Crown Princess
All new, she's not your parents' Crown Princess
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Crown Princess sails by Verrazano Narrows Bridge to enter New York Harbor for first time
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by Linda Coffman
Part Two
Where the Action Is
Repeat after me... public rooms are on Decks 5, 6, and 7 and most outdoor spaces are on deck 14 and above. It's not quite that simple, but it's a start.
Inside is where the lounges are located and there are a lot of them, which contributes to the lack of crowding—passengers fan out to their favorites. Like old friends, you'll find the traditional Princess Theater where production shows and other entertainment is scheduled; the Wheelhouse Bar, a cozy and clubby room with sailing ship models and nautical memorabilia; and Explorers Lounge, decorated in Far Eastern fashion and the site to enjoy cabaret and comedy. Nearby, Crooners serves up designer martinis accompanied by a pianist. The secondary show lounge, Club Fusion is a high-tech and high-action venue for interactive entertainment. Take a ballroom dance lesson and participate in the on board version of "Dancing With the Stars" or gather the family together to create your own music video. Be a Princess Pop Star at karaoke or celebrate at a midnight New Years Eve Party. There's continuous action...
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A quiet corner in Adagio
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Speaking of which, gentlemen, try your luck in Gatsby's Casino and then relax in the adjacent Speakeasy Cigar Lounge, while your sweetheart spends your winnings in one of the nearby boutiques. Or...
Keep her away from the shops on board by taking her to the Adagio Lounge on Deck 16, a relaxing spot for pre- or post-dinner cocktails or all the way up to Deck 18 to Skywalkers Nightclub, the disco that still overlooks the ship's wake, but is no longer located in a "spoiler" high in the sky. You did notice that, didn't you? Crown Princess has a much sleeker line with the disco in its new position, a bit lower and forward. No more Shopping Cart look appearance.
Where There's More Action and None At All
Veg out or work out? The Lotus Spa and fitness center goes to both extremes. Those who choose the latter will find a swim-against-the-current pool, exercise machines to get the heart pumping, free weights, and an aerobics room. Some classes are complimentary, while there's a $10 fee for others such as yoga, spinning, and pilates (a package of five classes for $40 is a money saving deal). Steam rooms and saunas are located in changing rooms, but for true relaxation after a work out, give the thermal suite a try—heated stone loungers, a gentle sauna, aroma steam, and rain and fog showers are included in the $17 per day fee (packages are priced at $80 for the entire cruise or $130 for a couple). The Lotus Spa and Salon offers treatments and services by Steiner Leisure.
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The Sanctuary
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For true adults-only indulgence, look no further than one deck above the spa in the Sanctuary where peace and tranquility are only a thickly padded lounge chair away. About three-quarters of the deck is shaded for comfort and passengers needn't lift a finger after being greeted by Sanctuary Stewards with a chilled towel. Forgot your iPod? No problem, MP3 players loaded with soothing sounds (as well as noise canceling headphones) are available for rent. Servers circulate offering healthy snacks and beverages (a $3 service charge applies for food). Cabanas are located at the bow where massages with a view can be booked through the Spa. Addendum, June 23, 2006: Initially there was no charge planned for using this tranquil retreat; however, a $10 per half day charge is being levied as it became obvious that over-crowding was an issue.
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Playroom for Princess Pelicans
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Kid Stuff
No one gets overlooked on Crown Princess and the youth and teen areas are as appealing as the programs' new names. Kids and teens voted and their programs have been renamed Shockwaves (ages 8-12) and Remix (ages 13-17). Children ages 3-7 continue to be called Princess Pelicans, but they haven't been overlooked when it comes to activities, including their own pool with water slide. Sure to be popular is the Junior Chefs@Sea Program hosted by Princess chefs in their working galleys where young cruisers learn to decorate cakes and prepare dishes such as fruit pizza and sushi. For older teens and pre-teens, there are hip-hop dance lessons with the ship's dance professionals instructing and makeover sessions led by an onboard beauty consultant. The teen center even has is own private whirlpool spa. On certain sailings a lecture series geared to specific age groups will be featured.
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Piazza Entertainment
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New in the Piazza
The heart of Crown Princess is the atrium's Piazza. And why not? Adjacent is the International Cafe and it's a WiFi hot spot. It's the perfect place for coffee and a beignet in the morning, tapas before dinner, and to people watch at any time.
Throughout the day and evening you'll often find passengers lined up along the overhead railings while a 'street performer' entertains. You never know who or what you'll see during these serendipitous interludes. My favorites were an elegant acrobatic dance pair and a hilarious magician-comedian costumed as a chef.
Not new, but not to be overlooked is MUTS, Movies Under The Stars—the giant Times Square style movie screen where concerts and movies are featured at the Calypso Reef Pool.
Crown Princess Fast Stats
Crown Princess will sail alternating 9-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Brooklyn, New York through October 2006 and reposition to San Juan, Puerto Rico where she will offer 7-night Southern Caribbean cruises. She returns to Brooklyn in May 2007.
Back to --> Crown Princess Preview - Part One
Princess Cruise Reviews
Princess Cruises - Cruise Line Profile
Top Image Courtesy of Princess Cruises
Photos © Linda Coffman
