Artemis was launched as Royal Princess in 1984. Her godmother, Princess Diana, added an air of grace and style during her christening that remains undiminished. The ship was a trail blazer—the first mainstream ship to feature only outside cabins and the first to offer standard cabins with balconies. A sea view is never far from sight; not only do all cabins have a large window or balcony, there are windows in all public spaces. One of the most drastic changes the ship has undergone since joining the P&O fleet is that it is now an adults-only vessel, a designation for which it well suited.

Despite a refit in 2005, which reduced the size of the casino to make way for an Internet café, the public rooms appear a bit shabby. However, they are large with an open and airy feel that should appeal to traditionalists. Artemis will continue to sail for P&O through mid-April 2011 when it will leave the fleet.