolas Feuillatte brut reserve by the glass for $13. An upgraded wine list was available at the Crown Grill and Sabatini’s dining rooms and at the Vines and Bellini’s lounges.

The frustratingly curt beer selection included the usual domestics for $4.25, plus Bass, Dos Equis, Blue Moon and Beck’s for $4.95, and Grolsch and Guinness for $5.95. There were also a few beer cocktails (michelada, desperado) for $7.25.

In 2014, keeping up with its competitors, Princess introduced an all-inclusive alcoholic beverage package. The price is $49 per person, per day, plus 15-percent gratuity. The package includes all cocktails, spirits, beer and glasses of wine priced under $10 (some premium liquors and wines on menus are excluded). Sodas and other nonalcoholic drinks are included, along with coffee drinks plus some specialty food items such as gelato. The package also avails a 40-percent discount on bottled wine priced under $100. The package is sold on cruises of seven nights or longer and, unlike on some cruise lines, not all passengers in the cabin are required to buy the package. There was also non-alcoholic drink package: the Unlimited Soda & More Package of soft drinks, mocktails, milk shakes and juices was $7 per day plus 15-percent gratuity, including free tumbler.

A 15-percent service charge was added to all drink orders. The minimum age for drinking was 21.

Located at the base of the lobby atrium on Deck 5 and open 24 hours, the International Café was the place for a quick shot of caffeine—espresso-fueled drinks that were a cut or two above the ship’s standard brew. We found prices to be reasonable, starting at $1.75 for a small espresso or macchiato, $2.50 for a cappuccino or latte; large sizes were also available to go. We took advantage of a coffee card, priced $29, which availed 15 drinks along with unlimited refills of brewed coffee (a better grade than served elsewhere for free).

Royal Princess is also the first in the fleet to promote a full-blown tea service. The Royal Afternoon Tea included fresh berries and cream, warm scones, queen of puddings and finger sandwiches, along with Mighty Leaf teas from the café’s tea tower. The price was $10 per person, or $20 including a glass of Champagne. Coffee, tea, and edibles from the café (see previous page) could be eaten at tables scattered around the Piazza.

Another first for Royal Princess is the Princess Live! Café located outside the theater of the same name, on Deck 7. The drink selection is the same and the seating area is a little more subdued than in the Piazza, but few of the food items from the International Café were on offer.

Another new venue for Royal Princess is Bellini’s, a bar that overlooks the Piazza from Deck 6. It’s an open space defined by marble and glass, somewhat sequestered from the hubbub of the Piazza. It didn’t see a lot of traffic, and we noticed people lounging here without ordering from the menu.

As the name hints, the focus is Champagne. The titular cocktail, the “classic” Bellini, is made with peach purée and prosecco—this and other cocktails made with prosecco were $8.95. The Royal Bellini—with vodka, Galliano and Champagne—was priced $15. Domaine Chandon, Nicolas Feuillatte and Veuve Clicquot were available by the glass or bottle.

Serving as the ship’s modest disco, Club 6 is located on—you guessed it—Deck 6, smack between the casino and main showroom. The dance floor is pretty small compared to what we see on other big ships, but it’s seemed adequate for the Princess crowd. Our two main complaints were that, although there was a solid DJ spinning tunes on our cruise, the volume was surprisingly low—the music was not nearly as loud as music played in the showroom next door. Additionally, we didn’t like was how the dance floor was crammed into a corner behind casino—the disco felt like an afterthought. But it stayed open as late as guests were still dancing—as late as 3 a.m. on the second night of our cruise.

Club 6 was well designed to be functional for other purposes—trivia contests, arts and crafts sessions and other events were held here through the day (with the bar closed). Although this venue is non-smoking, cigarette and cigar smoke from the adjacent casino and Churchill’s smoking lounge was noticeable at times.

Crooner’s is the terrific martini bar for Royal Princess. Using a space that appears larger than Crooner’s venues on other Princess ships, the lounge opens onto the Piazza, overlooking the action from Deck 7. The cocktail list features more than 50 types of martinis, including quite a few we’ve never heard of. It’s a great spot before dinner, with lots of people watching, or for enjoying sunset panoramas; a pianist shows up 9:45 p.m. or later to tickle the ivory.

Martini-style drinks included a Suntini (Stolichnaya, melon liqueur and pineapple juice), Golden Nugget (Bacardi Limon, coconut milk and passion fruit) and Tango Tini (Stolichnaya vodka, Blue Curaçao and melon liqueur), along with a roster of chocolate-flavored martinis. All were $7.95, except for ultra premium martinis, made with Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, etc.—priced $8.95. All were shaken tableside (or at the bar). Wine and champagne was available by the glass or bottle, along with the ship’s standard bar menu.

We loved that drinks were served with a side of cocktail mix and a choice of seven different olives, stuffed with almond, lemon rind, garlic, jalapeño, blue cheese, anchovy or sun-dried tomato.

Located between Trident Grill and Prego Pizzeria, Mermaid’s Tail served as the drink station not only for those dining options, but also for the main pool and for Movies Under the Stars. It was often busy, but service was swift. The ship’s standard bar menu was available.

The main bar serving the Horizon Court buffet, Outrigger is located on Deck 16 aft. In addition to the regular bar menu, variations on the Bloody Mary were on offer—a Highland Mary made with scotch, a Bloody Caesar made with vodka, etc. The Outrigger also had the distinction of being the first bar to open each morning, at 6 a.m.

Serving the Retreat Pool, this outdoor bar on Deck 17 was generally quieter and less bustling than the Outrigger Bar. The drink selection was much the same, with an iced bucket and bottle of Moët & Chandon at the ready, for those needing a bubbly splurge.

Located next to the Fountain Pool on Deck 16, the SeaView Bar on the port side is a cantilevered watering hole. The arced bulge has windows built into the floor that offer sea views 128 feet straight-down. This bar, open-air but completely shaded, was usually less busy than the nearby Mermaid’s Tale and, depending on the ship’s position, it was often a good spot for sunset libations.

Immediately opposite the bar, one of the unique attractions on Royal Princess is the SeaWalk, a curved walkway that also extends 28 feet out from the ship, and 128 feet above the sea. The industry first is glassed on the sides, and windows in the floor offer views straight down onto the waves. It’s a fun little curio, though maybe not the best hangout for those prone to vertigo. You’ll find the SeaWalk on the starboard side.

The wine bar on Royal Princess is located at the base of the Piazza and functions as a kind of lounge for the neighboring Sabatini’s. There were 32 wines available by the glass—many of them also featured on the ship’s standard wine list, which seemed to us to undercut the concept of a wine bar.

Most glasses were priced $7.25-$10, but for a little more we could sample Nebbiolo Valmaggiore Bruno Giacosa or Franciscan Magnificat. There were three choices with bubbles—at $17.50 per glass, Veuve Clicquot brut was the most expensive offering at Vines. Flights of wine were available—three 2-oz. pours for prices ranging $8.25-$10.25, served in Riedel stemware.

There were also Italian-themed cocktails like Negroni on the menu (the same offered at Sabatini’s) and, on request, an antipasto plate was brought to our table.

On Royal Princess, the Wheelhouse Bar has been comfortably reimagined as a lounge and waiting area for the Crown Grill. The décor is uniform in style, offering both venues more flexibility that they might otherwise have—it’s a good concept. Flights of whiskey were offered, along with the standard bar menu, and we found the bar quite busy in the evening, especially when a pianist was on duty. On our cruise, the guest pianist was definitely in love with the sound of his own fingers—it was Liberace-style schmaltz, and the crowd loved it.

In a change from previous Princess ship layouts, the spa facilities on Royal Princess are located on Deck 5 forward, the lowest public area on the ship. This allowed Princess to expand the facilities, making it one of the largest spas at sea. In moving the spa down below, so to speak, any semblance of natural light is gone once inside the spa. But, rather than try and replicate daylight, designers embraced this element—most of the spa has subdued lighting creating almost a nighttime effect. (For anyone who prefers, massages can be handled in the al fresco cabanas in the Sanctuary, though these are more expensive.) One other change: The fitness room is not remotely connected to the spa—you’ll find it on Deck 17. We think connecting spa and fitness is a marketing concept, selling wellness, not because most people head straight from one to the other.

Operated by Steiner Leisure, which manages spa services for many cruise lines, we found most prices in line with services on other cruises, and somewhat higher than we see at most quality resorts. Massages started at $155 for the 50-minute Thai Coconut Poultice or Rhythm n’ Bliss treatments and went up to $199 for the 75-minute Bamboo Massage; the 50-minute couples massage was $269. Facials started at $119 for the 50-minute La Therapie Hydralift treatment, or $75 for the 50-minute Men’s Facial. There were specials and packages offering discounts for one-off treatments not on the regular menu. Other treatments included acupuncture, Ionithermie, teeth whitening and a full roster of salon services. A 15-percent gratuity was applied to all treatments.

The spa also had a retreat within the spa, called the Enclave, which is similar to the thermal suites on other Princess ships, but triple the size. In addition to the usual heated ceramic beds, this communal relaxation area offered a hydrotherapy pool, waterbeds, a Turkish hammam-style steam bath, a Roman-style Caldarian chamber with herbal aromas and sensory showers. A weeklong pass to use the facilities was $159. Though the facility was attractive and inviting, the price seemed excessive to us. No day passes were available on the first day of the cruise, but they may be sold when the full-cruise passes haven’t sold well (check after embarkation).

We didn’t partake in a spa services during our cruise, but while the facility we did notice that sound from the Princess Theater immediately above leaks into some of the treatment rooms. While you can glace at the entertainment schedule to see what’s on for the day, it doesn’t include rehearsals. If you’re booking a treatment we suggest clarifying with the receptionist that your massage won’t be plagued by a second-hand rendition of My Heart Will Go On.

The fitness room for Royal Princess is located on Deck 17, well away from the Lotus Spa. It was a great facility, featuring all the latest Precor machines, including a few devices that were new to us. Though often busy, we visited at peak hours and didn’t have a problem finding a treadmill to use.

The roster of free fitness classes on Royal Princess included twice-daily stretching sessions and a daily abs workshop. Other classes were priced $30 for three sessions, and included ChiBall Fire Yoga, Tour de Cycle (spinning), and Pilates. The TRX Suspension Training was $60 for three classes, and a four sessions of Body Sculpt Boot Camp was $120. There was also a series of “complimentary” seminars on back pain and fat burning that concluded with a heavy dose of product pitching.

There are two swimming pools on Royal Princess. Neither was indoors (as is common on Princess’ Grand Class vessels), and they appeared to be identical in size. The Fountain Pool , located midship on Deck 16, was the main facility and was surrounded with the bulk of the ship’s lounge chairs. The pool was 5-foot 3-inches deep, and on sea days it was packed with people. Next to the pool was the fountain area, which was where additional loungers were positioned when the sun was out. But on the couple times we searched, two loungers together were scarce to find by mid-morning (loungers one deck up, overlooking the pool, were easier to come by). There were two whirlpools for this area, which also seemed a bit constrained at peak hours.

Just behind the Fountain Pool was an elevated terrace that had fountains for nighttime shows (see below). Additional loungers were set out on this terrace on sea days, but otherwise it seemed like wasted real estate. Just behind the terrace was a smaller round plunge pool that was little used.

The Retreat Pool was a more intimate, adults-only area located on Deck 17, just behind the Sanctuary. This was a great space, with two whirlpools, a full bar, and a more subdued environment than we found at the Fountain Pool. However, although there were usually fewer people in the Retreat Pool, this was partly because there were fewer loungers for sunning here, and a dozen of the loungers were dedicated to six cabanas that could only be rented. The price for renting two loungers and a cabana was $50 for a half-day, $80 for the full day rental. On sea days this area filled up, and we found it annoying that, once all the “free” loungers were occupied, we were expected to pony up a rental fee to use an unoccupied cabana.

One deck up from the fitness room, Deck 18 was called Sports Central . The jogging track was located on this exterior deck and, though somewhat shorter than usual, it was a terrific, mostly broad area for exercise (seven laps equaled a mile). There were two lanes—one for walking, one for jogging—and no loungers to clutter up the track. Next to the track were various equipment for additional exercises—leg press, chest press, etc. Deck 18 also held the basketball court, ping pong tables, and a netted driving range for practicing our golf swing.

Just upstairs on Deck 19 was the Lawn Court , with a small putting green. A few extra sun loungers were here, overlooking the basketball court, but we never saw these put to much use.

Instead of a regular promenade deck encircling the ship, Deck 7 is an abbreviated exterior deck with a terrace-like feature that extended from the Piazza area. While we prefer a wraparound promenade, the terrace was appealing—a broad deck about 100 feet long for enjoying the sun and breeze. There were only a few loungers here, but the deck seemed little used for some reason. Exterior access forward and aft was blocked by a crew-only walkway, but the aft section of Deck 7 (accessed from the inside the Vista Lounge) revealed a unique and totally appealing hideaway. On either side was a little nook with just a quartet of lounge chairs for enjoying the aft view. Surprisingly, this spot saw minimal traffic, so it wasn’t hard to snag one of these chairs and enjoy the seagoing ambience.

Deck 17 was a utilitarian sun deck with lots of loungers at midship. There were two whirlpool tubs overlooking the Fountain Pool, along with a couple showers. On the aft deck, a large area was set aside for smokers. This area was often busy, and when the ship was sailing exhaust from the funnels often plagued this deck.

On Deck 17 forward was The Sanctuary , Princess Cruises’ standard surcharge area for top deck privacy and pampering. It certainly feels like an exclusive area, with little of the crowding found in other sun areas of the ship, lighted with screened sun and colored with potted plants. There are private massage cabanas at the front reserved for treatments (there’s a special price for services here), plus cabanas equipped with TV, fan, privacy curtain, etc. Waiters were available to deliver light meals from a limited menu. Just before our review was scheduled for publication, in March 2014, Princess revealed prices for Sanctuary access had been increased across the fleet. The price is now $20 for a half-day pass or $40 for the full day, but rates may fluctuate based on demand.

There are a number of venues for entertainment, with the Princess Theater serving as the main showroom. This 925-seat theater—the largest in the Princess fleet—isn’t flashy, but it’s quite functional, utilizing the latest show technology and featuring unobstructed sightlines from all seats. There’s a good sound system, but be aware that a few seats are directly in front of speakers.

There are four shows in rotation on Royal Princess and we saw three of them. They were each a tight 35 minutes—a little shorter than shows on other Princess ships—and performed three times. None were groundbreaking, but they were fresh, colorful and full of energy. The music, most of which is canned backing tracks rather than a live band, is played loud. With a cast of four singers and 14 dancers, “Colors of the World” linked various songs to global destinations—'O Sole Mio for Italy, Over the Rainbow for Hawaii, True Colors for Japan—against a backdrop of simplistic visual stereotypes (gee, would that be cherry blossoms for Japan?). The show reached its nadir with I Need a Hero representing Greece, sung by Aphrodite surrounded by fey Olympians. Ugh. This one’s going to be dated in no time, but there are no sets to speak of, just video backdrops that can be changed out.

The show “Spectacular” was another musical review, though we couldn’t quite figure out the connecting thread. Songs included Diamonds are Forever, That’s Entertainment, and Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough, plus a knockout version of Me and Mrs. Jones. If a bit even there were moments that nearly lived up to the title, with the video backdrop put to excellent effect at a couple points. The four singers performing “Sweet Soul Music” were terrific, perhaps in part because they had a live, seven-piece band backing them. Along with 12 dancers, they plowed dutifully through the Motown library in one- and two-minute versions, but also stretched to include Proud Mary and I'm Every Woman. This hot show left everyone wanting more.

Overall, the crew aboard Royal Princess was excellent, and we appreciated the smoothly run operation. But there were some exceptions. The check-in process at Port Everglades was particularly disorganized and poorly managed, riddled with conflicting instructions and long lines. We found servers stretched thin in the Crown Grill on the busy night we dined there, and a couple other dining experiences were shortchanged by understaffing. Otherwise, from our cabin attendant to the waiters in restaurants and bars, service was polished and warm.

The ship’s daily newsletter, Princess Patter , arrived in our room each evening, revealing the schedule of activities and promotions for the following day. We find Princess Cruises’ layout of the schedule to be strictly linear, with little to guide those interested in (for instance) fitness activities or gambling events.

Although announcements from the captain over the ship’s p.a. system could be heard in hallways, general announcements by the cruise director and other officers seemed to be audible only on outside decks.

Located just off the Piazza, the Internet Café offered 14 Asus PCs for surfing the web and checking email. The facility seemed crowded at many times, with slightly fewer computers available than we’ve usually found on smaller Princess ships. Computers could be accessed anytime, and the station was staffed several hours in the morning, afternoon and evening. But for anyone who anticipates working while aboard we’d recommend bringing a laptop to access the ship’s WiFi.

The basic rate for internet access—using our own laptop anywhere on the ship or using the Internet Café’s computers—was a stiff .79 per minute, plus a $3.95 activation fee. Packages reduced the per-minute rates, including a “last day” package was also available for the last full day of the cruise: 15 minutes for $8.99. Although ship WiFi is typically slow (or tedious), we found access to be a bit better than average. A printer was available in the Internet Café for printing emails or boarding passes.

While Princess Cruises does not have a strict dress code, most passengers adhered to the line’s recommendations. By day, sports wear and casual attire was the rule, with swimwear discouraged from public rooms and lounges. After 5:30 p.m., suggested eveningwear was Smart Casual—skirts/dresses, slacks, and sweaters for women; pants and open-neck shirts for men. Pool and beach attire, shorts, ball caps and casual jeans (with fraying and/or holes) were not permitted in the dining rooms, and shoes were required.

On a 7- to 13-night cruise, count on two Formal nights. For the main dining rooms that would be evening gowns and cocktail dresses for women; tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits with a tie for men. At least three-quarters of the passengers observed the dress code on our cruise.

We found laundry rooms located near the aft stairwell on every deck with cabins, except Deck 16. They were large and tidy—we didn’t see lines to use the facilities. Prices were $2 per load for wash, $2 for dry, and $1.50 for detergent, all handled with tokens provided with the swipe of a key card.

Held just prior to disembarkation, room keys were scanned when we arrived for the Muster Drill. All passengers were required to bring their life vests for the Muster Drill, and instructions for wearing them were provided. The information was conveyed in a thorough, detailed manner.

Hand sanitizers were present at all restaurant entrances and their use was encouraged. There were two sink stations available for washing hands near the entrance to Horizon Court buffet, which we applaud.

The medical center was located on Deck 4, midship. It was staffed 9 a.m. to 12 noon (8 to 10 a.m. on port days) and 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Indoor areas of Royal Princess—including cabins and their balconies—were principally designated as non-smoking. The two exceptions to this policy were Churchill’s Lounge (a smoking room under the theater on Deck 6), and the casino, which seemed to be fairly well ventilated. On two nights of our cruise the casino was designated as non-smoking.

Smoking was permitted outside in designated areas only: Deck 7 starboard side aft, and Deck 17 starboard side aft.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Royal Princess

Courtesy of Princess Cruises |

Find a Cruise on Royal Princess

with a cruise advisor

Like its sister ship, Regal Princess , unique features like a top-deck pool and the SeaWalk (a glass-paneled walkway that stretches 28 feet beyond the ship's edge) make Royal Princess stand out among competitors.

The 3,560-passenger ship debuted in 2013 and was last refurbished in December 2018. Onboard activities include an indoor driving range, duty-free boutiques and educational programming through Discovery at SEA. Younger passengers can participate in age-appropriate youth clubs while adults play games in the casino or sip cocktails at one of multiple lounges.

When it's time to dine, passengers can choose from the main dining rooms, six specialty restaurants or several casual eateries. In terms of lodging, all cabins are appointed with minifridges and flat-screen TVs. While Interior cabins measure between 158 and 162 square feet, larger Balcony staterooms offer 214 to 222 square feet. Each guest aboard Royal Princess receives an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

Royal Princess offers itineraries throughout Alaska, Canada, California, Mexico, Asia, Australia, Hawaii and the South Pacific.

Pros & Cons

Large selection of dining venues

Upcharges for some amenities

Expert Rating » 4.0
Traveler Rating » 4.2
Health Rating » 4.5

Royal Princess ranks # 3 out of 15 Princess Cruises Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings.

# 3 in Best Princess Cruises
# 12 in Best Cruises to Alaska
# 12 in Best Cruises to the Pacific
# 31 in Best Affordable Cruises
# 37 in Best Cruises for Couples

Royal Princess offers a wide range of accomodation options. Browse cabins to find the stateroom that suits your needs.

Royal Princess contains 15 decks. Find out which features are available on each Royal Princess deck.

Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 1051 guests have reviewed Royal Princess , giving it a rating of 4.2 on a scale of 1-5.

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Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Cruise Ship Review: Royal Princess

Cruise ship review: royal princess, veterans and first-time cruisers will find royal princess is truly majestic..

By Lynn & Cele Seldon

Christened by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine “Kate” Middleton, this past June just before she gave birth to baby George, the 3,560-passenger Royal Princess spent the summer sailing the Mediterranean to rave reviews. As the new ship — the first for the fabled line in five years — begins a Caribbean season full of seven-day sailings out of Fort Lauderdale, many creative new “firsts” for Princess can be found on board, including greatly expanded eating options that have put Princess at the head of the table when it comes to varied dining at sea.

The Atrium and Beyond

There are many hallmarks in the layout of Royal Princess , including the greatly expanded atrium that’s more than 50 percent larger than any of the line’s other ships. The bustling atrium now includes three decks full of entertainment, ship services, and eateries, plus standard and new shopping options — including the new Celebrations gift shop for indulgent sweets and other various celebratory possibilities.

The ship’s Lotus Spa has even been relocated lower in the new ship, forward of the atrium, rather than its typical position much higher on most ships. It includes an exclusive “thermal suite” area called The Enclave at Lotus Spa, which features warm stone beds, airbed recliners, and a hydro pool. When the ship is underway, the sound of water passing over the bow can be quite soothing.

The expanded, adults-only Retreat Bar and Retreat Pool area provides another relaxing spot. Even further forward, The Sanctuary is another exclusive area with private cabanas, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, massage availability, spa fare, and refreshing adult beverages.

Did You Say Big TV?

The ship’s varied staterooms also provide another quiet — or entertaining — haven. The addition of in-your-face 37-inch flat-screen TVs for every stateroom has been a huge hit, with pause-able movies and TV shows, cable and satellite programming, music, and more. Making up almost half of the ship’s stateroom offerings, “standard” balcony cabins are the norm on Royal Princess. They include a small sitting area, a desk/vanity, spacious closet, bathroom, and balcony with patio furniture. A new-for-Princess “deluxe” balcony stateroom adds a bit more space inside and out, with the addition of a sofa bed and many upgraded amenities.

The mini-suite with balcony adds a separate seating area, another flat-screen TV, a bathroom tub, and more. A full suite with balcony includes two 42-inch flat-screens, separate bathtub and shower, three mattress choices, an iPod dock, complimentary laundry, and a large deck.

RELATED: Princess Gets Multimillion-Dollar Terminal Upgrade in Fort Lauderdale

Turn Off That TV

Out in the ship proper, the entertainment options continue. Movies Under the Stars, Princess’s signature outdoor theater option, is back on board with a high-def screen that’s twice as large as any on previous ships. They’ve also added a new water and light show at the tropical island in the Fountain Pool area.

Inside, Princess Live! is another new and creative offering from the line. This is the first TV studio at sea with broadcast-ready entertainment of all types — including lectures, live performances, late-night comedy, game shows, culinary demonstrations, and more. Princess Theater and Vista Lounge provide more traditional settings and entertainment, while Club 6 is a cool and hip new nightclub-like option.

The lounge creativity continues with the new Italianate Bellini’s Bar, as well as expanded versions of Princess favorites like Crooners and the nautical Wheelhouse Bar, where three different whiskey flights have proven very popular. Back outside, up on Deck 17, SeaView Bar juts out from the ship over the water to provide a unique drink with a view. Across the ship is the much-talked-about SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed walkway that extends 28 feet over the edge of the ship — with views 128 feet down to the ocean and onto many midship balconies.

Bon Appétit

And, then, there’s the dining. Quite simply, it’s bigger and better than on any Princess ship … and that’s saying something.

It starts with the main dining rooms down on decks 5 and 6, but it goes well beyond their ornate settings. The smallest dining room, Allegro, hosts traditional fixed seatings, as well as the very special Chef’s Table Lumiere, which is one of many specialty dining options onboard — with a custom-made wood table and glass sculpture centerpiece surrounded by shimmering privacy curtains providing the setting for the chef’s specially prepared meal and paired wines.

The Symphony and Concerto dining rooms welcome Anytime Dining passengers with expanded hours. They also serve as the setting for the ship’s Wine Maker’s Dinner, which takes place in a circular area surrounded by walls of wine bottles and features a another special meal paired with wines.

Specialty dining continues with the Crown Grill, adjacent to the Wheelhouse Bar. Here, an open kitchen serves up premium Sterling Silver steaks, chops, and fresh seafood. Princess veterans will also be glad to see an expanded Sabatini’s concept, with an Italian-inspired décor, menu, and, especially, the wine list — the ship has the largest collection of Super Tuscans afloat. The Branzino in Crosta de Sale (sea bass in herbed salt crust) for two is well worth sharing during a lingering dinner. Diners can also take a taste of Sabatini’s to their kitchens back home, as Segesto, the line’s exclusive Sicilian extra-virgin olive oil, is available for purchase.

With no additional charge for world-class whole pizzas and more, Alfredo’s pizzeria in the Atrium is back with some of the best Neapolitan-style pizza at sea, as well as Italian antipasti, soups, salads, baked pastas, calzone, and desserts. It’s currently the largest pizzeria afloat.

The Atrium features another expanded version of Princess’s popular 24-hour International Café. Nearby, they also added the Tea Tower, with a selection of more than 200 tea blends, the advice of a tea sommelier, and a new Royal Afternoon Tea Experience inspired by London’s finest afternoon tea venues.

An expanded Vines wine bar is also back, with unique wines by the glass, bottle, and flights. For those enjoying the fruits of the vine, Vines serves up complimentary small plates that provide an appetizing taste of nearby Sabatini’s.

The Ocean Terrace seafood bar is a popular new addition to the Atrium area. Along with complimentary appetizers served to those ordering drinks, many fresh seafood dishes are available a la carte, including fresh sushi and sashimi and varied seafood samplers.

The complimentary “pub lunch” proved quite popular when it debuted with the line in 2008 and it’s been expanded on Royal Princess. Offered in the Wheelhouse Bar and adjacent Crown Grill, a full traditional pub-style lunch is featured on sea days, while fish and chips and a ploughman’s lunch are offered up on port days … with, of course, a selection of popular United Kingdom beers.

Along with the sweet treats at International Café, dessert options in the Royal Princess Atrium area include Gelato, a combination gelateria and creperie. The expanded options here include favorite gelato flavors, sundaes, more than 20 toppings and sauces, and sweetcrespelle, which are Italian crepes.

With a new layout and style, the ship’s greatly expanded buffet offerings are more than double the size of any previous Princess ship. Horizon Court Buffet features many live cooking and serving stations, including a rotisserie, hibachi grill, pasta corner, salad-tossing station, and large, ever-changing Mediterranean and Asian specialty areas. There’s also the separate pastry shop.

At night, the Horizon Bistro portion of the sprawling dining area features themed events, like German Beer Fest or a European bistro, Brazilian churrascaria, and more, as well as two unique new specialty dining options: the seafood-focused Crab Shack night and Fondues, featuring a classic evening of fondues and more.

It’s a selection of feasts fit for any monarch!

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Royal Princess Deck Plans & Reviews

Royal Princess

Activities & entertainment

Arts and Crafts Classes *
Beauty Salon *
Bullseye Range
Center Court
Dancing Classes
Deck Parties
Disco and Dancing
Fitness Center
Fitness Classes *
Whirlpools (7)
Hydrotherapy Pool *
Internet Cafe *
Jogging Track
Lotus Spa and Salon *
Solo Travelers Get Togethers
Table Tennis
The Driving Range
The Game Lounge
The Enclave *
The Library
Ultimate Ship Tour *
Wine Tasting *
The Sanctuary *
The Beach House Teen Lounge
Camp Discovery Youth Center
Princess Casino *
The Shops of Princess *
Fine Arts Gallery *
Photo Gallery *
Guest Services
Shore Excursions Desk *
Captains Circle Loyalty
Future Cruise Planning *
OceanMedallion
Wedding Chapel
Concierge Lounge
Churchills Cigar Lounge *
Self_Service Laundry *
Medical Center
Comedy Shows
Movies Under the Stars
Outdoor Movies
Princess Live
Princess Theater
Vista Lounge
Allegro Dining Room - Main
Concerto Dining Room - Main
Symphony Dining Room - Main
Good Spirits at Sea - Craft Cocktails *
Horizon Bistro - Buffet
Horizon Court - Buffet
Horizon Terrace - Casual
Bellinis - Champagne Bar *
International Cafe - Coffee & Pastries *
Princess Live Cafe - Cafe *
Trident Grill - Pool Grill
Chefs Table Lumière - Gourmet *
Alfredos Pizzeria - Gourmet Pizza
Gelato - Ice Cream *
Swirls - Ice Cream
Sabatinis Italian Trattoria - Italian *
Crooners - Martini Bar *
The Pastry Shop - Pastries
Prego Pizzeria - Pizza
Mermaids Tail - Pool Bar *
Retreat Bar - Pool Bar *
Outriggers Bar - Scenic Bar *
SeaView Bar - Pool Bar *
Wheelhouse Bar - Pub *
Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar - Seafood *
Crown Grill - Steakhouse *
Vines Wine Bar - Wine Bar *
Room Service *

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Royal Princess – Expert Review

Prince george was still a few weeks away from making his first royal appearance when his glamorous mother, the duchess of cambridge, performed the official christening of royal princess in southampton..

The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the time when Diana, Princess of Wales, christened the previous Royal Princess in 1984.

The new 3,600-passenger ship is the 17th in the Princess Cruises fleet. While there are innovations and several “first at sea” features, this line is known and loved for its traditional style of cruising and Royal Princess extends that experience.

Old favourites, new style

Starting in the massive atrium on Deck 5, you’ll find old favourites such as the Italian-style Piazza; specialty restaurant Sabatini’s (on Royal Princess it is handily placed next door to Vines, the wine bar, which serves pre-dinner snacks from the neighbouring restaurant); and a bigger than usual International Café, which serves panini, pastries and coffee.

New additions include Celebrations Gift Shop; the Tea Tower (where you can choose from 250 blends of tea); a large internet cafe; and, for those with a sweet tooth, Gelato – a gelateria that claims to have the biggest choice of gelatos at sea. When will someone install a specialist cheese-tasting room on a ship, I wonder?

The Lotus Spa has been moved from its traditional spot at the top of the ship to Deck 5. As you tend to have your eyes shut while being pampered and massaged with luxurious products, it makes sense to have the rooms inside, thus opening up space on Deck 17 for the expanded Sanctuary. It’s certainly the biggest spa I’ve ever seen, on a ship or on land, and I must confess to getting lost in the hushed corridors a couple of times while en route to my delicious Thai coconut poultice treatment.

With hundreds of travel writers and agents prowling around the ship on her inaugural cruise, it was a tad disconcerting to have the treatment room door opened for someone to have a stickybeak at the facilities while I was mid-massage – you can be sure that wouldn’t happen on a regular voyage.

The Enclave part of the spa features three different heated chambers – the Hammam, a Turkish-style steam room; the Caldarium, a herbal steam room; and the Laconium, a dry-heat sauna. Its centrepiece is a subtly lit, uber-stylish hydrotherapy pool – a first for Princess Cruises and a lovely spot for relaxing when the crowds are elsewhere.

The adults-only Sanctuary is 20 per cent larger than on any other Princess ship. It boasts four private cabanas (US$80 for half a day) and two indulgent Lotus Spa cabanas, where you can book spa treatments. You can reserve spots in the Sanctuary for US$15 for a half day or US$25 for a full day.

Adjacent to the Sanctuary is the Retreat Pool (also adults-only) and Retreat Bar, which turns into a casual drinks and music spot called the Chill Lounge in the evenings (although it was too chilly on our cruise to test it out).

Fit and young

The fitness centre on Deck 17 pairs a state-of-the-art gym with spectacular ocean views and is geared up for everyone from well-intentioned beginners to gym junkies. I’m sure if I’d been on a longer cruise I would have tested one of the fearsome-looking treadmills (yeah, right), but frankly I prefer walking on deck in the fresh air. Or, at a pinch, doing a yoga or Pilates class.

Also on this deck is the youth centre, which caters for three- to 17-year-olds in age-appropriate clubs: Princess Pelicans (ages three to seven), Shockwaves (eight to 12) and Remix (13 to 17). There are dedicated outdoor areas, a new teen lounge and a play area for toddlers under three.

“We’ve included features on Royal Princess to make every moment of the cruise memorable for our youngest passengers,” Princess Cruises executive vice-president Jan Swartz says. “We love hearing them tell their parents that they can’t wait to come back.”

Wining and dining

The three main dining rooms each seat 600 people. Symphony and Concerto each have a 12-person table surrounded by a wine cellar, and Allegro features the elegant new Chef’s Table Lumiere (also for 12 people), where select groups dine behind softly glowing curtains of light. Bookings are essential and must be made when you’re on board. The charge for the Chef’s Table Lumiere is US$115 per person, while the Wine Maker’s Dinner is US$40 per person.

The morning after I arrived on the ship, I took myself to breakfast at Concerto and found the piped classical music and coffee-crème decor very soothing for my jetlag. There seemed to be dozens of waiters hovering but my order of Bircher muesli didn’t quite cut it – it was definitely not the real thing.

The pre-christening Gala Dinner at Allegro that night was magnificently formal, as befitting the royal occasion. British-inspired dishes on the special menu included West Sussex pheasant and wild mushroom consommé; Dover sole à la Grenobloise; and the irresistible Royal Princess chocolate trilogy.

For more casual meals there’s the vast Horizon Court and Terrace buffet, which has a pastry shop in the middle. This area becomes the Crab Shack and a fondue restaurant on alternating evenings. Then there’s a plethora of specialty and extra-charge restaurants and cafes throughout the ship. The club-style Crown Grill serves a traditional surf and turf menu, the adjoining Wheelhouse Bar does pub lunches and Alfredo’s cooks delicious thin crispy pizzas to order. Burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches are on offer at the Trident Grill by the pool on Deck 16 (take my word for it, the burgers are tops), and in the evening this becomes a smokehouse-style barbecue venue.

We had fun sampling some of the many bars on board, notably Bellini’s cocktail bar, Crooners and Club 6 (a disco and bar). Club 6 is configured in such a way that you can have a drink in one area and dance in another, so the music doesn’t drown out conversation. Whisky aficionados will enjoy the special tastings at the Wheelhouse Bar, which also serves a range of draught beers.

Fabulous firsts

As the ship is a completely new design for the Princess Cruises fleet, there are several notable “firsts” on board. The most obvious is the SeaWalk, which you see soaring 17 decks above you even before you embark. On the starboard side of the ship, the SeaWalk offers views from all sides – and below through a glass floor to the sea 39 metres below. I don’t enjoy heights, so the sensation was a little unnerving – however the views into the balconies on the deck below might distract acrophobics on a fine day.

On the port side you can have a drink in the similarly cantilevered SeaView Bar. Here, at midday and sunset, the bar staff put on theatrical cocktail “flairing” shows. From the bar, you can also check out the Dancing Fountains show and the massive Movies Under the Stars screen (the biggest at sea) on the top deck.

Princess Live!, a fully equipped television studio on Deck 7, is another first for Princess Cruises. It seats nearly 300 people and broadcasts the daily 8am Wake Show plus live chat shows, cooking demonstrations, games and musical programs. In-room entertainment has also been taken up a few notches with the debut of an extensive program of free on-demand movies and TV shows.

This review appeared in Cruise Passenger 53 and was written in 2013.

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Royal Princess ®

A welcoming ambience and innovative offerings create the perfect way to see the world.

Your vacation – effortless. Personalized.

Make your vacation truly yours on a Princess MedallionClass® cruise that features next-level technology, now on all ships. Enjoy fast, reliable Wi-Fi, TrulyTouchless™ experiences, food and drinks delivered wherever you are and so much more.

Accommodations

From the moment you step aboard, we want you to feel welcomed and right at home. And with attentive service from a friendly crewmember that knows what hospitality means, you’ll find your Princess® ship truly is your home away from home.

Photos, floor plan diagrams, amenities, and furnishings represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship and stateroom.

Reserve Collection
Deluxe Balcony
Wheelchair-Accessible

Most Luxurious Accommodations at Sea

Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Reserve Collection Mini-Suite^^, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Includes all the fine amenities of a spacious Reserve Collection Mini-Suite plus:

Approx. 440 to 1,500 sq. ft., including balcony
Luxury balcony furniture including 2 loungers, 4 chairs, table and ottoman
2 floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
Separate sitting area with sofa bed, chair and 2 tables
One complimentary mini-bar setup and free daily bottled water
Spacious closet
Complimentary laundry and professional cleaning services
Complimentary Specialty Dining Dinner on embarkation evening ^
Priority specialty dining and shore excursion reservation
Priority disembarkation at tender ports
Comfortable queen or two twin beds ▲
Refrigerator
Two flat-panel televisions
Private bathroom with tub and separate shower
100% cotton, high-thread count linens
24-hour room service †
Desk with chair
Hair dryer & fine bathroom amenities
Digital security safe

▲ 3rd/4th berths available in select cabins. ^ Applicable on cruises six days or longer. Reservations can be made once onboard your ship. † Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® Cruises app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply. ^^ Full suite guests enjoy a complimentary mini-bar setup and do not receive the 750ml bottle of wine.

Mini-Suite with Exclusive VIP Touches

A premium stateroom category featuring our best located Mini-Suite staterooms, as well as the great amenities found in all Mini-Suites — plus premier dining benefits and luxurious perks. Each night, enjoy Reserve Dining, an exclusive dining area featuring expedited seating with no wait, additional menu options, dedicated wait staff and tableside preparations. Other amenities include priority embarkation and disembarkation, a complimentary one-time wine set-up and so much more! ^

^Includes one 750 ml bottle of wine on embarkation day^^. ^^For mini-suite guests only: A one-time set-up for a 750ml bottle of wine on embarkation day. Full-suite guests enjoy a complimentary mini-bar setup and do not receive additional bottles of wine.

Standard Amenities :

Approximately 323 sq. ft., including balcony
Balcony with 2-4 chairs, table and ottoman
Bathroom tub and massage shower head with upgraded amenities
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
Separate sitting area with sofa bed & coffee table
Complimentary welcome glass of bubbly on embarkation day
Luxury mattress topper and pillows

Upgraded Amenities & Services:

The Princess Luxury Bed
Priority embarkation and disembarkation at the beginning and end of your cruise
One-time complimentary wine set-up ^
Evening canapés, upon request
Luxurious terry shawl bathrobes

Reserve Dining: *

Exclusive area of the Main Dining Room
Expedited seating with minimal to no wait
Additional menu options
Dedicated waitstaff
Uniquely-styled décor (Premium table linens only)
Table-side preparations

▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins. ^Includes one 750 ml bottle of wine on embarkation day. †Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® Cruises app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply. *Open every evening for dinner. Open for breakfast and lunch on sea days.

Add an Element of Luxury to Your Stay

Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option.

Bathroom tub and massage shower head
Hair dryer & bathroom amenities

▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins. †Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® Cruises app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply.

Spectacular Views from Your Room

Choose this enhanced version of a Balcony stateroom with more space and a comfortable sofa bed. Enjoy a larger balcony with more room to view the beautiful scenery as you sail from destination to destination and take in the ocean breeze for a wonderful and romantic evening or morning.

Approx. 233 to 279 sq. ft., including balcony
Balcony with 2 chairs and table
Flat-panel television
Private bathroom with shower

Front Row Seat for Beautiful Scenery

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

Approx. 214 to 222 sq. ft., including balcony
Refrigerator.

▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins.

Our Most Affordable Option

These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Approx. 158 to 162 sq ft.

For Guests with Limited Mobility

Princess offers a selection of staterooms that provide full wheelchair-turning space. In addition, these staterooms include a roll-in shower equipped with grab bars and a fold-down bench seat, an easy access closet and accessible writing desk.

Note: ADA accessible stateroom shown is on board Royal Princess®. Amenities and stateroom arrangements vary by ship. Certain stateroom categories may vary in size and configuration by ship. Call Princess for more information or send inquiries to the Access Office via email at [email protected] .

Dining Options

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more. 1

Dining Reservations

Dine when, how and where you like

With this new offering, you can customize every aspect of mealtime. Make reservations for the main dining room or specialty restaurants at your preferred time each day. Fit in a formal dinner before a show, or order food and drinks to your poolside perch with OceanNow®. The choice really is up to you.

A (seafood) fan favorite returns!

We’re bringing back the Crab Shack, a unique pop-up dining experience with everything from clam chowder and popcorn shrimp to a steamer pot (crab legs, shrimp, clams!). Look for this lunchtime sensation in the World Fresh Marketplace.

Exclusively available on Alaska voyages.

Nominal fee applies.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria

Hand-tossed pizza, hot out of the oven

Named for our former Master Chef, Alfredo Marzi and voted "Best Pizza at Sea" by USA TODAY , this charming sit-down venue offers an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas along with beer and wines by the glass. The open kitchen design allows you to watch as the chefs create pizza by hand and serve them straight out of the oven.

Venues and menu items vary by ship and are subject to change.

Horizon Court

An ever-changing selection of favorites

Our World Fresh Marketplace menu is offered in Horizon Court. Enjoy an endless selection that changes throughout the day to satisfy the most discriminating palate. Indulge in a delightful array of worldwide cuisine, freshly baked breads and regional comfort foods, in a casual setting at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy fresh fruits, signature pastas and desserts galore along with your favorite beverages and customizable features like create-your-own salads and sandwiches.

Beverage charges apply. Venues and menu items vary by ship and are subject to change.

International Café

Sip and snack around the clock

Open 24-hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.

Trident Grill

Traditional Southern BBQ, with Poolside Ease

In addition to the hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken sandwiches that passengers love at the Trident Grill, this poolside eatery transforms into a traditional smokehouse-style barbecue each evening, serving up hearty plates of jumbo chicken wings, Route 66 beef chili, Texas-style barbecue brisket, Kansas City Sweet & Smoky Pork Spare Ribs, and North Carolina Pulled Pork. Enjoy delicious southern flavors, poolside!

Specialty Dining

Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. 1

Chef's Table Lumiere
Sabatini's℠ Italian Trattoria
Crown Grill℠
Vines Wine Bar
Ocean Terrace
Ultimate Balcony Dining

A Dazzling Dining Adventure

An extraordinary treat for both gastronomes and gourmet novices, the Chef’s Table Lumiere is a perfect culinary journey for any special occasion. Indulge in champagne and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an extravagant multi-course dinner created and hosted by the ship’s executive chef. Perfect for celebrating an anniversary or milestone, or just making your cruise vacation even more amazing.

Limited capacity, reservations required. Additional charge applies.

A Taste of Italy, Enjoyed in Luxury

Our Italian specialty restaurant has been voted one of the “Best Cruise Ship Specialty Restaurants” at sea by USA TODAY . Savor Sabatini’s authentic offerings featuring signature pastas, Italian wines and an irresistible selection of delectable desserts, all celebrating our Italian culinary heritage.

Additional charges apply. Menu items may vary by ship and are subject to change.

Timeless Steakhouse Traditions

With a rich wood décor and a theater-style kitchen, it’s no wonder Crown Grill was named among the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses” by USA TODAY . Featuring premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, this specialty restaurant offers an intimate dining experience in a classically elegant setting and an open kitchen where chefs prepare and cook to order top-quality cuts of beef, chops and seafood.

Additional charge applies.

A (Seafood) Fan Favorite Returns!

Wines from around the world.

Voted one of the “Best Wine Bars at Sea,” by  USA TODAY  and located in a charming corner of the Atrium, Vines boasts an extensive collection of wines, fine Champagne and sparkling wines and regional offerings for purchase. The menu also includes wine flights and a selection of unique wines by the glass. Gourmet delicacies, such as antipasti and tapas, are complimentary with any wine purchase.

Charges apply. Menu items may vary by ship and are subject to change.

Celebrate Seafood

The Ocean Terrace seafood bar is ideal for those who love to feast on the bounty from the sea. This stylish bar offers an array of ocean treasures, including sushi and sashimi along with chilled sake, cocktails, and wine by the glass. A la carte pricing makes it easy to pick and choose.

Additional charge applies. Menu items may vary by ship and are subject to change.

A Private Breakfast with a View

A luxurious breakfast experience at sea all served right on the privacy of your own balcony by our dedicated waitstaff. Treat yourself to this unparalleled indulgence and savor food, views, and memories that will never be forgotten.

Additional charges apply.

A Sweet Treat from Italy

Get a taste of “la dolce vita” at Gelato , our gelateria on board. (Fun fact: gelato isn’t ice cream. While it’s creamy, it has less butter fat and fewer calories.) Choose from a variety of flavors – hazelnut, tiramisu, pistachio and more – which you can enjoy by themselves or in combination.

On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation.

Discovery at SEA Programs

Discover even more with Discovery™

Our exclusive partnership with Discovery™ lets you come back captivated with Stargazing on our top deck; activities featuring Discovery™ hit shows such as Shark Week and Finding Bigfoot ; plus our new Encounters with Discovery at SEA speaker series. Get more out of your travels with shore excursions recommended by two of the most trusted names in world travel—Discovery™ and Animal Planet™.

Vegas Style Casino

For novices, casual players, or high rollers

From gaming lessons to the latest slot machines to prize tournaments, our Casinos offer fun and excitement. If you enjoy blackjack, or “21,” and Texas Hold 'Em, our tables play by Vegas rules and if you relish the challenge of roulette, we offer the American version.

The Seawalk®

Unparalleled views of the sea

A dramatic over-the-ocean glass walkway, the SeaWalk ® is the first of its kind at sea. At 60 feet long, cantilevered 128 feet above the waves and extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship, it affords thrilling vistas of the ever-changing seascape. Just as the Captain can look through glass panels in the floor of the bridge, passengers can now share in that breathtaking experience. Across the ship, the SeaView Bar goes one step further with a glass paneled floor and drinks prepared during exciting shows with flair.

Princess Live!

Lights, sound, action!

Ever want to be part of a live television studio audience? Here’s your chance to be part of the fun or go behind-the-scenes of our onboard television shows*. Princess Live! provides non-stop entertainment throughout the day and each evening with interactive culinary shows, live concerts, and late night comedy and game shows. You can also see what it takes to put on a working television show, which airs in your stateroom.

*On select sailings.

Take a stroll into the European-style piazza

Discover Old World charm as you stroll through our breathtaking Piazza—a hub of activity, inspired by the vibrant squares of Europe. Roving street performers, quaint boutiques, a spiral staircase and several glass-walled lifts provide panoramic views. Visit the International Café for gourmet coffees, or marvel at the wine selection at Vines, voted one of the “Best Wine Bars at Sea,” by USA Today.

The Shops of Princess

Tax and duty-free shopping

It’s no surprise The Shops are awarded “Best Onboard Shopping” from Porthole magazine year after year. On board, you’ll find a fabulous range of fine merchandise from brands like Swarovski, Chanel, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancôme, Calvin Klein, Citizen and Tissot, plus local crafts, keepsakes and souvenirs. And everyday tax- and duty-free savings can add up to as much as 30% off suggested U.S. retail prices.

Art Gallery & Auctions

Art lovers rejoice—enjoy exquisite art aboard

Great art, like the destinations we visit, can be awe-inspiring. Peruse our extensive art gallery, or attend an art history lecture highlighting some of the world’s greatest masters. And don’t miss our exciting Champagne Art Auctions, which give you the chance to view and bid on a wide range of fine art, including pieces by famous artists like Thomas Kinkade, Peter Max, and Michael Godard. There is no charge to attend these lively events.

Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs

Soak in a world of relaxation

Take a dip in our sparkling freshwater pools and leave your everyday world behind. Unwind on a padded lounger and soak up the sun, catch up on reading, listen to music or dream of your next adventure on board or ashore. And what better way to relax and revitalize after a day exploring the world than a long soak in one of our whirling hot tubs. And don’t forget, there is always a server nearby to bring you a refreshing cocktail or favorite beverage.

Sports Court

Get in the game with a variety of activities

Feel the court under your feet and the thrill of victory as you sink the ball in for two points. No matter your athletic ability, there’s nothing like shooting a few hoops out in the middle of the ocean as you watch the sun set and the stars come out. Our Sports Court is not only set up for basketball but also for volleyball. Pick up a game, compete against fellow guests for bragging rights, or start your own dream team.

MedallionNet® Wi-Fi

The best Wi-Fi at sea

MedallionNet Wi-Fi is fast, reliable and wherever you are. Stream your favorite shows, movies, music and sports. Stay connected to the internet anywhere on board so you can text, post photos, video chat and more.

Afternoon Tea

Celebration of tasty teas and divine desserts

Afternoon tea is a treasured tradition whether it’s a special occasion, an intimate moment for two, a mother-daughter tea party or just quiet time for reflection. Enjoy a wide selection of teas, or coffee if you prefer, served by attentive waiters in our dining room. The setting is elegant, with a delicious selection of tasty treats: freshly prepared finger sandwiches, cookies and cakes.

Entertainment

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all. 1

Movies Under the Stars®

A reel treat day or night

Throughout the day and night, our exclusive open-air poolside amphitheater is the go-to destination for feature films, thrilling concerts and exciting sporting events such as live football games. Cozy up under a fleece blanket in the comfortable lounger and feast on complimentary fresh-popped popcorn in the evening or delicious cookies and milk during the day, and enjoy that exciting car chase or mystery thriller on the giant screen.

Princess® Watercolor Fantasy Show

A spectacle of water dances to music

Invite everyone in the family to behold the sight of water as it comes to life during this dazzling outdoor extravaganza. Everyone will ooh and aah as the night sky lights up with a mesmerizing spectacle of water dancing to the sounds of music. While brightly colored lights illuminate the water, you’ll see a captivating show of waltzes, pirouettes and fountains shooting water up to 33 feet high all choreographed to music.

Original Musical Productions

Great venues large and small

Crafted by some of the world’s top directors and choreographers, our remarkable and dynamic Princess productions transport you to realms as exotic as the destinations we visit. Imaginative shows created in-house feature dazzling stage sets, Broadway classics, popular hits and original numbers performed by some of the largest and most talented casts at sea.

Music & Dancing

Dazzling entertainment every day and night

When it comes to music and dancing we’ve got everything that your musical palette may desire. Whether it’s tapping your toes to cover bands, singing along in the piano bar, relaxing to classical strings or dancing the night away in the nightclub, you’ll be satisfied!

Featured Guest Entertainers

At night, the stars shine bright on our stages

Grab a seat, order a cocktail and be prepared to be entertained by our lineup of world class entertainers. From magic to comedy, singers to instrumentalists, jugglers to balancing acts and much, much more, we search the globe for top talent to be featured on our ships. So get ready to be amazed, entertained, mesmerized or just laugh the night away!

Princess Theater

Broadway-style productions at sea

With dazzling stage sets, artists from around the globe, modern hits and timeless classics, the Princess Theater, our largest theater yet, showcases lavish, original productions with dynamic cast members in sumptuous surroundings. In this ultramodern theater, relax in a plush seat with unobstructed sight lines as the velvet curtain goes up, a state-of-the-art lighting system illuminates the stage, and it’s on with the show!

Lively nightlife

If all you want to do is dance, dance, dance, then Club 6 is your ultimate destination. A full-service bar, this club is the perfect place before or after dinner or a show. Chic and sleek, it offers a vibrant space with an intimate atmosphere and contemporary decor. You can grab a cocktail and dance to your favorite hits and the resident DJ keeps the party going whether you just want to people-watch or get up and move to the beat.

Good Spirits At Sea

Good spirits, good stories

Good Spirits takes viewers around the globe in search of extraordinary everyday people, sharing stories of spirits and collecting farm-fresh, local ingredients to inspire one-of-a-kind cocktail creations. Immerse yourself in the region as skilled bartenders lead you through an immersive cocktail experience.

Joyful Rejuvenation

Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.

The Sanctuary
Lotus Spa® Fitness Center
The Enclave® at Lotus Spa®

Experience the Ultimate Night of Sleep at Sea

With your overall wellness in mind, we’ve collaborated with a board-certified sleep expert to create the ultimate in blissful comfort. Our luxurious new beds feature a scientifically engineered mattress and bed springs, a plush two-inch pillow top, European-inspired duvets and 100% luxurious Jacquard-woven linens-to assure that at the end of your voyage, you come home feeling refreshed and renewed.

The Princess Luxury Bed is available across the fleet except for Regal Princess, where most staterooms have been updated. On Regal Princess all Full Suites and Reserve Collection staterooms have been updated and we are continuing to convert the few remaining beds.

Relax in a Tranquil Retreat Just for Adults

Take a break and indulge in a private getaway at The Sanctuary, our exclusive adults-only retreat offering a relaxing alternative to the myriad outdoor activities and entertainment available elsewhere on the ship. With signature beverages, light meals, and al fresco massages, Serenity Stewards attend to your every need, whether it’s to be on hand to provide chilled face towels or Evian water atomizers.

Go Ahead, Be Pampered – You Deserve It

Named "Best Spa on a Cruise Ship" by Spafinder Wellness 365™, the Lotus Spa® offers a variety of relaxing treatments, such as facials, aroma stone therapy massages, detoxifying ocean wraps and an aromatherapy thermal suite. Or get ready for a night on the town at the salon which features women’s styling color, men’s haircuts and shaves, manicure and pedicure choices and teeth whitening.

A Host of Ways to Get an Energizing Workout

The Lotus Spa Fitness Center offers fitness programs designed to help you maximize your wellness with Tour de Cycle, personal training and classes such as Pilates, Yoga, Body Sculpt Boot Camp, Results Based Training and TRX suspension training. The Lotus Spa Fitness Center also features state-of-the-art equipment so you can tone on your own.

Luxuriate in Our Largest-ever Thermal Suite

Open the door to The Enclave, home to Princess’ largest-ever thermal suite and a dramatic hydro-therapy pool with a cascading rain shower and therapeutic air jets. Relax on heated stone beds or soothing water beds. Features include: The Hammam – a Turkish-style steam bath, and from Roman times, the Caldarium –a light steam chamber infused with herbal aromas and the Laconium – a heated, dry chamber to help with purification and detoxification of the body.

Kids, Teens & Family

From family-friendly stateroom options to enriching youth and family programs, quality time is time well spent. Onboard activities spark curiosity and fuel creativity while excursions ashore engage and inspire!

Just For Kids 3-7
Just For Kids 8-12
Just For Teens 13-17

Explore the Treehouse

Even the littlest guests will delight in this whimsical, forest-themed world that inspires playtime and invites exploration. Kids, ages 3 to 7, can dance, enjoy pajama movie nights, create art projects like Animal Planet™ puppets and masks or compete in a Lego® boat-building contest.

Step into the Lodge

Inspired by the great outdoors, this cozy center keeps kids busy with games, dancing and kid-sized Olympic competitions. Their minds stay busy, too, with California Science Center programs like rocket building, or they can explore outer space with Stargazing and learning how to build a model roller coaster. Exciting events like talent shows, theme nights, and treasure hunts encourage new friendships and family togetherness.

Hang Out in the Beach House

This contemporary lounge is "the place" for teens — perfect for hanging out and socializing with late-night movie viewing, hip hop dance classes, video game tournaments and sports competitions like dodgeball and basketball. But that’s just the beginning. They’ll dazzle on the red carpet with our Rock the Boat teens-only party, complete with awards and "mocktails."

Quality Time Together

Princess makes it easy to sail together in comfort. There is a wide selection of staterooms accommodating up to four guests, and you’ll enjoy substantial savings on your third and fourth guests. There are also connecting stateroom options, as well as Two Bedroom Family Suites, with room for up to eight guests, which offer more living space, a balcony and two bathrooms, including a full bath tub.

1 Activities, dining and entertainment options vary by ship and are subject to change. Photos represent typical arrangements and may vary in detail or configuration.

Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

I was rushing to make my dinner reservation on Princess Cruises’ new ship. But when I arrived at the restaurant, the view made me stop.

From the windows at the sushi eatery Makoto Ocean – part of a sphere-shaped structure near the middle of the vessel – I saw the sun sinking below the horizon, a reddish-orange dot on the Mediterranean Sea. The Sun Princess facilitates scenes like that by design.

“We wanted to make sure that within how we designed the (venues) and placed the furniture, we gave maximum opportunity for our guests to be able to celebrate those outward views,” Denise Saviss, Princess’ vice president of entertainment experience, told USA TODAY. “It is really, really unique to have so much glass on the ship.”

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That was one of several striking features during a recent sailing (the ship is now cruising the Mediterranean before it moves to the Caribbean in October). Here are three takeaways from the first in the line’s aptly named Sphere Class.

1. The design showcases views at sea and in port

Makoto isn’t the only venue that offers that kind of view.

Other spaces inside the Sphere – which also houses lobby-slash-entertainment venue The Piazza – feature similarly sweeping vistas across decks 7, 8 and 9. I watched the light sparkle on the water while I sipped coffee one morning at International Café, and patrons dining at Alfredo’s Pizzeria can take in the scenery during their meal from many seats.

That’s also true elsewhere on the ship. At Horizons Dining Room, floor-to-ceiling windows face the ship’s wake. At the other end of the vessel, the Dome, a geodesic structure that Princess has said was inspired by the hills of Santorini, is like a massive solarium.

The space – which will also host shows including acrobatics – has multiple tiers of loungers, an indoor-outdoor pool and the Cascade Bar (which comes in handy for cooling off, as it felt a bit muggy in the Dome at one point on a sunny sea day).

The overall effect helped to bring the outside in.

2. The ship is bigger but still intimate

Sun Princess is the largest ship in the Princess fleet, and the 21-deck vessel can accommodate 4,300 guests. But that doesn’t mean everything is huge.

Given the scale of the offerings, a number of spaces on board feel notably intimate. One night, I walked to Good Spirits at Sea, a cocktail bar crafted in partnership with mixologist Rob Floyd that also hosts classes, and thought I was lost before stumbling upon it tucked around a corner on Deck 7. Inside, the 40-person venue offered a laid-back alternative to other more boisterous nightlife options.

On Deck 9, the ship’s buffet-like venue, The Eatery, gives way to narrower hallways toward the aft with backlit wood paneling and benches. At the end, they open back up to reveal specialty restaurants The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario (from Princess’ head of culinary arts, Rudi Sodamin, and in partnership with famed butcher Dario Cecchini, respectively).

Even the multi-configuration Princess Arena felt cozier than its near-1,000-guest capacity would suggest. I sat in the second-to-last row of my section for a performance by the vocal group ODY·C and was still close enough to see clearly.

3. The line leans into family-friendly activities

Part of Sun Princess’ expanded footprint has been used to broaden the line’s family offerings.

Park19, a new space on the ship’s top decks, features a variety of activities in an open-air setting. Saviss said the line worked to balance the interests of core customers and a growing family market “and make sure we're prioritizing spaces that everybody can enjoy.”

“There are some attractions that I think naturally, at first blush, people would say, ‘Oh, it's just for kids,’ but actually, the space is really comprehensive,” she said. “Our attractions are available for many different levels of ability and mobility.”

Those include Coastal Climb, an obstacle course that culminates in 360-degree views from The Lookout observation deck (the highest point accessible to guests on the ship, also reachable via elevator) and The Net ropes course.

On Sea Breeze, billed as the first Rollglider on a cruise ship, passengers will glide along the outer edges of the ship on an electric track (the ride will also be ADA-accessible, though Saviss said some mobility is required for maneuvering into the seat).

It’s as close as the ship gets to an amusement park (Princess’ version). “We're not running the rat race, if you will, of like, who can do it bigger, better,” Saviss said. “If you want to just have a really incredible bird's-eye view of Sun Princess, and in and around where the ship is sailing, you can do that. But there is an option to push a little lever while you're riding it and dial up the speed a bit faster, and then it does become a bit more thrilling.”

The ride was not yet available when I was on board, as the line moved through a testing, certification and training process, but is expected to open on April 27. Sun Princess’ original launch was delayed with the cruise line citing “additional technical work” needed at the shipyard, which pushed back the opening of some onboard amenities.

When is the best time to take a cruise?: We broke it down by region.

There is also a hammock area to chill when guests need a break, a recreational court that can host activities from pingpong to morning meditation, a jogging track and more. Elsewhere on board, guests will find the Firefly Park kids club and hangout spaces Neon Grove and The Underground for tweens and teens, respectively.

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Princess Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

Sun Princess is the first ship in the Sphere Class.

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4.0. Very Good. Overall. Chris Gray Faust. Executive Editor, U.S. Like other Princess Cruises ships, Royal Princess embraces many traditional components cruisers love and, through partnerships and ...
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Sail Date: January 2024. Cabin Type: Balcony. Helpful. Delivered what was Expected. Review for a Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Royal Princess. markjd63. 10+ Cruises • Age 60s. Read More ...
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4.7. Verified review. First time going on a cruise. The cast and crew of the Royal Caribbean were great. by kermie007. Sail date: Sep 16, 2023 / Traveled as: Couple. Ship: Royal Princess. Once the ship left the port in Seattle the seas were very rough. The staff made it manageable and easier to deal with.
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Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Helpful. ernie2017 wrote a review Jan 2024. North Sydney, Australia 53 contributions 5 helpful votes. Customer Service almost non-existent. Air Condition Faulty. Picked up stomach bug. Booked a Cruise for two in Dec 2023 on 'Royal Princess'.
Royal Princess Reviews, Ship Details & Photos
Royal Princess's Alaskan cruises run from May through September. Seven-, 12-, and 14-day journeys visit scenic destinations across the region, including Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, and the Dawes Glacier. From fall through spring, the ship tours the Mexican Riviera. Five- and 7-day cruises stop in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and ...
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Apr 10th, 2024. We had a great cruise but too short. Couldn't fault the staff, food, entertainment or music. We just love the decor of the piazza which looks like a Roman or Greek palace and ...
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Royal Princess, launched in 2013, is one of 15 ships in the fleet. The first of the lines' Royal Class of ships, she was christened by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. (The original ...
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Snub-nosed yet sleek, Royal Princess carries 3,560 passengers, about 16 percent more than Princess' next largest ship. Weighing in at 142,449 tons, Royal Princess launched as the ninth-largest cruiser. As the first new Princess ship in almost five years, it was no surprise that the line opted to change things up a bit.
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Rankings. Royal Princess ranks # 3 out of 15 Princess Cruises Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings. #3. in Best Princess Cruises. #12. in Best ...
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Verified Review. 7 Night Voyage Of The Glaciers With Glacier Bay Southbound (Anchorage To Vancouver) Sail date: August 13, 2022. Ship: Royal Princess. Cabin type: Balcony. Cabin number: A709. Traveled as: Singles/Friends. Reviewed: 1 year ago. Royal Princess is a clean, modern ship.
ROYAL PRINCESS Full Ship Tour, 2023 Review & BEST Spots of Royal
Thank you Princess Cruises for sponsoring this video! All aboard the Royal Princess, in this full cruise ship tour we take you through what the Royal Princes...
Royal Princess Reviews
Cruise Ship Reviews: Princess Cruises Reviews. Royal Princess reviews. Average customer rating: 4.08 / 5. Average Rating based on 7 Reviews: Value For Money Cabin Design Entertainment ... So much to see and do on the Royal Princess, August 12, 2013 Reviewer: klb Pros: Dining, wine events, staff, ship design of social areas Cons: Crowded pools, spa
Royal Princess Cruise Review by Thoman
Sail date: July 23, 2022. Ship: Royal Princess. Cabin type: Suite. Cabin number: B527. Traveled as: Family (older children) Reviewed: 1 year ago. Overall this was a great time for our family. we were able to bring our two older sons with us for the first time, and they had not cruised before. They thoroughly enjoyed it, and had no preconceived ...
Royal Princess Cruise Ship Review
Cruise Ship Review: Royal Princess Cruise Ship Review: Royal Princess Veterans and first-time cruisers will find Royal Princess is truly majestic. By Lynn & Cele Seldon. Christened by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine "Kate" Middleton, this past June just before she gave birth to baby George, the 3,560-passenger Royal Princess spent the summer sailing the Mediterranean ...
Royal Princess
Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Helpful. ernie2017 wrote a review Jan 2024. North Sydney, Australia 53 contributions 5 helpful votes. Customer Service almost non-existent. Air Condition Faulty. Picked up stomach bug. Booked a Cruise for two in Dec 2023 on 'Royal Princess'.
Royal Princess
Royal Princess - Expert Review. WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Mar 14 2017. Prince George was still a few weeks away from making his first royal appearance when his glamorous mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, performed the official christening of Royal Princess in Southampton. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the time when Diana, Princess ...
Princess Cruise Reviews (2024 UPDATED): Ratings of Princess Cruises
1 - 10 of 19,613 Princess Cruise Reviews. Fantastic! Review for a Europe - Western Mediterranean Cruise on Sky Princess. fowler9. First Time Cruiser • Age 40s. Read More. Sail Date: April 2024 ...
Royal Princess
Princess offers a selection of staterooms that provide full wheelchair-turning space. In addition, these staterooms include a roll-in shower equipped with grab bars and a fold-down bench seat, an easy access closet and accessible writing desk. Note: ADA accessible stateroom shown is on board Royal Princess®.
Royal Princess Cruise Review by rlamoureux
Read the Royal Princess review by Cruiseline.com member rlamoureux from January 10, 2024 of the 13 Night New Zealand (Sydney Roundtrip) cruise. ... Cruises: 2-3 cruises. Review: 1. Helpful Votes: 11. Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5. Verified Review. 13 Night New Zealand (Sydney Roundtrip)
Royal Princess
Royal Princess offers an elegant restaurant-style dining room showcasing an amazing variety of multicourse gourmet selections - all included! Sail with Princess and savor every dish, from authentic Italian pastas and regional specialties to exclusive family favorites shared by world-renowned chefs.
Royal Princess Cabins & Staterooms on Cruise Critic
The Royal Princess cruise ship cabins are generally smaller than you find on older Princess ships, with noticeably smaller balconies. ... 795 reviews. Inside Cabin. 114 reviews. Suite. 308 reviews ...
Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises ...
The overall effect helped to bring the outside in. Sun Princess is the largest ship in the Princess fleet, and the 21-deck vessel can accommodate 4,300 guests. But that doesn't mean everything ...
Royal Princess
Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Helpful. Share. ernie2017 wrote a review Jan 2024. North Sydney, Australia 53 contributions 5 helpful votes. Customer Service almost non-existent. Air Condition Faulty. Picked up stomach bug. Booked a Cruise for two in Dec 2023 on 'Royal Princess'.

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Accommodations

Most Luxurious Accommodations at Sea

Mini-Suite with Exclusive VIP Touches

Add an Element of Luxury to Your Stay

Spectacular Views from Your Room

Front Row Seat for Beautiful Scenery

Our Most Affordable Option

For Guests with Limited Mobility

Dining Options

Dine when, how and where you like

A (seafood) fan favorite returns!

Hand-tossed pizza, hot out of the oven

An ever-changing selection of favorites

Sip and snack around the clock

Traditional Southern BBQ, with Poolside Ease

Specialty Dining

A Dazzling Dining Adventure

A Taste of Italy, Enjoyed in Luxury

Timeless Steakhouse Traditions

A (Seafood) Fan Favorite Returns!

Celebrate Seafood

A Private Breakfast with a View

A Sweet Treat from Italy

Discover even more with Discovery™

For novices, casual players, or high rollers

Unparalleled views of the sea

Lights, sound, action!

Take a stroll into the European-style piazza

Tax and duty-free shopping

Art lovers rejoice—enjoy exquisite art aboard

Soak in a world of relaxation

Get in the game with a variety of activities

The best Wi-Fi at sea