Built in 1984, and refurbished in spring 2005,
Artemis set the pace for the new wave of high-tech cruise liners and initiated many of the innovations now taken for granted, such as balcony cabins and TVs in all rooms.
Far from just being a trailblazer, this ship is also improving with age—if a bit worn at the edges—helped by a loyal following. Artemis, formerly the Royal Princess, was named by Diana, Princess of Wales. She is still one of Princess's most unusual "Love Boats," with unique decor, a fantastic ambience and numerous nooks and crannies for those seeking privacy.
Coming in at 44,348 tons and 755 ft, this Bermuda-registered vessel takes up to 1,200 passengers on a wide range of itineraries. The British officers are an integral part of the social scene in the lounges and hosting tables in the dining room, and the mostly Indian and Goanl crew numbers 520.
P&O Cruises began way back in 1836, four years before Cunard, as the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, and developed mail, cargo and ocean liner services from Britain via the Suez Canal to India, Southeast and East Asia and to Australia and New Zealand. The company joined with Princess Cruises and is now part of Carnival Corporation, based in Southampton, England.
This is an adults-only ship and is highly suitable for couples, traveling alone or with friends, and singles. Most passengers will now be mainly British, many who also traveled aboard P&O’s Aurora and Oriana. Being the smallest ship in the P&O fleet, she has gradually developed a loyal following. With a Bermuda registry, the captains have the ability to marry U.S. and U.K. passengers, though with this age group, they are more likely to renew vows. Currency is the British pound sterling.
Based at Southampton, England, the Artemis offers a 7- to 16-day program of cruises to Iceland, Norway, and the Baltic, and longer cruises to the Mediterranean and to North America. In the late autumn, she repositions to the Caribbean for 15-day, Barbados-based fly-cruises locally and to Central America and through the Panama Canal to Acapulco and return.
One entire deck below the cabin decks is devoted to public spaces, and the bi-level central lobby unites the space fore and aft. The ship has 16,000 sq ft of windows, allowing sea views from many vantage points, including the Horizon Lounge, built around the base of the funnel, with 360-degree panoramas. The atrium shows sculpture, spraying fountains, plush chairs and a piano.
In the elegant dining room positioned on the lowest deck, good service by Indian and Goan stewards matches the British and Continental fare. On the Lido Deck, The Conservatory provides a tasty breakfast and lunch and casual alternative dining at dinner when a section becomes The Grill. One lounge showcases lavish Las Vegas-style revues, while the 360-degree Panoramic Lounge aft on Sun Deck features views in every direction, including straight down—a dizzying experience when the ship is rolling.
A proper cinema and downsized casino vary nighttime activity, and the intimate Bridge Lounge is quieter. Between the pools is a large, naturally lit complex with a gym, sauna, massage and beauty salon. Sunbathing, playing table tennis, dipping in the pool, and doing laps in three pools, including one of the largest lap pools afloat, are favored pursuits. Walkers and joggers love the wraparound promenade deck, partly sheltered by dangling lifeboats, and two acres of deck space.
Of the all outside 600 cabins, 152 boast verandas, and all have picture windows, phones, TVs, refrigerators, safes and baths with tubs. Study the deck plan as some cabins have views partially or completely blocked by lifeboats and life-saving gear. The largest suites feature outstanding design and decor as well as sitting rooms opening onto verandas. They have butler service, a more extensive in-room breakfast menu and the option to have full restaurant meals served in the room or on the veranda.
Seasoned cruisers will find little lacking on this elegant, well-run vessel, which will appeal to those who abhor the pizzazz usually equated with megaships. The closest competitor would be Fred. Olsen, a line that also caters to mainly British passengers.
