Diamond Princess

A Gem class ship launched in 2004 and built by Mitsubishi in Japan, the Diamond Princess, along with its sister the Sapphire Princess, can be easily identified by its unusual funnel with jet engine style pods. They were also the largest ships in the Princess Cruises fleet at the time of construction.

One of the most noticeable differences between the Gem class vessels and their predecessors is that the Skywalkers nightclub - which was previously mounted above the aft deck on a structure that resembled a spoiler - was moved.

On Diamond Princess, the lounge is instead placed around the base of the funnel. Most agree that this configuration creates a more aesthetically pleasing vessel.

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Diamond Princess generally splits its time between Asia and the west coast of North America, offering luxurious, relaxing and exciting holiday voyages.

A popular route runs along the Mexican Riviera northwards towards California. The ship also regularly travels to Alaska, giving passengers some of the most breathtaking views available on a cruise ship.

In addition, the ship offers ports of call in Beijing and Singapore and it sometimes goes as far as Australia and New Zealand.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 3,100
Year entered service: 2004
Beam (ship width): 123 feet
Draught (ship depth): 26.4 feet
Length: 951.4 feet
Tonnage: 115,875
Crew: 1,238
Maximum speed: 22 knots
Number of passenger decks: 13
Number of lifts: 14
Number of swimming pools: 4
Number of cabins: 1,337

Food, cuisine and dining

There's little chance of ever going hungry on Diamond Princess and there are five formal dining rooms for you to choose from.

While all serve similar menus, each offers a different ambience and a few specialist options.

Four of these rooms offer Any Time Dining, allowing guests to be flexible with their dinner schedule.

The Savoy provides a refined setting for a romantic meal and offers some delicious steaks and other grilled specialities. Vivaldi has an Italian theme and serves up a range of pastas, while Santa Fe has a south-western decor and serves Mexican-inspired fare. Pacific Moon offers an Asian motif and cuisine.

There's also the International, which provides a more traditional cruise dining experience. Those wanting to eat here will need to choose between two dinner services. And since you'll dine with the same people throughout your voyage, you'll get the chance to make new friends.

Other specialty dining venues are also available if you're looking for something a bit different. For example, there's the all-you-can-eat Horizon Court buffet, which is open 24 hours a day. Or head over to the Sundaes ice cream bar for an indulgent treat. You can also try:
• Sabatini's
• Sterling Steakhouse
• Lobby Bar
• Prego Pizzeria
• Trident Grill

Room service is available at all hours and guests can also opt for Ultimate Balcony Dining for a luxurious meal served with style on your private veranda.

On-board entertainment and activities

Diamond Princess has plenty to keep passengers entertained, no matter their age or personal preferences. There are three main venues where you can watch shows like comedy, cabaret and concerts: the Princess Theatre, which spans two decks, Club Fusion and the Explorer's Lounge.

There's also the Movies Under the Stars option, where you can enjoy Hollywood blockbusters and other audiovisual entertainment on the giant screen above the main pool.

For those who want to keep up with their emails and social networking during their voyage, Diamond Princess has one of the largest internet cafes found at sea.

The space has a contemporary decor and 29 computers with flat-screen monitors. You can choose from a variety of comfortable seats and while there, enjoy your favourite coffee drink or a delicious pastry.

If you want to dance the night away, then the Skywalkers disco lounge is the perfect choice. This spacious and trendy nightclub is open late and its illuminated dance floor adds a fabulous modern touch - and you'll love the view of the aft pool and across the open sea.

Of course, there's also plenty of entertainment options for younger cruisers. The Youth and Teen Centres offer everything from arts and crafts and ping-pong to movies and video games. Meanwhile, kids' club activities include edutainment, story time and various games.

And if you're looking for more traditional cruise entertainment, options such as art auctions, seminars, demonstrations and dance classes are all available. Or head off to the casino - one of the biggest to be found on a cruise ship - to try your luck on the slot machines or games tables.

Spas and fitness facilities

A favourite location on just about any cruise ship is the swimming pool and on Diamond Princess, you'll have four to choose from.

The Neptune is the large and can be found on the aft deck, while the Calypso has a sliding glass roof, making it the perfect choice, no matter what the weather conditions outside. There's also a splash pool for small children and an adults-only option, which can be found near the Lotus Spa.

The spa itself has a Japanese-inspired decorative motif and the ocean-view treatment room is the perfect location to get a massage, seaweed mud wrap or enjoy an aromatherapy session.

If you'd prefer to get your stress out with a vigorous workout, the spa is also home to a state-of-the-art fitness suite, with cardio and resistance equipment, free weights and a studio where classes like Pilates and spinning are offered on a regular basis.

Other ways to get your pulse racing include going for a jog, playing a game of basketball or a round of golf.

Cabins

Whether, you're looking for a low-cost cruise deal, or a luxurious holiday in the most sumptuous surroundings, Diamond Princess is sure to have a room that suits your specific requirements.

The vessel has 1,337 rooms. Most offer an outside view, while more than 700 have private balconies - although they can sometimes be viewable from other decks.

You can choose from six different room types: grand suites, suites, mini-suites, staterooms with balconies, rooms with views and interior cabins. These are further broken down into a number of price categories, depending on the location, size and amenities provided.

Whichever type of room you select, you'll enjoy a turndown service and chocolates on your pillows. All cabins come with a private en-suite bathroom, as well as vanity with a hairdryer, toiletries like shampoos and hand soap and a television.