Princess Cruises: Emerald Princess

Overview

With dramatic atriums and Skywalker's Disco (the spoiler hovering 150 feet above the stern), Caribbean Princess is a super-size version of the older Grand-class vessels with an extra deck of passenger accommodations.

Not quite identical to Caribbean Princess, Crown, Emerald,and Ruby Princess have introduced more dining options. Several signature public spaces have been redesigned or relocated on both ships as well—the atrium on Crown, Emerald,and Ruby Princess resembles an open piazza and sidewalk café; Sabatini's Italian Trattoria is found on a top deck with views on three sides and adjacent space for alfresco dining; and Skywalker's Disco is forward near the funnel (where it's topped with a sports court).

Inside spaces on all three vessels are quietly neutral, with touches of glamour in the sweeping staircases and marble-floor atriums. Surprising intimacy is achieved by the number of public rooms and restaurants that swallow up passengers.