Grand Princess

Alfredo’s Pizzeria: Head to this sit-down pizza restaurant, located in the buzzing Piazza, for hand-tossed, personal-sized pizzas made with creative topping combos — and at no extra charge if you book Princess’s Plus or Premier Packages.

Wraparound Promenade Deck: It’s an old-school feature that you find on only a select few ships these days but this deck is a wonderful place for breezy strolls or jogs, where you can soak up both the fresh sea air and views of the upcoming ports.

Striking a Balance: Neither too frenetic nor too dull, Grand Princess manages to offer large-ship cruises that hit just the right notes for families and couples of all ages who don’t want to be shocked or awed by jarring decor, gimmicky bars, or amusement-park-like rides.

Alaska Cruises in the Summer: Grand Princess is known for offering a variety of Alaska sailings from both Seattle and Vancouver to Alaska, ranging from 7 to 16 nights.

Families: Besides Camp Discovery kids clubs with educational but fun Discovery at SEA activities geared to different ages, there is an outdoor basketball court, ping-pong tables, and pizza (which can be delivered to your cabin) to keep your kids very, very happy.

Couples: There are multiple romantic lounges (including Vines Wine Bar and Crooners Lounge), the adults-only Sanctuary for relaxing, and flexible dining for better chances of securing tables for two. There’s even a wedding chapel if you want to tie the knot or renew your vows.

Cozy Cabins: The smallest Interior and Oceanview cabins are compact at 146 to 162 square feet, though the design is efficient and the closet space is decent.