Overview

From humble beginnings as a passenger and cargo ferry in 1966, diminutive Black Prince has been retrofitted over the years to create a unique ship that has a loyal following. While some passengers might just consider her old, others are taken with her small size and coziness. A special feature usually found only on luxury ships is the Marina Outdoor Leisure Center -- a drop-down water sports deck aft that houses speedboats, inflatables, waterskiing, windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and even swimming.

The Lido Lounge and the tranquil Aquitaine Lounge are ideal retreats for quiet get-togethers over a drink with a background of soft piano music. For a livelier evening, cabaret-style entertainments are presented in the Neptune Lounge, and the bars and casino are open late. Black Prince is favored by passengers who don't miss the lack of cabin telephones or Internet access.

Restaurants

Breakfast in the two main dining rooms is generally open seating while lunch and dinner are in two assigned seatings. The Balblom Restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating, is a casual buffet option for meals, late-night snacks, and the occasional specialty dinner, which requires a reservation. Light meals from room service are available from 10 am to 10 pm; beverages can be ordered around the clock.

Accommodations

As on many small ships, cabins are proportionately tiny. Black Prince's are attractive and functional but lack some conveniences you might expect, such as personal safes and telephones. All have a television and hairdryer. When selecting a cabin, take note that many categories are furnished with a twin bed and a Pullman bed that is fixed to the floor and can be made into what appears to be a sofa during the day -- the twin and Pullman cannot be pushed together to create one larger size bed. Junior Suites and Family Outsides are the best cabins, with more space and the added amenity of a refrigerator. Two cabins are wheelchair-accessible.