grand princess cruise ship location

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• Grand Princess
• Position Grand Princess

Current position Grand Princess

2600 Passengers

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Data according to itinerary:

Current position of Grand Princess : Under way from Suva (Fiji) to Papeete (Tahiti)

• Departure was 1 d 2 hrs 24 min ago. (at 19:00 h local time)
• Arrival will be in 3 d 8 hrs 36 min. (at 08:00 h local time)
• Traveled distance since Suva (Fiji): 448.97 nm (831.49 km)
• Remaining distance to Papeete (Tahiti): 1,447.37 nm (2,680.52 km)
• Traveled distance since Auckland: 1,765.86 nm (3,270.37 km)

Current voyages:

Webcam image of the grand princess:.

Ships in Papeete (Tahiti) on 14/04/2024

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Grand Princess - Current Position

$87 / day #34 of 172 ships

$102 / day #30 of 252 ships

$145 / day #42 of 242 ships

$187 / day #16 of 291 ships

1 : 0.4 #209 of ships

1 : 41.8 #116 of 261 ships

Ship Images

• Saillings 2024
• Saillings 2025
• Current Position

We are tracking and are calculationg it's position based on its itinerary. Check the following map to see current location. We have also highlighted all ports that is sailing to with markers..

Regarding Covid-19 / Coronavirus: Due to short term route changes, itineraries might have changed and real positions might no longer follow the original route.

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Grand Princess® Cruise Ship

Expect the extraordinary as you step aboard and discover the captivating possibilities, all true to her name.

• Inaugural Cruise: May 26, 1998
• Christener: Olivia de Havilland
• Guest Cabins: 1,301
• Number of Decks: 17
• Tonnage: 107,517
• Length: 949 feet
• Height: 188 feet

With top deck dining venues, Slice Pizzeria, The Mix, Salty Dog Grill and Coffee & Cones you’ll have even more options to choose from during your stay on board Grand Princess. Relax at The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, enjoy Movies Under the Stars® poolside or see an award-winning Broadway-style production show in the Princess Theater, showcasing an even more immersive audio experience.

Your Vacation – Effortless. Personalized.

Make your vacation truly yours on a Princess MedallionClass® cruise that features next-level technology, now on all ships. Enjoy fast, reliable Wi-Fi, TrulyTouchless™ experiences, food and drinks delivered wherever you are and so much more.

Learn more about Princess MedallionClass | Learn more about MedallionNet® Internet  

Accommodations

From the moment you step aboard, we want you to feel welcomed and right at home. And with attentive service from a friendly staff that knows what hospitality means, you’ll find your Princess® ship truly is your home away from home.

Photos, floor plan diagrams, amenities, and furnishings represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship and stateroom.

Truly Luxurious Accommodations at Sea

Mini-suite with exclusive vip touches, add an element of luxury to your stay, front row seat for beautiful scenery, a room with a view, our most affordable option, perfect for large groups, for guests with limited mobility, dining options.

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more. 1

Dine My Way℠

Dine when, how and where you like.

A (Seafood) Fan Favorite Returns!

Alfredo’s Pizzeria

Hand-tossed pizza, hot out of the oven.

International Café

Sip and snack around the clock.

Horizon Court

An ever-changing selection of favorites.

The Salty Dog Grill

Coffee & Cones

Specialty dining.

Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. 1

Timeless Steakhouse Traditions

Exclusive glimpse into the princess kitchen, wines from around the world, a private breakfast with a view.

On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation. 1

Discovery at SEA Programs

Discover even more with discovery™.

Vegas Style Casino

For novices, casual players, or high rollers.

Take a Stroll into the European-style Piazza

The Shops of Princess

Tax and duty-free shopping.

Art Gallery & Auctions

Art lovers rejoice—enjoy exquisite art aboard.

Photo Gallery

Take home a unique photo keepsake.

Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs

Soak in a world of relaxation.

Sports Court

Get in the game with a variety of activities.

Princess Links

Practice your putt and play like a champion.

MedallionNet® Wi-Fi

The best wi-fi at sea.

Afternoon Tea

Celebration of tasty teas and divine desserts, entertainment.

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all. 1

Movies Under the Stars®

A reel treat day or night.

Original Musical Productions

Great venues large and small.

Music & Dancing

Dazzling entertainment every day and night.

Featured Guest Entertainers

At night, the stars shine bright on our stages.

Princess Theater

Broadway-style productions at sea.

Vista Show Lounge

Sip cocktails and watch top entertainment.

Explorers Lounge

One of the ship’s coolest hangouts.

A Prime Spot for Party-minded People

Joyful rejuvenation.

Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.

Experience the Ultimate Night of Sleep at Sea

Relax in a tranquil retreat just for adults, go ahead, be pampered – you deserve it, a host of ways to get an energizing workout, kids, teens & family.

From family-friendly stateroom options to enriching youth and family programs, quality time is time well spent. Onboard activities spark curiosity and fuel creativity while excursions ashore engage and inspire!

Explore the Treehouse

Step into the lodge, hang out in the beach house, quality time together.

1 Activities, dining and entertainment options vary by ship and are subject to change. Photos represent typical arrangements and may vary in detail or configuration.

• GRAND PRINCESS

Passenger (Cruise) Ship, IMO 9104005

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The current position of GRAND PRINCESS is at South Pacific Ocean reported 4 days ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to SUV - PPT , sailing at a speed of 21.0 knots and expected to arrive there on Apr 14, 17:00 . The vessel GRAND PRINCESS (IMO 9104005, MMSI 310327000) is a Passenger (Cruise) Ship built in 1998 (26 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Bermuda .

Position & Voyage Data

Map position & weather, recent port calls, vessel utilization, vessel particulars, similar vessels, related news.

GRAND PRINCESS current position and history of port calls are received by AIS. Technical specifications, tonnages and management details are derived from VesselFinder database. The data is for informational purposes only and VesselFinder is not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of GRAND PRINCESS data.

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Track Grand Princess Current Position / Location - Grand Princess Cruise Ship Tracker - Princess Cruises - Cruising Earth

Grand princess - cruise ship tracker.

Cruise Ship Details & Statistics

Track grand princess' current position in this live cruise ship tracker.

Grand Princess is a Grand Class cruise ship currently operated by Princess Cruises. The ship has been in active service for 26 years. View Grand Princess' current position, recent track, speed, course, next port destination, estimated time of arrival (ETA) and more in the cruise ship tracker map below.

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GRAND PRINCESS Passenger (Cruise) Ship, IMO 9104005

Where is the current position of grand princess presently vessel grand princess is a passenger (cruise) ship sailing under the flag of bermuda . her imo number is 9104005 and mmsi number is 310327000. main ship particulars are length of 289 m and beam of 36 m. maps show the following voyage data - present location, next port, estimated (eta) and predicted time of arrival (pta), speed, course, draught, photos, videos, local time, utc time. book a cruise, schedules, vacation, deckplans, reviews..

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GRAND PRINCESS current position is received by AIS. Ship info reports, fleet analysis, company analyses, address analyses, technical specifications, tonnages, management details, addresses, classification society data and all other relevant statistics are derived from Marine Vessel Traffic database. The data is for informational purposes only and Marine Vessel Traffic is not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of data reported above herein.

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Grand Princess Deck Plans & Reviews

Grand Princess

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes *
• Beauty Salon *
• Center Court
• Dancing Classes
• Deck Chess Set
• Deck Parties
• Disco and Dancing
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Whirlpools (8)
• Internet Cafe *
• Lotus Spa *
• Shuffleboard
• Solo Travelers Get Togethers
• Sports Court
• Steam Rooms *
• Ultimate Ship Tour *
• Wine Tasting *
• Leaves Tea and Library
• The Sanctuary *
• The Beach House Teen Lounge
• Camp Discovery Youth Center
• Grand Casino *
• The Shops of Princess *
• Fine Arts Gallery *
• Photo Gallery *
• Guest Services
• Shore Excursions Desk *
• Captains Circle Loyalty
• Future Cruise Planning *
• OceanMedallion
• Wedding Chapel
• Snookers Cigar Bar *
• Self_Service Laundry *
• Medical Center
• Comedy Shows
• Explorers Lounge
• Movies Under the Stars
• Outdoor Movies
• Princess Theater
• The One5 Lounge and Nightclub
• Vista Lounge
• Botticelli Dining Room - Main
• Da Vinci Dining Room - Main
• Michelangelo Dining Room - Main
• Good Spirits at Sea - Craft Cocktails *
• Horizon Court - Buffet
• Horizon Terrace - Casual
• International Cafe - Coffee & Pastries *
• The Salty Dog Grill - Pool Grill
• Alfredos Pizzeria - Gourmet Pizza
• Coffee and Cones - Ice Cream *
• Sabatinis Italian Trattoria - Italian *
• Crooners Bar - Martini Bar *
• Slice - Pizza
• Al Frescos Bar - Pool Bar *
• Calypso Bar - Pool Bar *
• Oasis Bar - Pool Bar *
• Sea Breeze Bar - Deck Bar *
• The Mix - Pool Bar *
• Wheelhouse Bar - Pub *
• Crown Grill - Steakhouse *
• Leaves Tea and Library - Tea and Books *
• Vines Wine Bar - Wine Bar *
• Casino Bar - Casino Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 35
• Very Good 21
• Terrible 17
• All languages ( 89 )
• English ( 89 )

Upcoming itineraries

The Grand Princess Review: Ship, Venues, And Food

Setting sail on the Grand Princess opens up a world of captivating destinations if it’s your first time on a cruise ship. In this Grand Princess review, you’ll discover its public areas and why cruising on this Grand-class vessel may be suited to you.

Although launched before 2000, the vessel is one of the cruise line’s smaller ships. She is also one of the older vessels in the Princess fleet.

The ship underwent a refurbishment in 2019. The staterooms saw upgrades with larger flat-screen TVs and the addition of Luxury Princess beds.

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Around the ship, Princess refreshed the pools, added the Ocean Medallion, and new venues such as the Salty Dog Grill and Slice Pizzeria.

As one of the jewels in Princess Cruises fleet, the ship boasts a passenger capacity of approximately 2,600 guests. Grand Princess passengers can opt for cruises and cruise tours to Alaska in the summer.

In the off-season, the ship repositions via Hawaii and Tahiti to Melbourne, Australia. However, you can also find the odd itinerary along the Pacific Coast and to Mexico. So, whether you board in San Francisco, Vancouver, or Sydney, here’s what you’ll expect onboard.

Grand Princess Review: First Impressions

Although not as large as the Discovery Princess, the line’s new ship , the Grand still has the signature amenities – the Sanctuary, Movies under the Stars, and aft pool.

While Princess refurbished the vessel in 2019, the abundance of wood remained, giving it a traditional and, dare I say, outdated décor.

The ship received a new Piazza atrium, which often became a central gathering spot for entertainment, dance classes, and live music. It’s an ideal spot to grab a morning latte, enjoy a late-night pizza, or chill to the sound of a piano playing.

Sometimes events are hosted in the Piazza during the day. I enjoyed a fruit and vegetable carving demonstration during my sailing.

The Promenade deck has the classic wraparound circuit, often removed on newer vessels, for those who love to walk laps.

It’s refreshing to have the use of the Medallion app onboard this older vessel. Whether you’re a fan of using a smartphone for everything or not, you can’t help but love the feature that it opens your stateroom door.

Grand Princess Stateroom Review

For our early May Alaska cruise itinerary from Vancouver, we booked an oceanview guaranteed cabin for three. We were assigned a room on deck 5 or the Plaza deck.

At the last minute, the third person opted not to go, so it became a stateroom for two.

However, when we arrived, our steward had lowered the Pullman bed and set up the cabin for three guests. It was later put away to accommodate two comfortably.

The room was dated but comfortable, and had enough storage for our Alaskan adventure. According to Princess’ website, the room measured approximately 165 sq. feet but seemed smaller due to the configuration of the closet.

There was no couch but a small desk instead. Adjacent to that was the usual mini-fridge, ideal for hoarding those late-night snacks.

I appreciated that the bedside lamps had USB plugs to charge our smartphones. Plus, there were other sockets to charge our batteries and use a laptop.

The bathroom was a typical cruise cabin size, small and unfortunately, with a shower curtain instead of the upgrade glass doors.

Our cabin steward kept our stateroom refreshed on a daily basis and provided clean towels when we needed them.

Being an older vessel, the Grand Princess doesn’t have lavish multi-bedroom suites. Its smallest cabins, interiors measure 160 sq. feet, and the largest, the Grand Suite has 730 sq. feet of floor space.

Laundry Services

One of the benefits of cruising with Princess is the ability to do laundry. This service is beneficial if you’re booked on an extended itinerary or sailing to Alaska, where you need clothing for three seasons.

With the exception of deck 14, you can find a self-serve launderette on every deck with staterooms. Most decks have the laundry room near the aft, except for deck 5, which is positioned near the bow, opposite cabin P208.

Washers and dryers cost USD 3; you can purchase tokens with your Ocean Medallion.

Dining And Food Options

The Grand Princess cruise ship has three main dining rooms; Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. You will be assigned one of these if you request a set dining time. While the decors vary, the menu remains the same.

Alternatively, you can choose anytime dining where you can eat anywhere, at any time. Interestingly, the Crown Princess dining rooms share the same name.

Da Vinci and Botticelli Restaurants are located on deck 6, with no access between them. I always found this frustrating, as you must go up or down one deck to gain access.

Service and quality of food were good, but Princess tends to stand out above the rest with their presentation of desserts.

Princess Cruises has teamed up with one of the world’s top chocolatiers to create a delectable experience for chocolate lovers on board.

Horizon Court Buffet

The Horizon Court buffet on the Lido deck offers plenty of selection if you prefer something more casual. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

On the last night of the cruise, the buffet included complimentary sushi, something you usually get at a specialty restaurant. While it looked great, it didn’t match the fantastic sushi we are accustomed to in Vancouver.

We ate there for breakfast and lunch due to its convenience. There was always lots of selection, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetation.

Other Dining Options

You can indulge in various chocolate desserts from the main dining room to specialty restaurants and the buffet. And for those who enjoy a good drink, there are chocolate-flavored cocktails and wine pairings to savor.

The Grand has not one but two places to get pizza at sea. Alfredo’s Pizzeria offers a sit-down experience, where thin-crust pizzas are made-to-order. Gluten-free crust is available to those who require it. It costs USD 14.99 to eat here, but waived if you have Princess Plus or Premier packages.

On the Lido deck, Prego Pizzeria offers a grab-and-go pizza by the slice. You won’t have an option for gluten-free here.

The Salty Dog Grill, added during the 2019 retrofit, offers craft burgers, tacos, fries, sandwiches, and hot dogs. Again, it’s a USD 14.99 fee if you don’t have an upgraded package.

You have two choices to get your caffeine fix: the International Café or Coffee & Cones. The International Café has tasty treats, pastries, and wraps if you need a quick bite between meals.

Coffee & Cones, as the name suggests, has soft-serve complimentary ice cream. You can also purchase USD 3 ice cream sandwiches, such as the Mint Paddy or Cookie Colada.

Tea drinkers might enjoy the Leaves Tea Lounge, which shares its space with a small library. Located on the Promenade deck, you can enjoy a specialty tea with a book, jigsaw puzzle, or daily puzzle.

Princess ships also offered afternoon tea, which was complimentary. Attend at least one tea ritual if you’re a fan of finger sandwiches, scones, and tasty treats.

Guests on a Princess Cruises vessel enjoy complimentary room service for continental breakfast. Outside of breakfast, there’s a minimal USD 5 charge (complimentary for Plus and Premier packages).

Crown Grill

If you want an elevated dining experience, consider dining at one of the specialty restaurants. While Princess may not have the best steakhouse across all lines, its Crown Grill steakhouse offers a pleasing menu.

At an affordable price of USD 39, it’s USD 25 cheaper than a steakhouse dinner on a Royal Caribbean ship.

The menu included 14oz rib-eye steak, double lamb chops, grilled jumbo shrimp, and lobster tail. I loved that the meal had a salt menu; the Hawaiian Black Salt was my favorite.

Make sure you leave room for dessert. I recommend the Key Lime Pie Bar or the 7-Layer S’Mores Stack, which are as sinfully delicious as it looks.

Sabatini’s

Slightly cheaper, the cuisine and atmosphere at Sabatini’s will whisk you away to a quaint village in Italy. Here, the handmade pasta and risotto are superb, packed with flavor and the right amount of seasoning.

Since I require gluten-free and lactose-free, I tend to avoid Italian restaurants. However, Sabatini’s was able to cater to my needs. The food was beyond amazing and a place I could have enjoyed for more than one night.

Sabatini’s has its own bar menu. So, you can enjoy a Prosecco cocktail, a classic Italian drink, or Limoncello with your dessert.

Bars And Lounges

On the Grand Princess, you’ll find twelve bars and lounges, each with its own unique ambiance and selection. The Mermaid’s Tail Bar, situated by the pool, serves refreshing tropical concoctions and ice-cold beers, perfect if you need respite from the sun-drenched deck.

Located between two casual food venues, you’ll also enjoy easy access to comfort food.

The Vista Lounge Bar, with its stunning panoramic views, offers a stylish setting to savor your favorite wine, cocktail, or spirits.

If you prefer a more intimate setting, the Wheelhouse Bar exudes a touch of elegance reminiscent of a classic gentlemen’s club. Patrons can enjoy top-shelf spirits like single malt whiskies and aged cognacs.

Since we were cruising to Alaska in early May, guests favored the indoor bars to escape the cold weather outside. Princess provides destination drinks and beers, so in Alaska, why not try an Alaskan beer?

Princess Cruises has elevated its standard drinks packages to Princess Plus and Princess Premier. It’s similar to competitors’ all-in-one, where Wi-Fi, gratuities, and drinks are included.

At USD 80 per day, the Premier package includes drinks up to USD 20. The Plus package costs USD 60 daily, giving you drinks up to USD 15 each.

Guests are limited to 15 beverages a day, and the cruise line bills any amount exceeding the price limit.

Entertainment

The Grand Princess boasts a variety of evening entertainment options typical to what you find on cruise ships. You can expect Broadway-style shows, live music performances, comedy presentations, and solo artists.

The Princess Theater provides two shows per evening so guests can attend, regardless of their dining schedule. Alternatively, the Vista Lounge on deck 7 aft provided entertainment too.

Live music often echoes through the Piazza and plays on the Lido deck in warmer destinations.

Daytime entertainment includes trivia, cooking demonstrations, game shows, and sports events. The onboard shops and casino also hosted events.

Depending on where you’re cruising, you may also enjoy educational lectures about the region’s wildlife and culture. In Alaska, for instance, themed activities enhanced the Alaskan experience.

Pools And Hot Tubs

While small, the Grand Princess has four swimming pools and eight hot tubs. As the aft, the Terrace pool provides those calming wake views.

Known for its serene atmosphere, you’ll enjoy fewer people than the main pool, and offers a more intimate setting.

One deck up, the Lido is home to two pools and four hot tubs. A giant TV screen next to the outdoor venue offers classic Movies under the stars. Unfortunately, it was a bit too cold to watch an outdoor movie in May.

The other pool is covered, making it an ideal vessel for cold climate destinations like Alaska.

On deck 15, you’ll find the last pool inside the spa, with two additional hot tubs. Adjacent to the pools, guests can enjoy complimentary steam rooms and saunas, which are missing from their newer vessels.

An adjoining fitness center offers all the standard gym equipment and aerobic classes.

If you’re cruising with children, Camp Discovery has a designated area that provides activities for different age groups. Voyagers welcome those from 6 months to two years.

Children 3 to 7 play in the whimsical area called The Treehouse. For ages 8 to 12, the Lodge provides outdoor sports and indoor games such as air hockey and foosball.

Teenagers (13 to 17 years) in The Beach House have a stylish hang-out to enjoy with new friends and listen to music.

Children can enjoy pizza parties, friendly competitions, and dance classes, as well as an arts program, games, and themed events.

Medallion App And Internet

In a world of advancing technology, Princess requires everyone to do everything on an app. Great if you have a smartphone and a working app.

We found the app glitchy at times; sometimes it worked, and other times it didn’t. When it worked, we could order food and drinks, and the crew members would find us onboard.

If you haven’t purchased the Princess Plus or Premier, there’s a one-time Ocean Now activation fee of USD 14.99 t order food and drinks.

The app is one of the easiest to navigate. If you don’t have a cellphone, you can access its features on one of the large LCD screens scattered around the ship.

If you require Wi-Fi, the MedallionNet basic service costs USD 15 per day, per device, for the cruise duration.

However, if you purchased the Princess Plus, you’ll receive Wi-Fi for one device. The Princess Premier package includes Wi-Fi for four devices.

MedallionNet was a bit slow and, at times, didn’t work in some areas of Alaska. While some cruise lines have gone to the faster Starlink, Princess has not.

Princess Patter

The Princess Patter provides you with daily activities, available dining venues, and “what’s going on” around the ship. With the introduction of the Medallion app, Princess, like many other lines, encourages guests to go paperless.

Since so many guests experience problems with the app or the app stops working, I still request my cabin steward leave me a paper copy of the Princess Patter each day.

Final Thoughts

The Grand Princess provides an ideal cruising vessel for those wanting to escape the crowds of a larger vessel. Being an older ship, it offers excellent itineraries at good value for money. You can also read my experience aboard her sister ship, the Crown Princess.

The staff is attentive, and the food is better than average. If you’re seeking a budget-friendly cruise without too many children, consider the Grand.

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Most Princess ships call Port Everglades home in Fort Lauderdale, including the debut later this year of its newest and largest ship, the Sun Princess. The line is expanding with its first ship to be based out of Port Canaveral this fall when Caribbean Princess arrives.

The nearly 113,000-gross-ton vessel began sailing in 2004, christened by Jill Whelan who played Vicki Stubing on “The Love Boat.” Princess ships were featured during the show’s run in the 1970s and 1980s.

Brightline runs from Miami to Orlando with several stops in South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and a northern terminus at Orlando International Airport. The line has future stops planned that include Cocoa, near Port Canaveral.

The deal between the train and cruise companies aims to offer passengers hassle-free travel to the two port destinations that includes an optional express baggage checking service at $35 per bag that people can use so their luggage is checked at the train station and will make its way to their staterooms.

The deals include complimentary motorcoach travel from the Brightline station to the cruise port terminal to board the ships. The Orlando-to-Port Canaveral service will begin once Caribbean Princess begins sailing in November.

“A Princess cruise is already the best value in travel and this new partnership with Brightline makes it even easier and more enjoyable to sail with us from the top-rated ports in South and Central Florida,” said cruise line president John Padgett in a news release. “Our guests can just sit back, relax, and let us do the rest, including delivering their luggage directly to their stateroom.”

The partnership also offers discounts of up to 15% on packages booked through the Brightline website. For those who book through May 5, an extra credit for up to $150 per person for certain packages is available.

The Princess theme design adorns four cars that include the Princess “seawitch” logo and depictions of popular ports of call. Princess branding will also be on display at Brightline terminals.

“Brightline has been connecting travelers to South Florida ports since we began operations in 2018 and cruisers from the beginning have found our train to be the easiest way to start their vacation,” said Brightline President Patrick Goddard in the release. “Today’s partnership with Princess Cruises and this train wrap with the iconic Love Boat branding is yet another example of the connection between cruisers and Brightline.

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Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

I was rushing to make my dinner reservation on Princess Cruises’ new ship. But when I arrived at the restaurant, the view made me stop.

From the windows at the sushi eatery Makoto Ocean – part of a sphere-shaped structure near the middle of the vessel – I saw the sun sinking below the horizon, a reddish-orange dot on the Mediterranean Sea. The Sun Princess facilitates scenes like that by design.

“We wanted to make sure that within how we designed the (venues) and placed the furniture, we gave maximum opportunity for our guests to be able to celebrate those outward views,” Denise Saviss, Princess’ vice president of entertainment experience, told USA TODAY. “It is really, really unique to have so much glass on the ship.”

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That was one of several striking features during a recent sailing (the ship is now cruising the Mediterranean before it moves to the Caribbean in October). Here are three takeaways from the first in the line’s aptly named Sphere Class.

1. The design showcases views at sea and in port

Makoto isn’t the only venue that offers that kind of view.

Other spaces inside the Sphere – which also houses lobby-slash-entertainment venue The Piazza – feature similarly sweeping vistas across decks 7, 8 and 9. I watched the light sparkle on the water while I sipped coffee one morning at International Café, and patrons dining at Alfredo’s Pizzeria can take in the scenery during their meal from many seats.

That’s also true elsewhere on the ship. At Horizons Dining Room, floor-to-ceiling windows face the ship’s wake. At the other end of the vessel, the Dome, a geodesic structure that Princess has said was inspired by the hills of Santorini, is like a massive solarium.

The space – which will also host shows including acrobatics – has multiple tiers of loungers, an indoor-outdoor pool and the Cascade Bar (which comes in handy for cooling off, as it felt a bit muggy in the Dome at one point on a sunny sea day).

The overall effect helped to bring the outside in.

2. The ship is bigger but still intimate

Sun Princess is the largest ship in the Princess fleet, and the 21-deck vessel can accommodate 4,300 guests. But that doesn’t mean everything is huge.

Given the scale of the offerings, a number of spaces on board feel notably intimate. One night, I walked to Good Spirits at Sea, a cocktail bar crafted in partnership with mixologist Rob Floyd that also hosts classes, and thought I was lost before stumbling upon it tucked around a corner on Deck 7. Inside, the 40-person venue offered a laid-back alternative to other more boisterous nightlife options.

On Deck 9, the ship’s buffet-like venue, The Eatery, gives way to narrower hallways toward the aft with backlit wood paneling and benches. At the end, they open back up to reveal specialty restaurants The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario (from Princess’ head of culinary arts, Rudi Sodamin, and in partnership with famed butcher Dario Cecchini, respectively).

Even the multi-configuration Princess Arena felt cozier than its near-1,000-guest capacity would suggest. I sat in the second-to-last row of my section for a performance by the vocal group ODY·C and was still close enough to see clearly.

3. The line leans into family-friendly activities

Part of Sun Princess’ expanded footprint has been used to broaden the line’s family offerings.

Park19, a new space on the ship’s top decks, features a variety of activities in an open-air setting. Saviss said the line worked to balance the interests of core customers and a growing family market “and make sure we're prioritizing spaces that everybody can enjoy.”

“There are some attractions that I think naturally, at first blush, people would say, ‘Oh, it's just for kids,’ but actually, the space is really comprehensive,” she said. “Our attractions are available for many different levels of ability and mobility.”

Those include Coastal Climb, an obstacle course that culminates in 360-degree views from The Lookout observation deck (the highest point accessible to guests on the ship, also reachable via elevator) and The Net ropes course.

On Sea Breeze, billed as the first Rollglider on a cruise ship, passengers will glide along the outer edges of the ship on an electric track (the ride will also be ADA-accessible, though Saviss said some mobility is required for maneuvering into the seat).

It’s as close as the ship gets to an amusement park (Princess’ version). “We're not running the rat race, if you will, of like, who can do it bigger, better,” Saviss said. “If you want to just have a really incredible bird's-eye view of Sun Princess, and in and around where the ship is sailing, you can do that. But there is an option to push a little lever while you're riding it and dial up the speed a bit faster, and then it does become a bit more thrilling.”

The ride was not yet available when I was on board, as the line moved through a testing, certification and training process, but is expected to open on April 27. Sun Princess’ original launch was delayed with the cruise line citing “additional technical work” needed at the shipyard, which pushed back the opening of some onboard amenities.

When is the best time to take a cruise?: We broke it down by region.

There is also a hammock area to chill when guests need a break, a recreational court that can host activities from pingpong to morning meditation, a jogging track and more. Elsewhere on board, guests will find the Firefly Park kids club and hangout spaces Neon Grove and The Underground for tweens and teens, respectively.

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Princess Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils 2025 voyages on Balmoral ship

The UK-based Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled 4 new voyages scheduled for 2025, featuring destinations such as Costa Rica, the Dominicana, and Norway.

MS Balmoral ship will embark from Southampton UK on these Transatlantic+Caribbean itineraries, carefully curated to offer tourists memorable experiences in remarkable locations.

One of these voyages is a 45-night Grand Voyage exploring the Caribbean and Central America, providing opportunities to discover tropical islands, indulge in local delicacies like Colombian coffee and Jamaican jerk chicken, and engage in activities such as snorkeling in Tortola BVI and spotting endemic wildlife in Costa Rica.

For those seeking the elusive Northern Lights, the "In Search of the Northern Lights" cruise departing on January 18 promises a 15-night journey to witness this natural wonder, guided by the expertise of the Go Stargazing team, and includes the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle.

Another enticing option is the "Winter Warmth in the Canary Islands" cruise departing on February 2, offering guests a chance to explore volcanic landscapes, savor local treats such as pasteis de nata, and wander through the botanical gardens of Madeira.

Lastly, the "Springtime Norwegian Fjords" cruise will take guests on a 9-night journey down Sognefjord, one of Norway's most stunning fjords, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking through lush forests.

Guests booking these cruises by April 30 can enjoy special offers, including up to GBP 300 of onboard credit or complimentary door-to-door transfers for up to 200 UK mainland miles on selected sailings.

The 4 cruises include:

Balmoral's 15-night "In Search of the Northern Lights" cruise, departing from Southampton on January 18, 2025, with prices starting from GBP 2,099 per person.

Balmoral's 13-night "Winter Warmth in the Canary Islands" cruise, departing from Southampton on February 2, 2025, with prices starting from GBP 1,699 per person.

Balmoral's 45-night "Tropical Islands and Verdant Rainforests of the Caribbean and Central America" cruise, departing from Southampton on February 15, 2025, with prices starting from GBP 4,999 per person.

Balmoral's 9-night "Springtime Norwegian Fjords" cruise, departing from Southampton on April 1, 2025, with prices starting from GBP 1,199 per person.