Emerald Princess has the same profile as sister Crown Princess (similar to half-sisters, Diamond Prin­cess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Sapphire Princess and Star Princess. Although the ship accommodates over 500 more passengers (than the half-­sisters), 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.

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 – reminding many of drive-in movies, now virtually extinct in North America.

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.

Just aft of the funnel housing is a ship-wide glass-walled disco called Skywalkers. It’s in a lower position than in the half-sister ships, but still has fine views from the 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 has been chosen, and this 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.

Emerald 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 counselors. Children have their own pools, hot tubs, open deck and sports court area at the stern of the ship, away from the adults.

Gamblers should enjoy the large Gatsby’s Casino, with more than 260 slot machines, and blackjack, craps and roulette tables, plus games such as Let It Ride Bonus, Spanish 21 and Caribbean Draw Progressive. But the highlight could well be the 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; while sports lovers should enjoy the sports bar, with its two billiard tables, and several television screens.

The ship is a fine, 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. Whether this really can be considered a relaxing holiday is a moot point, but with so 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