Princess Cruises

M/S Royal Princess

Rating: Submit your review here Operator: Princess Cruise Lines Year Built / Last Refurbished: 2013 / 2013 Length / Tonnage: 1,083 / 141,000 Number of Cabins / Passengers: 1,780 / 3,560 Officers / Crew: British / Italian Operating Area: Australia Telephone / Fax: Tel 126 0136 / Fax 126 0137

Deck Plans Deck 19 - Sky Deck 18 - Sports Deck 17 - Sun Deck 16 - Ledo Deck 15 - Marina Deck 14 - Riviera Deck 12 - Aloha Deck 11 - Baja Deck 10 - Caribe Deck 9 - Dolphin Deck 8 - Emerald Deck 7 - Promenade Deck 6 - Fiesta Deck 5 - Plaza Deck 4 - Gala Deck Legend

Royal Princess entered service in June, 2013. She is the third Princess ship to be named Royal Princess and is the first of two new-generation ships for Princess which were built by Fincantieri at their Monfalcone, Italy shipyard. The prototype design is an evolution of the line's classic style of ships, while including some new features and expanded signature spaces.

Most of Royal Princess' public rooms are located on decks 6, 7 and 8 and additional indoor and outdoor public spaces can be found on decks, 16, 17 and 18.

A new design element featured on the Royal Princess is an over-water SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship's starboard side on deck 17 extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel. From here passengers can enjoy dramatic views,including to the sea 128 feet below. On the ship's port side, passengers can find a similarly-unique cantilevered SeaView bar, featuring cocktails with unbeatable vistas.

Also on her top decks, Royal Princess features a new adults-only pool surrounded by seven plush private cabanas that appear to be floating on the water. Two additional pools flank a tropical island that offers pool seating by day, and by night becomes an outdoor dance club, complete with a dazzling water and light show. Princess, signature adults-only haven, The Sanctuary, has been expanded both in size and amenities. The popular poolside theater, Movies Under the Stars, plays a starring role mid-ship with an expanded size and high-definition viewing.

Inside the ship, one of the line's hallmark venues,the Piazza atrium, has been significantly expanded. This area is the multi-faceted social hub of the vessel, combining always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment,shopping and guest services.

Royal Princess includes 260'000 square feet of inside public space with multiple dining and entertainment venues, as well as other special features and amenities.

Royal Princess offers several new dining options including a special Chef's Table Lumiere surrounded by a curtain of light to take the Chef's Table experience to a new level, as well as wine cellar-inspired private dining spaces in the main dining rooms.

The ship offers a larger Horizon Court buffet with a brand-new layout, new action stations, intriguing new bistro options – such as a crab shack and fondue restaurant – and even a dedicated pastry shop, an industry first.

For a full evening experience, several restaurants and lounges have been located together, including the Crown Grill which has been combined with the Wheelhouse Bar, and Sabatini's Italian restaurant which is now adjacent to Vines wine bar.

The main dining room and specialty restaurant features include:

• Chef's Table Lumiere – Known for creating the first-ever chef's table at sea, Princess sets a new standard for this popular event on Royal Princess with the debut of the Chef's Table Lumiere. Taking the chef's table to a new level, passengers are magically surrounded by a curtain of light – providing a soft wall of privacy that envelopes a custom-made glass table located within the Concerto dining room. The table is set with elegantly designed china, cutlery and table accessories for an extraordinary dining experience.

• Wine Cellar – Diners in the Symphony and Allegro dining rooms can enjoy a private experience in a wine cellar-inspired space. Surrounded by wine bottles, the circular area, which seats up to 12, offers a unique atmosphere for private functions and special celebrations. Wine Cellar specialty menus are designed to pair with hand-selected wines. Menu items include classic carved meats such as Crown of Veal Rack and Baron of Lamb.

• Horizon Court Buffet – Royal Princess' buffet eatery has been redefined with a completely new layout and double the amount of seating over the line's newest class of ship, with 900 seats indoors and 350 seats outside on the open deck. The larger space not only offers more seating but more table choices, such as tables for two and counter-height bistro-style dining tables. New action stations also provide additional dining options, including choices such as Asian cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, a pasta corner and salad-tossing stations. Passengers can also find more "grab and go" options such as pastries, breakfast sandwiches or yogurt and granola parfaits. Those who love to sleep in can even find a special "late, late risers" breakfast section.

• Horizon Bistro – Dinner in the Horizon Court offers an interactive experience with themed events and specialty dinners. On certain nights passengers can find a Brazilian churrascaria, Argentine gaucho theme, European bistro or British pub. Actions stations include a hibachi grill, rotisseries and carving stations, a taqueria, and a sandwich bar. The Horizon Court also houses several new specialty dining options including a crab shack complete with mallets and bibs, or an opportunity to try fondues from around the world.

• Horizon Bistro Pastry Shop – The Horizon Court also introduce an industry first – a dedicated pastry shop. Here passengers can indulge in fresh-baked goodies throughout the day, including croissants, pastries, hot desserts, freshly baked waffles and French toast at breakfast; classic and modern desserts at lunch and dinner; cookies, desserts and waffles at tea time; and special show pieces and flambes in the evening. This completely separate space features its own unique design, decor, function and seating area, plus a dedicated specialty coffee section. Passengers even get to see Princess' pastry chefs in action as they demonstrate their skills in chocolate work and cake decorating.

• Horizon Court for Kids – The Horizon Court has a special area just for kids, where they can feel comfortable with seating that is suited to them in size and decor. Here kids can eat, play, and sit in their dedicated section with the rest of their family still nearby. The space is also be used by the Youth Center for activities such as pizza parties and ice cream socials.

• Crown Grill & Wheelhouse Bar – The Crown Grill seafood and chop house is blended together with the popular Wheelhouse Bar for a complete evening of dining and entertainment in one location. These traditional spaces feature a new contemporary look that modernizes the rich club-like atmosphere of the Crown Grill and the nautical Wheelhouse Bar. With its signature theater-style open kitchen, the Crown Grill sets the stage for a menu of chops, seafood and premium Sterling Silver steaks. Meanwhile the Wheelhouse Bar offers a comfortable place to sip a drink and enjoy live piano entertainment.

• Sabatini's – Princess' signature Tuscan-inspired specialty restaurant, Sabatini's features a fresh menu of sophisticated Italian favorites with an a la carte experience. Sabatini's is located adjacent to Vines wine bar, offering diners a convenient venue to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. With elegant decor merging glass, marble, wood and mirror details, the centerpiece of the new space is a grand wine display, featuring an impressive selection of "Super Tuscan" wines, some of the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the famous Tuscan wine region, such as Sassicaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia, Solaia, Masseto and more. Sabatini's is also the venue for a new "Super Tuscan Tasting," a wine event designed to introduce passengers to these rich, internationally acclaimed wines.

A number of Royal Princess outdoor entertainment features are found on the top deck, including the dramatic SeaWalk, the pool areas, an evening light show and a 30 percent larger Movies Under the Stars poolside theater.

Among the new top-deck features of Royal Princess are:

Sea Walk -- Extending 28 feet beyond the starboard side of the ship, the SeaWalk is one of the ship's most striking features. At 60 feet long and hovering 128 feet above the ocean, this dramatic glass-bottomed walkway offers unparalleled views available on no other ship. Just as the captain on the bridge can look through glass panels in the floor of the bridge to get a look at the sea conditions below, passengers now have that same sense of stepping out from the side of the ship for a breathtaking experience. Across the ship the SeaView Bar also extends over the waves for cocktails with unbeatable vistas.

Fresh Water Pools -- Directly adjacent to the SeaWalk on the ship's expansive top deck area passengers can find a host of lounging options, beautiful palm trees, and two fresh water pools flanking an island area between them. During the day passengers can relax and rejuvenate poolside in a variety of seating options, including circular loungers, garden-style furniture, bar-height tables and stools, and chaise lounges. In the pool areas, entertainment options include games and live music inspired by the ship's ports of call.

Water and Light Show -- At night, the top deck of Royal Princess transforms with architectural lighting effects to set the mood. The island area between the two pools becomes a stage showcasing an interactive sound and light show featuring dancing fountains. With a sophisticated lighting and sound system, and a computerized fountain featuring 85 water jets, passengers can marvel as streams of water shoot 33 feet into the night sky.

Movies Under the Stars -- Princess' signature poolside theater features a 30 percent larger screen for true widescreen viewing, coupled with a high-tech visual and audio system for an unforgettable open-air movie-going experience. Passengers can enjoy movies, sporting events, and concerts while relaxing on a comfortable chaise lounge, complete with pillow, blanket, and free popcorn. For those who'd like to watch from the water, the ship's large whirlpool spas above the pools offer great sightlines for enjoying Movies Under the Stars while soaking.

Evening Entertainment -- On select evenings, the island is transformed into an outdoor dance floor and will play host to the popular Ultimate Deck Party. Perched two decks up on a special balcony, a DJ will get the crowd moving with an energetic music mix.

Royal Princess’ staterooms offer a number of updated features inspired by suggestions made by the line’s passengers. Among the changes are more contemporary décor, larger showers and hand-held shower heads, pillow top mattresses, upholstered headboards, bigger television screens, and energy efficient lighting with card readers to help conserve electricity.

The following is a list of the staterooom types:

Suite – Suites feature larger televisions, two sinks in the bathroom, accent lighting and a glass-paneled shower. For the first time on a Princess ship, suite passengers have use of a dedicated concierge lounge, an exclusive area to relax or work, with access to full front desk services, plus light snacks and beverages. Here, these passengers have dedicated staff to assist with such things as shore excursions, specialty dining or Lotus Spa reservations. It will also be used as a private disembarkation lounge for suite passengers. There are 36 suites on Royal Princess.

Mini-Suite – In addition to the new general stateroom amenities, mini-suites offer a decorative central lighting fixture, a privacy curtain between the bed and sitting area, and marble-topped counters. Royal Princess features 314 mini suites.

Deluxe Balcony – Debuting on Royal Princess, this new category of stateroom is an extra spacious balcony cabin with a comfortable sofa bed and some of the upgraded amenities found in a mini-suite stateroom, including enhanced bathroom amenities, waffle bathrobe and an upgraded duvet. There are 358 deluxe balcony cabins on Royal Princess.

Balcony - This stateroom offers the elegance of a balcony with fine patio furniture. It offers all the amenities of an interior stateroom, plus a spacious closet and desk. Royal Princess features 730 balcony staterooms throughout the ship.

Interior - Interior staterooms feature two twin beds that make up into a queen-sized bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, television, closet and bathroom with shower. Royal Princess has 342 inside cabins.

All staterooms feature a variety of subtle changes based on feedback from passengers. Room décor uses contemporary and rich finishes, modern carpet patterns, and soft, soothing colors. Bathrooms offer larger shower spaces and hand-held shower heads. Sinks are square to provide more vanity space, mirrors feature built-in vanity lighting, and beds have pillow top mattresses and upholstered headboards. Decorative wall sconces provide enhanced lighting and televisions will be larger and wall-mounted.

Some changes have also been added to make traveling with technology easier. Electrical sockets have been spaced farther apart to accommodate multiple plugs and now offer a 220-volt socket. Additionally, several energy-saving features have been built in to the staterooms, including a card reader that activates the room’s lighting, plus low-energy LED lighting fixtures.

Families traveling in more than one cabin can take advantage of another new option with the addition of 50 adjoining staterooms.

There are 36 wheelchair accessible staterooms (1 suite/6 mini suites/22 balcony/7 inside).

You'll meet all kinds here....multi repeaters, partiers, families, the young and old, the wealthy and the not so.

Royal Princess sails on Mediterranean cruises throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the autumn.

Royal Princess is the first of a new class of ships for the Princess fleet. With room for more than 3,500 passengers shs features a wide array of amenities, public rooms and dining options. She has some innovative features such as the skywalk, but in general is a logical progression of the previous Princess ships. If you have never been on Princes before, you will likely find something you like in the range of features and amenities. If you are a Princess vertern you will likely feel comfortable and familiar with Royal Princess.