 Expert Review |  | | | | |
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As passengers begin tucking themselves into padded chaise lounges and picking up bags of just-popped popcorn before this evening's Movies Under the Stars (MUTS) showing gets underway, a 20-something couple sit nervously on the edge of their chairs. They look a bit out of place -- she's dressed in a more-appropriate-for-dinner-at-Sabatini's get-up, complete with pearls, and he's wearing a blazer. As the Caribbean sunset turns into splashes of pink, turquoise, sea green and shiny yellow, tonight's flick begins. Or does it? The young man's face is suddenly larger than life as he appears on the vast screen, saying "You probably know where this is going." Indeed she does. The televised marriage proposal follows, and pretty soon she's sporting a two carat diamond ring, ship captain Andy Proctor is offering congratulations and a waiter pours two glasses of champagne. I, among the handful of spectators to this unlikely event, join the others in clapping and cheering while wiping sentimental tears from my face. "Engagement Under the Stars," a spin-off of the already-established MUTS, is one of three things that make Crown Princess the most special ship in the Princess fleet. The line is resolute in introducing innovative new features (such as the aforementioned MUTS) and then making them that much better. And the third? As the ships in the fleet grow ever larger, Princess manages to continue another onboard tradition: creating an ambiance between passengers and officers and crew, harking back to ships of a cozier size. Crown Princess is the first ship since Grand Princess that offers both major leaps as well as gentle evolutions. The leaps? The Piazza, a three-deck high performance venue, surrounded by the ultra-fab International Cafe coffee bar with light fare, and Vines, a charming wine bar and sushi joint, are such hot destinations that they're packed with passengers even on sun-drenched sea days. The Sanctuary, a (mostly) shaded zen-like retreat, complete with waiter service, spa menu and massage services, offers a big-ship retreat for solitude seekers. Crown Princess introduces a totally new style of lounge with Adagio. It's a plush and comfortable space, with gorgeous top-of-ship views and a balcony with little tables -- a design evocative of the kind of cozy bar you'd find at a Ritz-Carlton. In the evolutionary category, it's easy to tell that Sabatini's, the line's popular Italian-themed alternative restaurant, has improved. Not only does it have a fabulous new location atop the ship, but its one-time over-heavy multi-course menus have been pared down in terms of quantity, improving its quality along the way. Cabins are pretty much the same in terms of layout, but upgrades -- from bedding to flat-screen televisions -- put it on a par with any cruise line, upscale or big ship. Ultimately, what amazed me the most about my nine-night cruise aboard Crown Princess wasn't just the new and improved -- but that even as Princess ships are growing in size, and in the process offering more diversity in terms of entertainment and passenger demographics, the atmosphere onboard was as consistent and as personal as it had been when I traveled on its smaller, more "town-like" brethren, such as the lamented Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Dawn Princess. It did not, in the end, feel much like a big ship at all. Much credit for this goes to the numerous officers and crew who, on 5th and 8th and 12th contracts with the line, were able to recognize returning passengers and welcome them with a warm familiarity. And in an era when ship ambiences -- due to ever increasing sizes and passenger capacities -- are transitioning from small town to big city, this accomplishment is no small feat. | | |  top | | | | Public Rooms
The Piazza, which is primarily an entertainment venue, is detailed under the entertainment section (below), but I mention it because it does provide the ship with a central gathering spot. Just off the Piazza is the Escapes Travel Cafe. While not a "real" cafe (no refreshments are served), it's outfitted with personal computers for researching future cruises. Next door is the actual Internet cafe with 25 computers. Rates are 75 cents per minute and packages are available for heavy users (100 minutes for $55 or 55 cents per minute; 150 minutes for $75 or 50 cents per minute; and 250 minutes for $100 or 40 cents per minute). You can also, via Wi-Fi, hook up your own laptop in public spaces (but not in cabins). The library and card room spread out across Deck 6 and offer games, daily news printouts and books for checking out; it's the usual assortment. There are five shops onboard, and the fact that we found literally nothing worth purchasing offers a clue about their merchandise! It was pretty much the usual stuff -- duty free liquor that is actually cheaper in ports of call, T-shirts and other logo items, "brand name" fashion jewelry and watches (again, cheaper in ports of call on the ship's itineraries). The photo gallery stretches a long way on Deck 7 -- between the Crown Grill and the Princess Theater. | | | | top | | | | Cabins
All passengers on this ship get a treat in terms of bedding: Princess' new bedding program, available on other Princess ships only on verandah-plus cabins, have been installed in all staterooms. That means there are plush duvets, good quality towels amd lovely pillows. All standard cabins (insides on up) are uniquely laid out with a little hallway off the main hallway that leads to your open-door closet and to the bathroom. It's like having a walk-in closet! The stateroom includes shower-only bathrooms, queen beds that can be split into twins, small sofas (some are sleepers), a desk/vanity area and flat screen televisions. Further, alll come with a private safe and (empty) mini-fridges. Cabins, especially at the lower levels, are quite snug for a new ship. Insides measure 163 square ft., outsides are 168 square ft., and standard balcony cabins run about 233 square ft., which includes the verandah. Those opting for more room should start by looking at mini-suites, at 323 square ft., which include a separate living nook and a full length couch, along with a chair and an extra remote-operated television. Its bathroom comes with a tub. Then Princess has a raft of names for its other suites (Vista, Penthouse, Owners), but they all come in between 468 - 591 square ft. Other perks include a separate sitting area, DVD and MP3 player (DVD's are available to borrow), free laundry and dry cleaning, and a more elaborate bathroom. Interestingly, there's no over-the-top, 1,000-plus square ft. suite onboard. There are two family suites onboard; these measure 607 square ft. Twenty-five cabins are designed for the physically disabled, including 16 balcony, four oceanview and five inside. | | | | top | | | | Entertainment
New to the Princess fleet, Crown Princess' Piazza is a marvelous destination. Located on Deck 3 -- and the first deck of the three-story atrium -- it serves as an impromptu performance venue, demo-area and, during down times, adjunct to the International Cafe. We loved it. On one sea day, for instance, there was a chocolate demo from the pastry chef, followed by a mime, followed by magic tricks and then a "physical comedy" act. On another day, the young members of Princess' Fun Zone program had a "street fair" there. On the second formal evening, people thronged all three levels to watch the fabled "champagne pour," a Princess tradition. Beyond that, the ship has so many entertainment options that my head literally was spinning as I tried to figure out which to choose. Each lounge has a different personality. Crooners, on the promenade, is right in the heart of the action, overlooking the Piazza, and features a vocalist. Explorer's Lounge is primarily an events' venue for everything from art auctions to guest lectures. At night, it often served as a secondary movie theater (for more mature fare, like "Memoirs of a Geisha" to counter the friskier offerings of Movies Under the Stars, such as "Beyonce in Concert" and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". Club Fusion was also busy during the day -- with Ballroom Blitz, line dancing, bingo and Jeopardy -- and into the evening with music-related activities, from trivia to "Princess Pop Star," a take-off on American Idol, to Bee At Sea, a spelling-themed competition. The Speakeasy, tucked into Gatsby's Casino, is the only place to smoke a stogie. The Wheelhouse Bar, a Princess tradition, has nautical character, but lacks the intimacy I've associated with smaller versions on other ships. And Adagio, tucked into a light-filled corner on Deck 16, is an elegant, Ritz Carlton-esque venue with a cabaret singer/pianist. Late night action is to be found, natch, in Princess' trademark Skywalker's (this version has a nice balcony off the end); it's a kids and then teen disco early in the evening then adults only later on. The Princess Theater is the ship's main venue, and it also showed movies from time to time when not featuring production shows and comedy acts. During the daytime, beyond the aforementioned entertainment, Princess is definitely committed to its ScholarShip@Sea program. Some are more light-hearted -- I had a blast bringing out my "inner artist" at Ceramics at Sea (it's tucked into an alcove by the Neptune's Reef pool); you pay only for the plate or frame or whatever you choose -- the paint is supplied and staffers fire it for you to take home. Other facets of the overall program include culinary arts demonstrations (wine tastings, ice carving and the like), an extensive array of Computers@Sea classes and a guest lecture series. On our trip, John Maxtone-Graham, the famed maritime historian, and Colonel Stephen M. Bauer, one-time military social aide at the White House, pulled in good crowds even on sunny days. Movies Under the Stars, in the Calypso Pool area, is a major attraction and is on all day (with family fare), as well as into the night. The Grand Casino has the usual array of slots and table games, including Texas Hold 'Em. Most impressive was the operation of the shore excursion department. Located on Deck 6, staffers there regularly provided visual updates of which tours were sold out (eliminating the need to stand in line and wait for something you couldn't book). Often tours were added as demand required, and occasionally they'd offer a last minute option. The variety as well veered between sedate and almost wild-and-crazy; literally something for everyone. | | | | top | | | | Fitness and Recreation
Speaking of something for everyone, Crown Princess offers the best variety of pools at sea. The Neptune's Reef pool is the spot for water games and entertainment, and features whirlpool spas. The adjacent Calypso Reef and Pool is home to Movies Under the Stars (and Sun), so there is constant entertainment there. For solitude seekers, there are two options. The aft pool, mightly improved by the removal of the "Skywalkers" shopping cart handle design, now offers a mix of sunny and shady spots. The Lotus Pool, affixed to the spa but open to all adults, remains a popular spot for swimming against the current; it's small though, and its nine loungers get snapped up pretty quickly. It has two whirlpools. Entirely new is the addition of The Sanctuary, located where you'll find Ping-Pong and basketball courts on other Princess ships (these have been moved in the re-design). It's a lovely space, featuring a tent canopy over most of it (there are a handful of loungers in sunny places), an astro-turf carpet, and fabulous Italianate chaises and chairs (with decadently thick cushions), covered with the plushest, thirstiest towels. An interesting (and lovely) aspect of the Sanctuary is its service element -- waiters are on hand and a spa menu is available (with a mix of healthy fare, such as tuna pate, and most decidedly unhealthy, a cheeseburger), and you can order drinks (again, everything from fruit drinks and smoothies to a bottle of beer). You can also rent Ipods (with Bose headphones), which have a variety of types of tunes downloaded onto them, for $10. There is a cost of $10 per person per half day and the Sanctuary is open from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1 - 5:30 p.m. Is it worth it? For anyone who wants a respite from all the "energy" -- absolutely. And while there's no pool here, the fact that the Lotus Pool is downstairs is just fine. The Sanctuary also has two massage cabanas. Book the massages through the Lotus Spa. Speaking of which, the Lotus Spa is very similar in design and orient to those found on Caribbean Princess and beyond. It's shaped in a "U" style, offering an Asian ambiance on the side of the treatment rooms and a utilitarian aspect on the other, where you can find the beauty salon and fitness facility. Interestingly, it seems that tooth whitening has become mainstream -- the salon has designed a special cubby for folks trying that treatment. It's got a flat screen television and a nice view of the sea. There's also a barber shop for men. The fitness facility is slightly larger than those on earlier ships and has all the usual pieces of equipment (stationary bikes and treadmills are topped with flat screen televisions). Open from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., it offers classes; some, such as "stretch and relax" and step aerobics are free while others, including yoga and Pilates, are $10 apiece. Spa treatments run the gamut from hydra lift facials to hot stone massage, and from ocean wraps to acupuncture. I tried an "Asian Ritual" that was basically just a fancy name for a basic massage and facial, but it was pleasant nevertheless. One of the most interesting spa experiences ever was the couples Rasul -- there's a private mud-room with steam, and it's a lovely, sweet experience rather than ... well, what you might imagine! It's really do-it-yourself treatment, with all manner of Steiner products set out in the order you should use them -- lotions and potions and then the mud which is soft and not all lumpy. Then you sit in the steam for awhile. It was fun. I had heard reports from other passengers of the famous Steiner sales pitch (after your treatment your therapist will strongly "advise" you that you need a myriad of beauty products, all of which are sold right here!). If you want to buy, go for it. If you don't, simply say no. Beware: they can get pushy.... | | | | top | | | | Family
Starting with Crown Princess, the line's kids programs and services have gotten a major update. The Fun Zone is still divided into two groups -- Princess Pelicans for the 3 - 7's and Shockwaves for the 8 - 12's. Activities include arts and crafts, video games, karaoke, shipboard Olympics, kids-only dining and scavenger hunts. Port day supervision is available as is group kid sitting (from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.). Some of the really cool new programs include Jr. Chef at Sea for the Shockwaves group; they get lessons in the ship's main galley on making sushi and fruit pizza along with cake decorating. Parents are required to participate, making for a nice family bonding exercise. Teens can take part in a makeover program at the spa. What's different is the new approach with teens. A new facility -- called Remix -- is hipper and edgier than ever, featuring Playstation 2's, movies and music, Karaoke, giant screen TV's, card games, board games, Ping Pong tables and juke boxes.Teens also have a separate Jacuzzi and sunbathing area. They can even mix their own dance tracks and take hip-hop dance lessons. The most unique new aspect to Princess' program -- one they've quietly rolled out -- is a Youth Security Program. Young folks (early 20's) wearing bright yellow -- and instantly identifiable -- polo shirts, patrol the ship (and even are waiting at embarkation) with a purpose of discouraging outrageous behavior before it has a chance to occur. What's more, these staffers, just slightly older than the kids they oversee, are of the same generation so to speak and come across as cool and hip -- and the teens look up to them. As an onboard staffer explained, "they come across as teen-friendly and are not perceived as a police force." As a non-teen passenger, I also found the yellow-shirted youths to be incredibly helpful if you needed assistance with anything.... | | | | top | | | | Fellow Passengers
We can't think of any passenger "demographic" that wouldn't find something to love on Crown Princess. On our trip, there were seniors, families, gay and lesbian travelers, honeymooners, and friends-and-family groups. The only folks who might find the ship's size a hindrance would be single travelers -- because of its size and its passenger capacity it can be hard to meet people. | | | | top | | | | Dress Code
On Crown Princess, which offers nine-night cruises, there were two formal nights (and level of formality ranged wildly, from way-too-casual, jeans and such, to black tie). Most women wore cocktail gowns and pants-outfits; men wore jackets and ties. Daytime, again there was a wide range of attire, but indoors, folks tended to dress country club casual. | | | | top | | | | Gratuity
Princess levies a fee of $10 per person, per day; it's automatically added to shipboard accounts. Passengers wishing to adjust their gratuity should make the request at the purser's desk. Drinks come with an automatic 15 percent tip. Spa treatment bills do not automatically include gratuity; that must be added separately and 10 - 20 percent is considered appropriate, depending on quality of experience. --by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor | | | | top | | | | | Expert reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community. This objective information can help you choose just the right ship for your next cruise vacation. | |  | |
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