Amanda PhillipsAs one of the best known names in cruises, Princess Cruises has always been known for pushing the boat out when it comes to on board activities and features. A pioneer of luxury sea travel, Princess was the first in the industry to launch features which we now take for granted, such as 24-hour dining, weddings at sea, poolside movie screens and more.
Today Princess boasts a 17-ship fleet which is headed up by the Royal Princess and Regal Princess. These two Royal-class cruise ships are among the biggest ships in the world and when it comes to discussing on board activities and facilities they offer no shortage of attractive conversation points.
It’s hard to argue Princess has two of the most accommodating and entertaining cruise ships on the market.
The SeaWalk
One of the more striking new features is the glass-bottomed SeaWalk, extending 28 feet out from the top deck giving travellers a 128 foot high view out over the sea.
A welcoming Atrium
The plus-sized Atrium features a plethora of casual dining and bar options, and the pool-side movie screen has been made larger than ever as well.
Children and Teen Clubs
The on board children’s and teen clubs have been given the plus-size treatment, with an outside plunge pool proving popular with the kids. Another new and pioneering feature for Royal Princess was Princess Live! – the first television studio at sea. Passengers can watch the filming of ‘The Wake Show’ (a prime time style talk show), as well as Q & A sessions, cooking demos, comedy performances and more.
Princess Theatre
Throughout the vessel you’ll find more options for entertainment, including the Princess Theatre – the largest theatre of any ship in the fleet – which enhances performances and shows by utilising high-def screens, and Vista Lounge which hosts live bands, comedians, illusionists and special events.
If you’re partial to gambling into the wee hours the Princess Casino offers a selection of slots and tables to satisfy any gamer. Wine tasting, dancing and of course shopping are all much loved cruise activities and this super-sized ship doesn’t fail to deliver.
Relaxing Spa
As you’d expect the bolstered ship size allows for an extended spa area, which is found directly off the Piazza for maximum convenience. The 10,000 square foot Lotus Spa is the largest in the fleet and offers what feels like an infinite list of treatment options, especially when you to take into account the Scrub & Shine Bar. Packages and couples deals are available to satisfy any requirement.
Keeping fit on board
Fitness and leisure features some quirky new options. In addition to the expansive fitness centre with weights, machines, aerobic studio, classes, yoga and more, you’ll also find unconventional activities like a portable batting cage, a revamped at-sea jogging track, laser shooting range with moving targets displayed on screen and an arcade-like offering that compliments the Shockwaves (ages 8 to 12) and Remix (ages 13 to 17) game lounges.
Active passengers can also take advantage of a golf driving facility, multiuse court (basketball, volleyball, tennis) and table tennis, lawn court for croquet and lawn bowling, as well as a putting green.