Grand Princess

Catapulted to Love Boat stardom with advent of the hit television show, Princess Cruises – its signature emphasis now on Personal Choice Cruising -- specializes in providing customized cruise experiences with a modern love boat full of choice in dining, entertainment, amenities and more. By 2006, the Princess fleet will have 15 ships at sea, all stemming from modest 1965 beginnings when a single ship sailed to Mexico. Princess has since grown to a fleet carrying more than 800,000 passengers each year to more places worldwide than any other major cruise line. The smash weekly Love Boat series, starring a ship now retired from the fleet, introduced millions of viewers to the concept of sea-going vacations. Both the Princess name and its “seawitch” logo have been top of mind within the realm of cruising ever since. The modern Princess fleet, now part of Carnival Corporation, has grown to include Coral Princess (2003), Dawn Princess (1997), Diamond Princess (2005), Island Princess (2003), Pacific Princess (1999), Regal Princess (1991), Royal Princess (1984), Golden Princess (2001), Grand Princess (1998), Star Princess (2002), Sun Princess (1995) and Tahitian Princess (1999). Four more ships joining in the pipeline help keep the fleet as one of the most modern on the high seas. The Princess concept of customized cruise vacations -- often copied but never duplicated, as the line says – has become a hallmark of ship design for the entire industry. The Princess Choice philosophy also is reflected in sailing schedules. Offering voyages to more destinations worldwide than any other line, Princess has more than 150 itineraries on seven continents ranging from seven to 72 days. Princess passengers also can enhance cruise experiences via the Adventures Ashore program with more than 1,500 in-port excursions worldwide. An expanding cruisetour line-up also allows passengers to combine cruises with full land tours. With a big presence in Alaska including six ships, five riverside wilderness lodges and Midnight Sun Express Ultra Dome rail cars, Princess offers spectacular earth / sea experiences in the “Land of the Midnight Sun.” Other Princess strongholds include the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Europe, Mexican Riviera, South America, Australia / New Zealand, South Pacific, Hawaii, Tahiti / French Polynesia, Asia, India, Africa, Canada / New England and Antarctica.

Quick View

Billed as “taller than the Statue of Liberty and longer than three football fields,” Grand Princess – flagship of Personal Choice Cruising -- nevertheless provides a sense of being aboard a much smaller ship, with intimate nooks for relaxation, and lots of restaurants, theaters, bars and pools. Grand Princess has been a trailblazer with on-board innovations including a wedding chapel.

About Gratuities
Once applicable only to ships with Personal Choice Dining, all Princess ships, including Grand Princess, now automatically add gratuities of $10 per person per day for dining and stateroom personnel to the passenger's shipboard account. Passengers may increase, decrease or remove automatic gratuities at their discretion by visiting the purser’s desk. Gratuities for other staff such as casino dealers or spa personnel are at passenger discretion. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all bar tabs.

Disabled Access
The Princess Access program boasts the highest number of wheelchair accessible staterooms in the industry. Special wheelchair transportation gangway mechanisms, ramps, and elevators with Braille call buttons as well as audible arrival sounds are available aboard Princess ships. A supply of ADA "all in one kits" include telephone amplifiers, visual smoke detectors, door knocker sensors, text telephones and other aids for guests with hearing impairment. Also available: Raised toilet seats, shower stools and bed boards.

Ship Features

Hearts and Minds wedding chapel features the cruise industry’s only wedding-at-sea program where passengers can be married by the ship’s captain.

Staterooms
1300, with accommodations ranging from suites with balconies (208), ocean view with balcony (502), ocean view (218), and inside cabins (372).

Stateroom amenities
Television/radio, in-room movies, private safe, direct dial phone, hair dryer, minibar/refrigerator.

Kid & Teen Stuff
Dedicated children’s center, children’s pool, and outdoor child play area, dedicated teen center, teen programs, youth counseling staff.

Cruises Specials

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Life Aboard

Dining
Traditional assigned seating at either early or late sittings, or flexible dining options. Three main restaurants, six casual venues, and alternatives for pizza, ice cream, coffee/pastries, plus a hamburger grill. 24-hour room service. Special meal on request, including Kosher, vegetarian, low sodium and low cholesterol.

Sports / Health / Fitness
Outdoor swimming pools, indoor swimming pools, full service spa, sauna, steam room, whirlpools, exercise equipment, fitness evaluations and personal trainers, putting greens, basketball, jogging track, tennis/paddle tennis, volleyball, shuffleboard, golf simulator, watersports, and more.

Entertainment
Nightly entertainment in the 748-seat show lounge, casino, disco, card room, and game arcade.

Other Facilities
Beauty salon, duty-free shops, self-service laundry, photo processing shop, infirmary, businesses services, 12 lounges/bars, library, chapel/wedding chapel, Internet center, and more.