CRU 14 6/5/09 17:03 Page 60
knowledge cruise review
ttglive.com
Ship check
Grand Princess,
Princess Cruises, sailing
from Southampton
Grand Princess was the first ship built in its
class and is basically the template on which
sister line P&O Cruises’ Ventura was based.
It was the first in the fleet to have the
trademark “spoiler” at the rear, which
actually houses a nightclub. The 3,000-
passenger ship replaced the popular Sea
Princess, operating to the Mediterranean
out of Southampton last year.
Staterooms
Like many modern super-liners, the ship
offers a wide selection of outside balcony
suites. All the rooms are tastefully decorated,
modern and clean. Mini-suites comfortably
accommodate two people, but can take a
family of four at a squeeze. The larger
suites have bigger bathrooms with
baths, while mini-suites have Service and welcome prove good value. Cruise pricing is very keen
showers. 8/10
86
Princess Cruises prides itself on generally at the moment, so Princess offers a
%
its warm, US-style service and quality experience at a good price. 9/10
Facilities and dining this is no different on Grand
New for 2009, Grand Princess has Princess. The waiting and cabin Overall
added The Sanctuary, an adult-only staff are, as on most modern ships, Grand Princess is typical of the modern large
retreat at the front of the ship where drawn from around the world, and are cruise ship; indeed, it has set the standard
guest can relax on sun loungers, get a welcoming, smiling and friendly. English for many that followed from the Italian
massage, enjoy a drinks service and even be is spoken proficiently and staff are always shipyard where it was built in 1998.
refreshed by staff spraying a cooling mist on hand and cannot do enough to help. Later ships have had a few enhancements
over them as they sunbathe. This is located Officers tend to be British or Italian. 9/10 added, but experienced cruisers will in
above the Lotus Spa. general feel very much at home on Grand
A new sports court has also been added. Value for money Princess and recognise its layout and how
The ship has the usual Princess features, Princess Cruises strikes a balance between passengers flow around its public areas.
including the Movies under the Stars giant what is included in the price and what it The atrium at the centre of the ship
screen next to the main pool, and Sabatini’s charges extra for. The cover charge restau- may not be as grand as some, but still
Italian restaurant and the Crown Grill diner rants are well worth a visit for $20-25, but offers a social fulcrum. The array of bars
– both have an additional cover charge. otherwise food in the buffets and main and restaurants caters for all needs. 9/10
The ship has a pool with a retractable restaurants is plentiful and good quality. ■
princesscruises.com
roof and an adult-only pool at the rear. Guests are invited to buy soft drinks and
There is also a wedding chapel. 8/10 wine packages as they board, which could by Lee Hayhurst
Europe’s largest agency cruise event is back in Dover In association with
The more people choose to cruise,
the more you need to know.
Limited availability: Register online at
www.ukcruiseconvention.org
60 08.05.2009
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76