Public Areas & Facilities

At 30,277 tons, Princess Cruises' Tahitian, Pacific and Royal Princess ships appear positively tiny beside their mega-ship fleetmates. In reality, they are medium-sized ships that entered service for the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises. With their entry into the Princess line-up, real choice is available to Princess passengers -- a true alternative for passengers who prefer the clubby atmosphere of a smaller "boutique"-style ship, yet one that has big-ship features galore.

This trio has cozy public spaces, a stunning observation lounge -- where the view is visible through floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides -- and the loveliest libraries at sea, with their domed trompe l'oeil-painted ceilings, faux fireplaces, comfortable seating areas, and, most importantly, well-stocked bookshelves. Although the main showroom isn't particularly suited for glitzy production company performances, it is ideal for cabaret shows.

Restaurants

While big-ship choice is promoted by Princess, the only disappointment on these ships is the lack of a Personal Choice dining room to afford passengers true "anytime" dining with open seating. The lone formal dining room offers open seating for breakfast and lunch; for dinner, you'll have a choice of two scheduled seatings with assigned tables, but there are other options. Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and Sterling Steakhouse specialty restaurants are reservations-required and extra-charge destinations for dinner. The Lido buffet/bistro and complimentary room service are available 24-hours at no charge. A pizzeria and poolside grill offer casual daytime lunch and snack options. Ultimate Balcony Dining for breakfast or dinner is available to passengers with balcony accommodations.

What Works & What Doesn't

For the smallest ships in the Princess fleet, these three offer a lot of the Princess big-ship features, despite the fact they were built to another cruise line's specifications. Personal Choice dining is limited, but meals and snacks are available any time day or night. The spa doesn't have saunas, but the steam rooms are spacious, and there is a nice therapy pool overlooking the ships' bow. Fitness rooms are more than adequate for workouts. Lounges all have the comfortable intimacy that is so appealing on the largest ships in the fleet. There are even a plethora of private balconies, a signature feature of Princess Cruises.

Accommodations

Layout: Designed for longer cruises, all staterooms have ample closet and storage space, although bathrooms in lower categories are somewhat tight. Dark-wood cabinetry adds warmth to the pastel décor. In keeping with the rest of the fleet, 73% of all outside cabins and suites have a balcony, and interiors are similar in size.

Amenities: Amenities in standard cabins are a bit spartan compared to other Princess ships, yet all have at least a small sitting area. Bath toiletries, a hairdryer, personal safe, and robes for use during the cruise are all included, but you must move up to a mini-suite or suite to have a real bathtub.

Suites: Full suites are particularly nice, with living/dining rooms, entertainment centers, separate bedrooms, whirlpool bathtubs, a guest powder room, and large balconies overlooking the bow or stern.

Good to Know: Five staterooms are wheelchair-accessible on Pacific Princess, while there are four on Tahitian and Royal Princess.

	Size (square feet)
Suites	786-962
Mini-suites	322
Oceanview Balcony	216
Oceanview	165
Inside	158
All dimensions include the square footage for balconies.

Favorites

Best Balcony Cabins: Location, location, location: on decks six and seven there are two aft-facing standard balcony cabins sandwiched between suites. They have terrific views of the wake, and the balconies are larger than other similar cabins.

Best Added Value: You might look upon it as a part of the spa amenities, but there is no charge for the peace and tranquility you'll find on the private forward deck, where the thallasotherapy pool is located. It's a perfect haven of relaxation, where stewards are at hand to take drink orders should you get thirsty.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: We like the selection of cozy antique-style chairs near the faux fireplace in the Casino Bar, where the piano music drowns out any clanging slots in the small gaming area.

Kid Stuff: There are no dedicated children's facilities on these ships, but we commend the Princess staff for their attention to the very few children who may be on board with their parents. When their numbers warrant it, counselors conduct a limited program for them in a variety of public rooms.