Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	431
Accommodation	200	168
Food	400	256
Service	400	293
Entertainment	100	82
Cruise	400	314

How this score is created

Diamond Princess has an instantly recognizable funnel due to two jet engine-like pods that sit high up on its structure but really are mainly for decoration. This is the first ship to be constructed by a Japanese shipyard for Princess Cruises (sister ship: Sapphire Princess). The ship is similar in size and internal layout to Golden Princess, Grand Princess and Star Princess (although of a slightly greater beam). Unlike its half-sister ships, however, all of which had a “spoiler” (containing a discotheque) located aft of the funnel, this has thankfully been removed from both Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, and has been replaced by a more sensible (and less weighty) aft-facing nightclub/discotheque structure (Skywalkers Nightclub) set around the base of the adjoining the funnel structure. The view from the nightclub overlooks aft-facing cascading decks and children’s pool.

In December 2002, while the ship was under construction in the shipyard, a fire broke out on Deck 5. This lasted for 20 hours and burned some (548,980 sq ft (51,000 sq. meters) from Deck through Deck 13. The ship’s hull was switched with that of identical sister Sapphire Princess, which was also under construction in the same yard at the same time. Consequently, the ship’s debut was delayed from July 2003 to February 2004.

Diamond Princess is the first of the “Grand Class” ships to have a “pod” propulsion system installed. Electrical power is provided by a combination of four diesel and one gas turbine (CODAG) unit; the diesel engines are located in the engine room, while the gas turbine unit is located in the ship’s funnel housing, on each side of which is a cosmetic pod that resembles a jet aircraft engine. Four areas focus on swimming pools; one of these is two decks high and is covered by a retractable glass dome, itself an extension of the funnel housing.

Unlike the outside decks, there is plenty of space inside the ship (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 and enjoy. The passenger flow has been well thought out, and works with little congestion. The decor is attractive, with lots of earth tones. An extensive collection of art works has been chosen, and this complements the interior design and colors well.

Like half-sisters Golden Princess, Grand Princess and Star Princess, this ship also has a Wedding Chapel (a live web-cam can relay ceremonies via the internet). The ship’s captain can legally marry (American) couples, due to the ship’s Bermuda registry and a special dispensation (which should be verified when in the planning stage, according to where you reside). Princess Cruises offers three wedding packages – Pearl, Emerald, Diamond; the fee includes registration and official marriage certificate. The “Hearts & Minds” chapel is useful for “renewal of vows” ceremonies.

Gaming lovers should enjoy what is one of the largest casinos at sea (Grand Casino), with more than 260 slot machines; there are blackjack, craps and roulette tables, plus newer games such as Let It Ride Bonus, Spanish 21 and Caribbean Draw Progressive. But the highlight could well be the specially linked slot machines that provide a combined payout.

Other features include a library/CD-Rom 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. Aft of the International Dining Room is the Wake View Bar, with a spiral stairway that leads down to a great viewing spot for those who want to watch the ship’s wake (like the one aboard the rivercruise stern paddle-wheeler American Queen); it is reached from the back of Club Fusion, on Promenade Deck. A high-tech hospital is provided, with live SeaMed tele-medicine link-ups with specialists at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles available for emergency help.

For youngsters and teenagers there is a two-deck-high playroom, teen room, and a host of specially trained counselors. Children have their own pools, hot tubs, and open deck area at the stern of the ship (away from adult areas).

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 this vessel offers passengers a “small ship feel, big ship choice.” The cabin bath towels are small, and drawer space is limited. There are no butlers – even for the top grade suites (which are not really large in comparison to similar suites aboard some other ships). Cabin attendants have too many cabins to look after (typically 20), which does not translate to fine personal service. You’ll have to live with the many extra charge items (such as for ice cream, and freshly squeezed orange juice) and activities (such as yoga, group exercise bicycling and kick boxing classes at $10 per session, not to mention $4 per hour for group babysitting services – at the time this book was completed). There’s also a charge for using the washers and dryers in the self-service launderettes.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008