1998
Year of construction
2016
Renovation Year
17
Decks
2606
Number of passengers
22
Speed
290 m
Length
36 m
Width
5
Restaurants
14
Elevators
Special Features
When Grand Princess was being built back in 1998, the 107,517-ton, 2,600-passenger cruise ship was described by the company as "the biggest, the fastest cruise vessel in the world, the most advanced... the grandest cruise liner on the ocean." Grand Princess did actually spend a year as the biggest, fastest and most sophisticated cruise vessel at sea, but she is now dwarfed by many others which are bigger, faster, newer and more technologically advanced. Over a decade later, the main vessel design which anchors Princess' most popular class still holds its own thanks to a massive refurbishment in May 2011. The multi-million dollar overhaul of Grand Princess included a full transformation of ship's atrium into the much jazzier Piazza (a newfangled addition represented by the fleet's most recent vessels that combines theater in the round with food and drink outlets). Grand eventually got her own version of The Sanctuary, a popular adult-only sun deck that was released on Crown Princess in 2006.
Grand Princess itinerary program is based on 15-day Hawaii and week-long Mexican Riviera cruises with departures from Los Angeles and San Francisco CA. In the summer, Grand Princess sails in Alaska leaving out of Vancouver BC (Canada).
Most Grand Princess staterooms are 170-sq.foot balcony rooms (502). Almost 80% of ship's outside accommodations have private balcony views. There are a total of 1301 staterooms in 34 categories. 27 are the wheelchair accessible rooms. The largest aboard Grand Princess are the Grand Suites (615 ft2).
The program of events for every day, is published in a special mini brochure, which is delivered to the cabin on the evening before the next day. Entertainment programs on the ship are varied depending on the route of the ship and seasonality: karaoke, dance classes with coaches, special lectures on various educational topics, sales of jewelry and goods, and much more.
Grand Princess passengers choose between open seating and two assigned dinner seatings; breakfast and lunch in all Princess restaurants are open seating. Alternative dinner venues include the reservations-only Sabatini’s Italian and Crown Grill restaurants (both with cover). All Princess Cruises Lido buffets are open around the clock. The Wheelhouse Bar serves a pub lunch, and a grill and pizzeria offer casual snack choices. The ice-cream bars and patisseries charge for premium ice cream and specialty coffee. A wine bar offers extra-charge artisan cheeses and evening snacks. Chef’s Table and Ultimate Balcony Dining options are also available, as is afternoon tea and room service.
Follows the complete list of Grand Princess restaurants and food bars.
Grand's piazza is magnificent. Its wide range of entertainment makes the versatile spot a popular destination where guests never know what they'll see. The best vantage point is from a Piazza seating, or opt for a table in adjoining lounges like the International Cafe and the wine bar Vines. Beyond the piazza, there are production shows in Princess Theatre, first-run movies in Vista Lounge, daytime music poolside by Calypso Band, and the many activities prepared by the cruise director's staff. Passengers can also enjoy the nighttime strains of Rosario Strings in ship's Grand Atrium, the individual performers and comics in Explorer's and Vista Lounges, the country band in Wheelhouse Bar, and the action in One5, a sophisticated venue that replaced the Skywalker's disco.
Follows the complete list of Grand Princess lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.
Special programs are organized for children and teens in clubs according to age.
Remix - a club for teenagers from 13 to 17 years old - this is a lounge with an original design, perfect for socializing with new friends, entertainment events, movie shows.
Shockwaves - a club for children from 8 to 12 years old offers a lot of interesting games and educational activities, as well as video games and a large plasma TV.
Pelicans is a club for children from 3 to 7 years old with a lot of games, entertainment, everything necessary for educational activities, a separate area for active games and movie shows.
The cruise company recommends having three types of clothing during the trip:
During the evening events, the cruise company does not welcome a beach clothes.