Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	349
Accommodation	200	141
Food	400	256
Service	400	279
Entertainment	100	72
Cruise	400	291

How this score is created

Artemis (formerly Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess) is named after the Greek goddess Artemis and was dedicated in November 1984 by Diana, Princess of Wales. The ship has reasonably contemporary outer styling that is almost handsome. In May 2005, Artemis underwent a name change and a £10.5 million transformation from its former self as Royal Princess. The ship is now committed to the British child-free cruise market, to which the ageing ship is perhaps more ideally suited. In the refit, the Monte Carlo casino was made smaller in order to accommodate a new internet center; a Future Cruise Sales office and Portunus Club room replaced what was formerly a business center. The outdoor deck and sunbathing space is moderate, and there is a traditional wrap-around teak deck.

The well-designed, though slightly unconventional, interior layout features passenger cabins located above the public room decks. The interior decor is not the least bit garish, but rather reflects the feeling of space, openness and light; the passenger flow is good. For fans of P&O Cruises’ “smaller” ships, Artemis has probably replaced the much loved Victoria, and, if you’ve cruised aboard Aurora and/or Oriana, you’ll probably really like Artemis, which combines the traditions of cruising with the bonus of a child-free environment. There are several large, nicely appointed public rooms, spacious passageways and imposing staircases. Overall, however, the ship is well worn, and looks tired in several places.

A Horizon Lounge, set around the funnel base, has fine views and a peaceful environment during the day, while at night it transforms into a disco for the late-night set. When this ship debuted, it was state-of-the-art, but now lags behind the latest ships in several ways, and looks tired. One nice feature is the dedicated movie theater (few new ships have them). Artemis, the smallest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet, will provide you with a decent cruise experience in reasonably spacious, almost elegant surroundings, at a decent price. Many of the cruises are themed, and carry out the theme in the form of the company’s New Horizons program (introductory classes are at no charge, but more in-depth classes are at extra cost, typically £5 or £10).

The ship is registered in Bermuda, so UK and USA passport holders can be legally married by the ship’s captain (do check with P&O Cruises for the latest requirements and details). You can also renew your vows in a special ceremony (it costs £250 per couple).

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008