Enchanted Princess

The Pools and Hot Tubs: Enchanted Princess has the most pools (two deep-tank pools on the Lido Deck, a Retreat Pool and an aft Wake View Pool) and hot tubs (10 total) in the Princess fleet. We were already fans of the relaxing, infinity-edged Wake View Pool on Sky Princess and this one looks just as awesome.

The Sky Suites: Introduced on Sky Princess, these two suites on the Sky Deck (deck 18) are each 1,873 square feet, including a 1,000-square-foot wrap-around balcony offering 270-degree panoramas and private viewing of Movies Under the Stars. They feature two bedrooms, two baths and a sofa bed, accommodating up to five guests.

The Dining Options: Quality complimentary dining is a Princess hallmark—the hand-tossed personal pizzas in Gigi’s (it’s Alfredo’s on other ships, named for the fleet’s former executive chef) are among the best at sea and there are Crafted by Curtis Stone menu selections in the Main Dining Room as well as Chocolate Journeys desserts by famed chocolatier Norman Love—but the cruise line really steps it up in some of its specialty restaurants. Sabatini’s Trattoria is authentically Italian in all the best ways and Wine Cellar Dinners offer wine-paired menus created to complement vintages from guest wineries. Bistro Sur La Mer features French cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Renaut, while the Salty Dog Gastropub by Chef Ernesto Uchimura offers creative takes on pub favorites. And tried-but-true Crown Grill satisfies carnivores with aged, cooked-to-order cuts of steak, lobster and seafood, along with all the traditional sides.

Movies Under the Stars: A Princess trademark, this nighttime ritual encourages passengers to claim a chaise around the Lido Deck pool, grab some free popcorn (or pizza or soft-serve ice cream) and enjoy a hit movie or a live sporting event on the massive screen overhead.

Crooners Piano Bar: This lively bar on deck 6 is classic Princess and features an enthusiastic piano player taking requests from passengers, who often join in for a spirited sing-along.

Families with Kids Who Love to Learn or Perform: With its Princess Live! TV production studio, Voice of the Ocean singing competition, and Discovery at SEA partnership, Princess ships are a great fit for kids into the creative arts and sciences. Also on Enchanted Princess: Jim Henson’s Inspired Silliness, a puppet show featuring short sketches for all ages, and “The Love Boat” Disco Deck Party. 

Cruise Traditionalists: Princess has added The Phantom Bridge escape room to Enchanted Princess, but you won’t find any of the other “bells and whistles” offered on many large cruise ships. There’s no waterslide, ropes course or race track. You will find a terrific walking/jogging track, a basketball court, mini-golf, ping pong tables and, yes, shuffleboard.

The Theatrical Productions Can Be Hit or Miss: Princess doesn’t offer the big-name Broadway musicals some other large ships do. Instead, the cruise line creates one-of-a-kind productions, which some passengers love and others just aren’t that into. On Enchanted Princess, the offerings will include the avant-garde Rock Opera (blending classic rock, opera and musical theater) and 5-SKIES, a virtual-reality-game inspired production show.

Princess Ships Are Pretty, Not Cutting-Edge: From its gold-hued European-inspired Piazza to its illuminated dancing fountains on the Lido Deck, Enchanted Princess, like her sisters, is an elegant ship with lovely design details—just don’t expect them to wow your Instagram followers.