Ship Inspections

Grand Princess Ship Tour!

Published Saturday, October 18th 2014

We arrived at the Grand Princess in Pier 91 in Seattle, Washington to have a ship tour and lunch before she set sail on her last Alaska Journey for 2014. 

The Grand Princess is newly enhanced with latest innovations and continues to offer the signature service for which Princess Cruises is renowned. With innovative features like Movies Under the Stars®, Italian-inspired Piazza and The Sanctuary®, there are plenty of ways to help you escape completely. Sip on a variety of soothing teas at Leaves Tea Lounge & Library, or enjoy hand-tossed pizza in Alfredo’s, the full-service pizzeria. Plus, the new nightclub, The One5, provides a vibrant ambience to dance the night away. 

GRAND PRINCESS SHIP FACTS

Guest Capacity: 2,600 lower berths

Tonnage: 107,517

Inaugural Cruise: May 26, 1998

Last Refurbished May 2011

Christener: Olivia de Havilland

Dining and Snacks: Three main dining rooms, Sabatini's – Italian restaurant, Crown Grill, Alfredo's Pizzeria, International Café, Vines – Wine Bar, Leaves – Tea Lounge and Library, Ultimate Balcony Dining, Trident Grill – Burger & hot dog grill, Horizon Court – Buffet restaurant, Prego Pizzeria – Poolside pizza, Sundaes – Ice cream bar, 24-hour room services

Showrooms/Lounges: Princess Theater, Vista Show Lounge, Explorer's Lounge, The One5 nightclub, Wheelhouse Bar, Crooners – Martini Bar, Snooker's Cigar Bar

Guest Services: The Sanctuary, Movies Under the Stars poolside screen, Lotus Spa and Fitness Center, Piazza-style Atrium, Wedding Chapel, Grand Casino, Kid's and Teen's Centers, Internet Café, Art Gallery, Photo/Video Gallery, Duty-free Boutiques, Golf Putting Course, Sports Court, Guest Services Desk, Shore Excursions Desk, Medical Center

Number of Crew: 1,150

Registry: Bermuda

Length: 949 feet

Height: 188 feet

Number of Decks: 17

Guest Cabins: 1,301 total

  • 26 Suites with private balconies - Square footage: 468-1314*
  • 7 Window suites - Square footage: 341-319
  • 2 Family suites with interconnecting cabins - Square footage: 595*
  • 180 Mini-suites with private balconies - Square footage: 323*
  • 502 Balcony cabins - Square footage: 232-274*
  • 218 Ocean view cabins - Square footage: 168-206
  • 366 Inside cabins - Square footage: 160

    *includes balcony

Wheelchair Accessible Cabins: 27

Cabins with Private Balconies: 717 (76 percent of all outside cabins)

Pools: 4 plus 1 splash pool

Whirlpools Spas: 8

Lifeboats: 22 lifeboats including tenders, 2 rescue boats

I was very impressed with the Grand Princess, she is quite grand! We loved the Sanctuary, the Vista Show Lounge, the Grand Casino, Boutiques and so much more.  We took the stairs most everywhere as we knew there would be a big lunch ahead of us!  We were able to see all the pools as well as the youth & teen center and chapel.  We visited the Grand suite, the Penthouse suite, mini suites, window suites, inside rooms as well as ocean view rooms.  And of course, the lunch was truly amazing, with each course looking like a work of art and tasting delicious. We thank Princess for having us on board for a few hours to take in this truly remarkable & Grand Ship! 

 
The Grand Princess! We can book your cruise! photo by Melissa Herzog of Cruise Planners http://www.getawaycruiseplanner.com



http://www.getawaycruiseplanner.comWhile the kids play in their kids club on board the Grand Princess ship, you can relax in the Sanctuary! We can book this for you! Photo by Melissa Herzog of Cruise Planners. http://www.getawaycruiseplanner.comWhile the kids are playing in their kids club onboard, you can relax in the Sanctuary, this was taken on the Grand Princess by Melissa Herzog of Cruise Planners. http://www.getawaycruiseplanner.com

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Ship Inspection & Tour: Carnival Miracle (Seattle)

Published Tuesday, July 15th 2014


Home Ports: Los Angeles, CA;Seattle, WA; Vancouver, Bc, Canada

Cruises to: Alaska, Hawaii,Mexico

Carnival Miracle Highlights

  • 2124 PASSENGER CAPACITY
  • 934 ONBOARD CREW
  • 963 LENGTH IN FEET
  • 24HOURS OF FUN A DAY

Carnival Miracle is a ship you may not believe when you see… but definitely don’t miss seeing this one! 

When we say that Carnival Miracle takes you to another world, we mean that in every sense. Not only does this ship visit stunning destinations, but features incredible onboard spaces inspired by elements of fantasy. Escape from reality as you take in a show at the Phantom Lounge, a drink at Odyssey Bar or a dance at Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab. To lose yourself in a song, find your way to The Jazz Club, Jeeves Lounge or Sam’s Piano Bar. Hungry? There’s great food all over the place, from the casual fare of Horatio’s, to the artful eats of the Bacchus and Ariadne dining rooms… not to mention the world class cuts at Nick & Nora’s Steakhouse. 

Outdoors, there’s fun to be had, whether you’re down for sliding down a waterslide or up for simply sunning it up — Carnival’s Twister Waterslide has you covered (in water, that is), and the all-new Serenity Adult-Only Area, will get you relaxing, adult-style. Carnival Miracle also has a great youth program for children ages 2-17 and has a new partnership with Dr. Seuss Entertainment, Seuss at Sea will be available fleetwide by the end of 2015. 

 






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Ship Inspection & Tour: Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas

Published Tuesday, July 15th 2014

From the snow-capped mountain coasts of Alaska to skyline views of Sydney, Australia, Rhapsody of the Seas® delivers an unforgettable cruise experience, no matter the hemisphere. Get out to sea and relax away the stress of life on land – at the Vitality SM Spa or glass-canopied Solarium adults-only pool*. This is a ship built for adventure, too, with rock climbing, theCasino Royale®, and entertainment including shows, live music, plus bars and lounges that never have a cover. Now there's even more to love on the newly revitalized Rhapsody of the Seas®, featuring our fleet's newest offerings. 

*During inclement weather and select hours, the ship may permit the Solarium Pool to be used by persons under age 16 provided they are directly supervised by a parent or guardian.

REST & RELAXATION

  • VitalitySM Spa with extensive treatment menu
  • State-of-the-art Fitness Center, with classes ranging from aerobics to kickboxing to yoga
  • 2 pools including the Solarium, an adults-only retreat*
  • 6 whirlpools
  • NEW
       Stateroom amenities such as flat screen televisions, new bathrooms and completely remodeled interiors, including new linens and furniture
  • NEW
       Poolside, outdoor movie screen
  • NEW
       Concierge Club and Diamond Lounge**

*During inclement weather and select hours, the ship may permit the Solarium Pool to be used by persons under age 16 provided they are directly supervised by a parent or guardian.

**Concierge Club reserved for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Crown & Anchor Society members, and select suite guests. Diamond Lounge available for Diamond and above tier level members.

ACTION & ADVENTURE

  • Rock-climbing wall
  • Upper-deck jogging track
  • Video game arcade

DINING OPTIONS

  • Main Dining Room with complimentary, multi-course dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • More complimentary options including the Windjammer Café, Solarium Café, and room service*
  • Frozen treats at Ben & Jerry's® Ice Cream*
  • Café Latté-tudes, serving Seattle's Best Coffee®*
  • NEW
       A la carte menu at the new Viking Crown Lounge featuring bite-sized portions of classic dishes
  • NEW
       Complimentary Park Café
  • NEW
       Chef's Table intimate dining experience
  • NEW
       Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean's signature steakhouse
  • NEW
       Giovanni's Table Italian restaurant
  • NEW
       Izumi Asian-fusion cuisine, featuring a la carte sushi selections

*Late night service charge applies to room service orders between midnight and 5:00 a.m. Additional charges apply for specialty dining venues. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are charged separately and are offered at current bar menu prices.

KIDS & FAMILIES

  • Complimentary Adventure Ocean® Youth Program
  • Royal Babies® and Royal Tots® program
  • Expanded teen-only hangout areas
  • Family-friendly activities including games, contests, enrichment classes and lectures
  • NEW
       Royal Babies & TotsSM Nursery

ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING

  • Complimentary Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
  • 6,276 square foot Vegas-style Casino Royale® with 162 slots and 11 tables
  • 8 bars and lounges that never have a cover, including Shall We Dance Lounge and the Champagne Bar
  • Duty-free Shops Onboard featuring name brand jewelry, perfumes, apparel and more
  • NEW
       R Bar, featuring a sophisticated 1960s vibe, complete with iconic furnishing and signature cocktails created by a savvy and personable mixologist
  • NEW
       Chic and sophisticated Centrum experience with enriching daytime activities, dazzling nightly entertainment and jaw-dropping aerial spectacles
Fun Facts: Rhapsody of the Seas has 11 decks, 8 Whirpools & pools & 8 bars and lounges!

SHIP STATS

Gross Tonnage 78,491
Length 915.35 ft
Max Beam 105.6 ft
Draft 25 ft
Cruising Speed 22 knots

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Ship Inspection & Tour: Golden Princess in Seattle!

Published Tuesday, July 15th 2014

On this beautiful day in Seattle, we were served a great lunch and toured the ship before she left for Alaska! 

Fun Facts:

Guest Capacity: 2,600 lower berths

Tonnage: 108,865

Inaugural Cruise: May 16, 2001

Last Refurbished: May 2012

Christener: Merlisa George, the reigning Miss U.S. Virgin Islands

Dining and Snacks: Three main dining rooms, Sabatini's – Italian restaurant, Crown Grill – Steak and seafood, International Café, Vines – Wine Bar, Horizon Court – Buffet restaurant, Trident Grill – Burger & hot dog grill, Prego Pizzeria – Poolside pizza, Sundaes ice cream bar, Ultimate Balcony Dining, 24-hour room services

Showrooms/Lounges: Princess Theater, Vista Show Lounge, Explorer's Lounge, Wheelhouse Bar, Skywalkers Nightclub, Player's Cigar Bar, Promenade Lounge and Bar

Guest Services: The Sanctuary, Movies Under the Stars poolside screen, Lotus Spa and Fitness Center, Piazza-style Atrium, Kid's and Teen's Centers, Wedding chapel, Grand Casino, Lawn Court – golf putting and lawn games, Sports Deck, Internet Café, Library, Art Gallery, Photo/Video Gallery, Duty-free Boutiques, Video arcade, Guest Services Desk, Shore Excursions Desk, Medical Center

Number of Crew: 1,100

Registry: Bermuda

Length: 950 feet

Height: 177 feet

Number of Decks: 17

Guest Cabins: 1,318 total

  • 33 Suites with private balconies - Square footage: 468-1314*
  • 7 Window suites - Square footage: 341-319
  • 2 Family suites with interconnecting cabins - Square footage: 595*
  • 178 Mini-suites with private balconies - Square footage: 323*
  • 523 Balcony cabins - Square footage: 232-274*
  • 208 Ocean view cabins - Square footage: 168-206
  • 367 Inside cabins - Square footage: 160
    *includes balcony

Wheelchair Accessible Cabins: 26

Cabins with Private Balconies: 736 (78 percent of all outside cabins)

Pools: 4

Whirlpools Spas: 9

Lifeboats: 22 lifeboats including tenders, 2 rescue boats

Builder: Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani, Monfalcone, Italy

 

 

GOLDEN PRINCESS DINING

Our Princess chefs are true culinary artists who insist on serving the very finest cuisine - and it shows. Our entire fleet has been inducted into the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gastronomic society. Each chef's menu is creative and the selections change every day. Pair that with impeccable service and you're in for an unforgettable gourmet experience.

Traditional

This ship offers several formal dining rooms in the cruise tradition, with Traditional Dining at the same times for each meal, with attentive service provided by your own waiter throughout the cruise.

  • Canaletto Dining Room  

Anytime

Anytime Dining means you aren't limited to eating at a fixed time or place on the ship. Instead, the choice of when and where you want to eat is flexible, based only on your stomach's whim.

  • Donatello Dining Room  
  • Bernini Dining Room

Specialty

Our ships' restaurants are always in big demand and this ship's options are no exception, serving up exquisite local specialties and gourmet favorites. Reservations recommended. Cover charge applies.

  • Sabatini's (Italian restaurant)  
  • Crown Grill (steak and seafood) - Voted one of the "Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses" by USA Today! 
  • Ultimate Balcony DiningSM

Casual

Want to maximize your pool time and minimize your mealtime? Get a quick and satisfying bite whenever you like at our Casual Dining eateries, or get take-out and dine by the pool.

  • International Cafe (nominal charge applies to select items)
  • Horizon Court
  • Lobby Bar
  • Vines Wine Bar (nominal charge applies to select items) - Voted one of the "Best Wine Bars at Sea," by USA Today!
  • Sundaes ice cream bar
  • Prego Pizzeria
  • Trident Grill (burgers & hot dogs)
  • Afternoon tea
  • 24-hour room service

GOLDEN PRINCESS ENTERTAINMENT

To say the nightlife onboard is entertaining is an understatement. Illuminating the stage in captivating productions, our performers are some of the most talented musicians, singers and dancers at sea. Our Princess Signature Shows, lounge performers, movies and casinos are just some of the entertainment our guests enjoy as they escape completely.

Theaters

This ship's theater venues are designed with great acoustics, the best seats in the house, and stellar acts. The movies shown are all first-run feature-length films.

  • Princess Theater
  • Vista Show Lounge
  • Movies Under the Stars® outdoor theater

Hot Spots

Our ship's Hot Spots are just that - sizzling! They vary depending upon the ship and feature dazzling casinos, our Movies Under The Stars outdoor theater, night clubs, dance floors and more.

  • Grand Casino
  • Explorer's Lounge
    • Skywalkers Nightclub (top deck nightclub)

    Lounges

    Whether you're in the mood for a cozy space to sip cocktails with someone special or a swanky place to savor a cigar and make new friends, Princess ships provide it all.

    GOLDEN PRINCESS ACTIVITIES

    The many activities onboard our ships are designed to stimulate, educate, entertain, inspire and sweat - not necessarily in that order. But, you can be sure we'll do our best to cover all the bases. And from art auctions to our Lotus Spa, this ship is loaded with fun things to do.

    Pools & Spas

    Sometimes floating serenely just isn't enough - splash around, ride the waves, swim against the current or take a dip in one of this ship's bubbling hot tubs.

    • Calypso Reef and Pool (plus 2 hot tubs)

    • Neptune's Reef and Pool (plus 2 hot tubs)

    • Terrace Pool
    • Oasis bar & hot tubs
    • The Sanctuary (adults only)

    Sports

    Our ships will keep you on the run, literally, with basketball, paddle tennis, jogging tracks and state-of-the-art gyms equipped with machines that'll keep your heart rate pumping.

    • Lotus Spa®, gym and fitness area
    • Swim-against-the-current lap pool
    • Nine-hole putting course (Princess Links)
    • Shuffleboard
    • Center Court

    Enrichment

    When is a cruise an opportunity to enrich? When it's a Princess cruise. This ship offers area lectures, art exhibits and classes taught by local experts.

    • World-class art collection, gallery and auctions
    • ScholarShip@Sea®
    • 24-hour Internet service (wireless access available)
    • Library
    • Hearts & Minds Wedding Chapel  

    Boutiques

    Deals on designer clothing and gifts, including Lladro, Swarovski, Calvin Klein, Tommy Bahama, Lancome, Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Fossil - all up to 30% off.

    • Boutiques (duty-free)
    • Future Cruise Sales

GOLDEN PRINCESS UNDER 18

With Princess, young kids and teens have their own kind of fun - and their own place to hang out. Our youth and teen centers are fully equipped with everything from the latest video games and movies, to arts and crafts, fooseball tables, board games and jukeboxes. And for the littlest ones, activities like kids' karaoke, pizza parties, pajama nights and more.

Kids & Teens

This ship's activities run the age-appropriate gamut for those under 18 - from Princess Pelicans (ages 3 to 7), and Shockwaves (ages 8-12), to remix (ages 13-17).

  • The Fun Zone
  • Teen Center
  • Teen hot tub
  • Voyage of Discovery video arcade
  • Splash pool

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Ship Inspection & Tour: Seas Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas

Published Tuesday, July 15th 2014

We had the great pleasure of getting on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas for a few hours, with 7 distinct neighborhoods, 25 dining opportunities, and 2,384 crew members on this ship, there is sure to have something to please everyone in your group! 

Allure of the Seas, the newest ship in Royal Caribbean's awe-inspiring Oasis® class, is a captivating adventure unlike any other. Explore seven distinct neighborhoods filled with awesome new features – like the first Starbucks® at sea, Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical Chicago in the main theater, and favorite moments with Shrek, Po the panda, and more friends in the DreamWorks® Experience. Spice up your sailing with margaritas and Mexican-fare favorites at Rita's Cantina, or with prime cuts straight from the skewer at Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse. And there's still plenty more Oasis-class WOWs to be had, from the classic carousel on the Boardwalk®, to aerial acrobats in the AquaTheater, FlowRider® surf simulators, pluszip line views over Central Park®—a meandering garden lined with shops and fine restaurants.

NEW Sailing Europe in 2015
Here’s one for the history books. In summer 2015, Allure of the Seas® will sail European waters, departing round trip from Barcelona and Civitavecchia near Rome. It’s cruising like Europe has never seen before. And you can be a part of it. 

REST & RELAXATION

  • Full-service VitalitySM Spa with thermal suite and an extensive treatment menu
  • State-of-the-art Fitness Center, with classes like yoga and tai chi
  • Central Park® outdoor garden with BRITTO Gallery, restaurants and a Coach® store
  • 4 pools including the Solarium, an adults-only retreat*
  • 10 whirlpools, two of them cantilevered whirlpools overlooking the ocean
  • Concierge Club and Diamond Lounge**

*During inclement weather and select hours, the ship may permit the Solarium Pool to be used by persons under age 16 provided they are directly supervised by a parent or guardian.

**Concierge Club reserved for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Crown & Anchor Society members, and select suite guests. Diamond Lounge available for Diamond and above tier level members.

 

ACTION & ADVENTURE

  • Zip line, nine decks in the air and 82 feet across
  • Two FlowRider® surf simulators
  • Two rock-climbing walls, each 43 feet high
  • Full-sized basketball court
  • Ice-skating rink
  • Mini-golf course
  • Hand-carved carousel

DINING OPTIONS

  • Main Dining Room with complimentary, multi-course dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • 13 more complimentary options including Park Café, Windjammer Café, Boardwalk Dog House, and room service*
  • The first Starbucks® at sea*
  • Casual dining and snacks at Johnny Rockets®, Cupcake Cupboard and more*
  • 150 Central Park, serves up an intimate six-course experience of leading-edge cuisine in a modern setting. Enjoy seasonally, locally-sourced menus developed by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz.
  • Experience culinary delights at any one of our Specialty restaurants where for one low cover charge you can choose any items off the menu from appetizer to dessert* — including 150 Central Park, Chops Grille steakhouse, Giovanni's Table Italian restaurant, and Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse
  • A la carte more your style? Try Izumi Asian cuisine for sushi bar selections, and Vintages wine bar for an array of tempting tapas*
  • See more specialty dining options

* Late night service charge applies to room service orders between midnight and 5:00 a.m. Additional charges apply for specialty dining venues. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are charged separately and are offered at current bar menu prices.

KIDS & FAMILIES

  • DreamWorks® Experience - memorable moments including character dining, parades, and meet & greets with favorite characters from Shrek®,Madagascar®, Kung Fu Panda® and more
  • Complimentary Adventure Ocean® Youth Program 
  • Royal Babies & TotsSM Nursery
  • Royal Babies® and Royal Tots® program
  • Teen lounge areas and disco
  • H2O Zone kids' water park
  • 3D movie theater
  • Family-friendly activities including games, contests, enrichment classes and lectures

ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING

  • Complimentary Tony Award-winning musical Chicago
  • Complimentary AquaTheater shows, ice shows and other live entertainment
  • 18,000 sq. foot Casino Royale® with 456 slots and 27 tables
  • Bars, lounges, and nightclubs that never have a cover, including live jazz club, karaoke bar, and comedy club
  • Parties and parades on the Royal Promenade
  • NEW
      Rita’s Fiesta, a reservation-only themed party in Rita’s Cantina featuring the restaurant’s most popular dishes and three non-alcoholic beverages for a cover charge of $10 per guest or three alcoholic beverages for a cover charge of $20 per guest
  • NEW
      Prohibition Party, a reservation-only 1920s-themed celebration on every fifth night in the Jazz on 4 lounge where guests 21 and older can don their favorite Jazz Age outfit and sip on alcoholic beverages for a cover charge of $35 per guest
  • Variety of name-brand , duty-free shopping in Central Park® and the Royal Promenade including the GUESS® Store, Coach®, BRITTO Gallery, teen and kids’ shops, plus jewelry, perfumes, and apparel
  • Entertainment venues' Showtimes at a Glance
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