Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	435
Accommodation	200	168
Food	400	255
Service	400	292
Entertainment	100	82
Cruise	400	313

How this score is created

Crown Princess has the same profile as half-sisters Caribbean Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, and Star Princess, but it accommodates many more passengers than half-sisters (except Caribbean Prin­cess) due to an additional extra deck (Riviera Deck) full of cabins, and the fact that two of the ship’s 17 upper decks are made of aluminum (although lighter than steel, it does tend to “harden” over time).

Although the ship accommodates over 500 more passengers, the outdoor deck space remains the same, as do the number of elevators (so waiting time could increase during peak usage). The Passenger Space Ratio is also considerably reduced compared to that of its half-sisters.

There is a good sheltered teakwood promenade deck, which almost wraps around (three times round is equal to one mile) and a walkway which goes to the (enclosed, protected) bow of the ship. The outdoor pools have various beach-like surroundings, and “Movies Under the Skies” and major sporting events are shown on a 300-sq-ft (28-sq-meter) movie screen located at the pool in front of the large funnel structure. Movies afloat in the open are a big hit with passengers (they remind many of drive-in movies, which have mostly disappeared from land-based venues).

Unlike the outside decks, there is plenty of space inside (but there are also plenty of passengers), and a wide array of public rooms, with many “intimate” (this being a relative word) spaces and places to play. The passenger flow has been well thought-out, and there is little congestion.

Atop the stern of the ship is a ship-wide glass-walled disco called Skywalkers. It’s in a lower position than in sister ships of the same series, but still with spectacular views from the extreme port and starboard side windows (it would make a great penthouse).

The interior decor is attractive, with lots of earth tones (well suited to both American and European tastes). In fact, this is a culmination of the best of all that Princess Cruises has to offer from its many years of operating what is now a well-tuned, good-quality product.

An extensive collection of artworks complements the interior design and colors well. If you see something you like, you will probably be able to purchase it on board – it’s almost all for sale.

Crown Princess also includes a Wedding Chapel (a live web-cam can relay ceremonies via the internet). The ship’s captain can legally marry (American) couples, thanks to the ship’s Bermuda registry and a special dispensation (which should be verified when in the planning stage, according to where you reside). But to get married and take your close family members and entourage with you on your honeymoon may prove expensive. The “Hearts & Minds” chapel is also useful for “renewal of vows” ceremonies.

For children, there is a two-deck-high playroom, teen room, and a host of trained counsellors. Children have their own pools, hot tubs, and open deck area at the stern of the ship, thankfully away from adult areas. There are good netted-in areas; one section has a dip pool, while another has a mini-basketball court.

Gamblers should enjoy the large casino, with more than 260 slot machines, and blackjack, craps and roulette tables, plus newer games such as Let It Ride Bonus, Spanish 21 and Caribbean Draw Progressive. A highlight may be the specially linked slot machines that provide a combined payout.

Other features include a decent library/computer room, and a separate card room. Ship lovers should enjoy the wood-paneled Wheelhouse Bar, finely decorated with memorabilia and ship models tracing part of parent company P&O’s history. A sports bar, has two billiard tables, and several television screens. One new feature is a tranquil place called The Sanctuary – an adults-only retreat on the uppermost forward deck, which provides a relaxing environment (including two cabanas for massage). It’s a plush, outdoor spa-inspired setting for relaxation with attentive service.

Crown Princess is a grand resort playground in which to roam when you are not ashore, and Princess Cruises delivers a consistently fine, well-packaged vacation product, always with a good degree of style, at an attractive, highly competitive price. With many choices and “small” rooms to enjoy, the ship has been extremely well designed, and the odds are that you’ll have an enjoyable cruise vacation. If you are not used to large ships, it will take you some time to find your way around this one, despite the company’s claim that it offers passengers a “small ship feel, big ship choice.”

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008