Public Areas & Facilities

Sister-ships Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess include all the features traditionally enjoyed on Princess Grand-class vessels -- but with a twist. The two 116,000-ton ships are larger than their Grand-class fleetmates yet carry fewer passengers relative to their size. As a result, Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess have a higher ratio of space per person and feel much roomier. Their exterior profiles are also sleeker, due to the repositioning of the high-in-the-sky disco to a spot on the uppermost deck. Facing aft, another disco improvement is the addition of an outside balcony overlooking the ship stern; this is a perfect spot for romantic stargazing.

Inside, the arrangement of public rooms is a bit different, with the signature Wheelhouse Bar moved forward of its position on other Grand-class ships and an expanded Internet Café, where beverages and snacks are actually served, in its place. All the elements of a Princess ship are included, particularly the small-ship atmosphere and sparkling, yet understated, décor.

Restaurants

Princess is all about choice, and Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess offer expanded dining options. In addition to one dining room with two traditional assigned dinner seatings, these ships have four additional dining rooms for open-seating Personal Choice cruisers. Each is smaller than those on other Princess Grand-class ships, though all offer the same menus with a few additional selections that reflect the "theme" of each dining room. Alternative dining options are the two specialty restaurants, Sabatini's and Sterling Steakhouse, which each have a surcharge and require reservations. The pizzeria, grill, patisserie, and ice cream bar offer casual daytime dining and snack options; the Lido buffet and complimentary room service are available 24-hours. Ultimate Balcony Dining is offered to passengers with balcony accommodations.

What Works & What Doesn't

If it's not broken, don't fix it -- that could be the philosophy followed by Princess Cruises' designers. These ships are a larger version of the highly successful Grand-Class vessels with a few differences. Large spaces are still cleverly designed to give a feeling of intimacy, yet subtle alterations make an impact: five dining rooms offer more options; the Internet Café really is a café; and the areas designed for children and teenagers are well thought-out and executed for maximum appeal, particularly the grown-up surroundings available for teens. The spa pool is particularly appealing with its Zen-like atmosphere.

Accommodations

Layout: Stepped out in wedding cake style, over 78% of oceanview staterooms include private balconies. Even the least expensive inside categories have ample storage, a vanity/writing desk, and a small sitting area with chair and table. Cabins that sleep third and fourth passengers are numerous.

Amenities: Decorated in attractive pastels and light-wood tones, all staterooms have mirrored accents, a personal safe, a hair dryer, a refrigerator, and bathrobes for use during the cruise. Bathroom toiletries include such items as shampoo, lotion, and bath gel.

Suites: Suites have two TVs, large sitting areas, a wet bar with one-time complimentary set-up, a halogen-light mirror, large walk-in closet, and separate bathtub and shower. In addition, the single Grand Suite has a separate dining area and a whirlpool tub and shower. Suites and mini-suites feature luxury bedding with ivory-satin pinstripe bed linens and fluffy duvets and luxury towels. Minisuites have a separate sitting area, two televisions, a walk-in closet, and a combination bathtub/shower.

Good to Know: The best accommodations for families are Family Suites with interconnecting balcony staterooms on Dolphin Deck. Twenty-seven staterooms are wheelchair-accessible.

	Size (square feet)
Suites	535-1,329
Family Suites	522
Mini-suites	354
Oceanview with balcony	237-300
Oceanview/Inside	183/168
All dimensions include the square footage for balconies.

Favorites

Best Surfing Spot: The Internet café is huge on these ships, with -- count 'em -- 29 computer stations to surf the Internet and retrieve emails. At 35 cents per minute -- free to Diamond-level past passengers -- Princess has some of the least expensive Internet charges at sea. As a bonus, this really is a café, where you can use your own laptop wirelessly while you enjoy a snack and coffee.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: The Wake View Bar isn't easy to find, but you'll be glad you made the effort. Make your way through Club Fusion to a graceful spiral staircase at the back. Almost hidden at the bottom is an intimate little retreat with a view of -- what else? -- the ship's wake.

Best splurge: Purchase a Thermal Suite pass to use the delightful steam rooms and heated stone lounges in the spa's serene relaxation area.

Fore Golfers: Whether you're a serious player or a weekend duffer, you won't need a caddy to play the virtual courses in the Cyber Golf simulator or the Princess Links miniature course.