Details of the first of two new Princess Cruises’ ships has been released, with 80% of cabins featuring balconies.
The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess – the third time the name has been used by the line since 1984 – is to enter service in spring 2013, followed by a sister ship a year later. The 141,000-ton vessel’s design is described as being an evolution of the line’s classic style of ships, including new features and expanded passenger space.
A glass-bottomed enclosed SeaWalk walkway on the ship’s starboard side 128 feet up will extend more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel. On the port side, passengers will find a similarly-unique cantilevered SeaView cocktail bar.
A new adults-only pool will be surrounded by seven private cabanas that appear to be floating on the water, according to the line. Two additional pools will flank a tropical island that will offer pool seating by day, and an outdoor dance club at night, complete with a water and light show.
The adults-only Sanctuary concept will be expanded both in size and amenities while the outdoor Movies Under the Stars will be expanded in size with high definition viewing.
Royal Princess will feature 260,000 square feet of inside public space featuring multiple dining and entertainment venues, as well as other special features and amenities which will be revealed over the coming months, the company said.
One of the line’s hallmark venues, the Piazza atrium, will be significantly expanded. Princess president and chief executive Alan Buckelew said: “Princess passengers will easily recognise our next ship as a natural progression in our fleet.
“We’re taking the best features of our newest vessels that have been such customer pleasers, and taking them to the next level. Just as the original Royal Princess ushered in a new era for our company with its innovative design, we expect our new Royal Princess to do the same.”