Crown Princess From Southampton
Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess has arrived in Southampton to begin her summer season in the UK, sailing on a series of 12-night voyages. The 3,080-guest vessel has over 1,500 cabins, including nearly 900 balconies. There are 19 decks; 18 restaurants, cafes and bars; four swimming pools; and at a length of over 950 feet, is around the size of three football pitches.
Part of the same series of ships as Ruby and Emerald Princess, the 3,082-passenger Crown Princess entered service in 2006. This may be one of the larger ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, but it never really feels crowded. This ship literally has something to appeal to all ages with an excellent two-deck high playroom for kids and teens; not to mention an under-18’s pool, hot tubs and open-deck area at the stern. For adults, the sheer depth and breadth of programming, day and night, is almost exhausting - there really is something going on every minute of the day, whether it’s lectures, karaoke, yoga classes, or wine tastings.
Crown Princess will be the first UK-based ship to feature the multi award-winning Ocean Medallion technology. The Medallion is intended to make every guest feel like a VIP and helps them relax and enjoy their cruise from the moment they are ready to step onboard. The device is the same size as a 10 pence piece and replaces more traditional cruise cards. The Medallion’s instant technology makes it quicker and easier to get on and off the ship. Once onboard it opens guests’ doors when they approach, which is ideal for anyone who already has their hands full or is with small children.
The Medallion’s ‘compass’ feature means guests can find and stay connected with friends and family onboard, as well as navigate their way around the ship. It also allows guests to order drinks and snacks, plus holiday essentials such as suntan lotion and swimming goggles, to most parts of the ship.
Princess Cruises is offering a 12-night British Isles cruise, departing 17 August 2019 on Crown Princess. Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, ports of call include St Peter Port (Guernsey); Cork; Dublin; Belfast; Greenock (Glasgow); Invergordon, South Queensferry (Edinburgh); and Le Havre for Paris and Normandy).
In September, Crown Princess will make her way to Fort Lauderdale for roundtrip Caribbean sailings. The ship will return to the UK from May to November 2020, where she will sail from Southampton on a series of voyages to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and northern Europe.
- 25th May 2019
Gary Buchanan
Edinburgh-born Gary Buchanan has been a travel writer for over 30 years. He has been a specialist cruise writer for 25 years contributing to leading British publications including national newspapers and consumer magazines. He is the author of five books about cruising and spends over seven months every year at sea sailing the world’s oceans.