Sea Princess joined the Princess fleet in 1998 as one of the largest ships afloat. In 2003, she was refitted to British tastes and transferred to P&O. When Carnival acquired both lines in 2005, she was transferred back to Princess but remained in the British market, sailing roundtrip from Southampton on a variety of European itineraries and wintering in the Caribbean, sailing from Barbados or Jamaica.
These days, Sea Princess is considered a mid-sized ship at 77,000 GRT. Her cruising speed is 21 knots. Her double-occupancy capacity is 1,950. Registered in Bermuda, the ship is overseen by 900 mostly British and Italian officers and international crew members.
During the European season, the passenger manifest is about 80% British, with the balance made up of English-speaking Europeans and North Americans. Caribbean sailings are evenly split between North American, and British and European, passengers. Age groups vary with itinerary and time of year, with more family groups and children on voyages during school holidays, and more singles and young couples on Caribbean itineraries. Announcements are in English.
Value-priced compared to ships sailing similar itineraries, Sea Princess sails from Southampton round-trip to the Western Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula with a mix of familiar and unusual ports. When she repositions to the Caribbean for winter, the ship offers two-week round-trip itineraries.
A selection of active and tour-oriented excursions, usually including at least one tour for passengers of limited mobility, are provided. Port and special interest lectures and extensive activity programs take place on board.
Sea Princess has 14 decks, three cabin decks, and four decks with mixed cabin and public spaces. A teak wrap-around Promenade Deck offers vintage steamer deck chairs. Active guests gravitate to the four outdoor pools, six whirlpools and the sports court. The ocean-view spa and gym facility contains aerobic and weight equipment, sauna, steam, and shower rooms, with a salon and spa treatment rooms adjacent.
Entertainment venues include the 480-seat Vista Lounge providing cabaret-style shows, and the Crooners Lounge, which offers a dance floor and live music. More dancing takes place in the Razzmatazz nightclub. Live music can also be found in the Wheelhouse and the Explorers. The 550-seat Princess Theater hosts production shows, films, and daytime lecturers. Guests can try their luck in the Monte Carlo Club Casino at table games, roulette, slots and electronic poker tables; it's open evenings and sea days. Those who want to improve their odds can enroll in gaming lessons. The fee-based ATM is located in the casino, too.
A small library and reading room seats 27, and the card room called Players becomes a bar at night. A fee-based 14-station Internet cafe with print capability is supplemented by six stations adjacent to the purser's desk, and by Wi-Fi in the Atrium. Past passengers who sailed at the Suite, Platinum or Elite level receive free minutes; other passengers can purchase time by the minute or in discounted bundles.
Shopping is limited to one duty-free shop, a sundries and logo store, and an upscale boutique. A clearance sale is held on each voyage in one of the dining rooms, usually with tee shirts and other port-specific items from prior voyages and out-of-season items. Supervised programs for children aged 3 to 17 revolve around dedicated play areas that include a video arcade, teen disco and splash pools. On voyages with large numbers of children or teens, extra youth and security staff are added. Movies Under the Stars above the pool shows daytime sports and videos; in the evening this area is set up with deck chairs, blankets and popcorn so that passengers can view current films.
Rigoletto serves Continental cuisine on the personal choice system. Traviata operates with the traditional two sittings. Each restaurant can serve 552 people. Alternatives that incur no extra charges are Cafe Corniche, serving pizza and calzone from an open kitchen; the 24-hour buffet Horizon Court; and lunch-hour Riviera Grill, serving up burgers and grilled items poolside. The extra-charge Sterling Steakhouse operates evenings in a sectioned-off area of the Horizon Court. Breakfast, lunch and tea are open seating. Food is well-prepared and presented, and service is good to excellent. Room service never stops.
Balconies are cut from the hull, not stepped out, and thus are more private than on the larger Grand Class Princess ships. Of 975 cabins, 372 have balconies, 32 are mini-suites, six are suites, 193 are outside cabins and 372 are inside cabins. Handicapped access is provided in 19 of the cabins—seven outside and 12 inside. Cabins all have twin beds—most converting to queens—along with TV, refrigerator, safe and phone. Showers are tiled. Storage is adequate in standard cabins, ample in minis and suites. Minis and suites have tubs, walk-in closets and upgraded cabin amenities. Turndown service comes with pillow chocolates, and robes and fresh fruit are available upon request.
Large enough to offer many amenities and choices, small enough not to be overwhelming, Sea Princess has a look reminiscent of traditional ocean liners, and a relaxed upscale resort feel.
