Crown Princess

As one of the largest ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, the Crown Princess is an astonishing work of engineering. With space for more than 3,000 passengers and 19 decks, it is a vessel equipped with everything you need to enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday at sea.

Princess Cruises was established in 1965 and over the past 40 years, it has grown to become one of the world's most popular cruise lines - carrying more than one million passengers every year.

Watch more videos here

The Crown Princess - the second ship in the Princess Cruises fleet to bear this name - is a Grand Class vessel that was launched in 2006. On its first voyage, this ship sailed from Brooklyn in New York City to a Caribbean tour of Grand Turk, Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman, before stopping at Port Canaveral in Florida.

Today, the Crown Princess operates on a number of routes, depending on the season. During the summer months, it is generally based at Southampton and travels around the British Isles, Iceland and Greenland. In the winter it is based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and journeys throughout the Caribbean. The ship also sometimes sails along the US and Canadian Atlantic coast.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 3,080
Year entered service: 2006
Beam (ship width): 118 feet
Draught (ship depth): 26 feet
Length: 951 feet
Tonnage: 116,000
Crew: 1,200
Maximum speed: 22 knots
Number of decks: 19
Number of lifts: 12

Food, cuisine and dining

Princess Cruises are often praised for their wonderful food and intimate restaurants. There are three primary dining areas on-board the Crown Princess: the Michelangelo, the Da Vinci and the Botticelli. As their names would imply, all three are lavishly decorated and they can seat just over 500 passengers at a time.

In addition, there are various cafes, buffets and smaller eateries dotted around the ship. These include Sabatini's, an Italian restaurant and the Crown Grill for steak and seafood.

And for the perfect dining experience, why not have the staff bring the restaurant to your balcony? Ultimate Balcony Dining includes a customised meal served by a dedicated team on your stateroom balcony. Options could include cocktail parties, four-course dinners or even a romantic breakfast.

For a more casual dining experience, you may also choose from:
• Horizon Court Buffet and Bistro
• Cafe Caribe
• Vines
• Trident Grill
• A pizza and ice cream bar
• The 24-hour International Cafe

From pizzerias and steakhouses, through to seafood, salads and sumptuous desserts, you're sure to find something to satiate your hunger and delight your taste buds!

If you fancy a drink, there are a number of bars, lounges and clubs on-board the Crown Princess for you to choose from. For a relaxing atmosphere, the sophisticated Adiagio Lounge is a relaxing piano bar, while the Gatsby Casino offers plenty of places to grab a tipple while trying your luck on the slot machines. Or you could dance the evening away at Skywalkers Nightclub.

On-board entertainment and activities

The Crown Princess boasts two theatre venues, each offering many different entertainment options.

Enjoying some pool-side entertainment at the Movies Under the Stars outdoor theatre is one of the most popular activities on-board and it is one of the many things that set Princess Cruise lines apart from the competition.

Movies Under the Stars gives passengers the opportunity to enjoy blockbuster films, sporting events and music concerts from the comfort of a lounge chair. While entertainment is shown on the giant screen throughout the day, for many it is best enjoyed in the evenings - with free popcorn and cookies. And if the night air is a bit chilly, warm blankets are also provided.

There's also the 1,600 seat Princess Theatre, which offers everything from comedy performances to cabaret, as well as concerts and feature-length films.

Many of the clubs and lounges on the ship also offer smaller shows. For example, Club Fusion often hosts dance demonstrations, while live music can be found in many of the ship's bars and clubs - such as the Explorer's Lounge and the Crooners Bar.

Like the rest of the Princess Cruises fleet, the Crown Princess is home to a world-class art gallery worth more than £1.2 million. There's also a library, a conference centre and a 24-hour internet cafe. And if the romantic atmosphere of the ship overcomes you and your partner, there's even a wedding chapel on-board!

For the under-18s, Princess Cruises provides dedicated youth centres offering activities likes arts and crafts, video games and movies. Babysitting services can also be provided for children aged three to 12 for a small fee.

Spas and fitness facilities

For a bit of pampering, head off to the Lotus Spa for a facial, a full-body massage or acupuncture therapy. Or ensure that you come back looking younger and fully refreshed from your holiday with a bit of Botox.

A fully-fitted salon is available on all Princess Cruises, offering everything from hair styling, manicures and pedicures, through to teeth whitening.

In addition, the Crown Princess offers plenty of more energetic pursuits - from gyms and jogging tracks, to basketball, a nine-hole putting course and shuffleboard.

The ship also boasts four swimming pools, nine hot tubs and a number of saunas and steam rooms for you to enjoy during your cruise.

Cabins

There are 13 different types of cabin on the Crown Princess and whichever option you choose, you'll enjoy an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower facilities, as well as amenities such as televisions and refrigerators.

The suite with balcony is a spacious option, measuring between 461 and 687 square-feet. It includes a furnished, private balcony with glorious views and a complimentary mini bar. The room will be provided with fresh flowers and you'll be able to use the spa, laundry and cleaning services for free.

Family suites include two connected staterooms and a living room area - an ideal option for those travelling with children or as a group. Each of these can sleep up to eight people.

There's also a mini suite with balcony, which measures approximately 323 square-feet and includes a separate seating area and a walk-in closet. In addition, those staying the suites are greeted with a welcome glass of Champagne.

The Oceanview double is another large stateroom, which includes two twin beds that can create a queen-size bed, as well as a spacious closet and a desk. It is available with or without a balcony or with partially obstructed views.

The Interior Double is the most affordable option, offering fantastic value. Located in the ship's interior, these rooms measure approximately 160 square-feet and offer a simple, but comfortable place to relax and unwind after a busy day of above-deck activities.