Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess has started her season Down Under.

This Grand-class vessel of the Princess fleet started sailing in 1998, and at the time, was considered the largest and most expensive ship to build.

She was extensively refurbished in 2019, with upgrades to the cabins and suites as well as public spaces. She has the capacity to accommodate 3100 passengers.

Grand Princess is completing an 18-day voyage to Queensland that started on October 26 and is set to offer a series of cruises down under this summer. 

Suites and staterooms

Grand Princess has a total of 1301 cabins including 215 Suites, 502 Balcony, 218 Oceanview, and 366 Inside. Additionally, it also has 27 accessible or wheelchair-friendly staterooms. 

The ship’s only Grand Suite measures 57 square metres and has a balcony of 11 square metres in an area that can accommodate four passengers. It is located at the portside aft on deck 12. It’s the largest accommodation on the ship and it includes some additional perks. Guests will get a complimentary mini-bar set-up and an enhanced turn-down service.

The 24-stateroom Balcony Suite is divided in several sub-categories namely: S2-Owners, S3-Penthouse, S4-Premium, S5-S6-Vista. Additionally, Balcony Suite staterooms measure from 31 – 38 square metres. The Balcony Suite can accommodate up to 4 passengers. 

On the other hand, the 7-stateroom Window Suite can accommodate 3 guests. It measures 30-32 square metres

Furthermore, the ship’s Mini Suite accommodation has a total of 180 staterooms with a uniform area of 32 square metres and a balcony that measures 8 square metres. 

Grand Princess also has a 502-stateroom Balcony Cabin that measures 16 square metres. Each stateroom has a total room capacity of four passengers. The Oceanview on the other hand, has 218 staterooms distributed into 4 decks. Oceanview staterooms range from 15-18 square metres in area. 

The vessel’s most budget-friendly accommodation is the Interior Cabin which has 366 staterooms. Interiors can accommodate up to four guests in bunk beds and range from 15-17 square metres in area. 

Dining and culinary experience

Grand Princess has three main dining rooms: Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. Michelangelo is strictly for anytime dining. Da Vinci on the other hand offers both set-seating dining and Anytime Dining. Additionally, Da Vinci also has waiter-served breakfast. As for Botticelli, this restaurant offers set-seating dinners. All these three main dining rooms serve the same menu for dinner. 

Guests who are into casual dining may head to Horizon Court buffet which offers a selection of meals from all around the world. Try the Indian cuisine – it’s delicious. 

Additionally, Horizon Court transforms into Café Caribe at night and offers flavours of the Caribbean. Guests may feast on specialties like Paella-Style Prawns, Whole Roast Suckling Pig, and Jerk Chicken. 

For guests who like to grab a freshly baked croissant, there’s always the 24/7 International Café located in the Piazza. It is home to an ever-changing array of small-bite meals, treats, and gourmet beverages.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria

For passengers who crave hand-tossed pizza, there’s always the open kitchen-designed Alfredo’s Pizzeria. The staff make the dough fresh and you’ll find a lovely selection of pizzas. The chefs will create a signature pizza for each Princess ship. On the Grand Princess pizza, you’ll find it topped with buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, parma ham, and shaved parmesan.

Aside from the complimentary dining experience, guests may opt to try the ship’s specialty dining where menus reflect the regional flavors from around the world. 

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria

This restaurant houses the famed handmade pasta and risotto. Thanks to the culinary magic of Chef Angelo Auriana—executive chef of renowned Los Angeles restaurant The Factory Kitchen. 

Crown Grill

Princess Crown Grill is tagged as “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses”. It offers premium aged beef. Here, chefs provide cook-to-order top-notch cuts of beef, chops, and seafood.

Chef’s Table

The Chef’s Table offers a multi-course dinner and champagne for special occasions. Guests will receive a personalized autographed copy of Princess’ best-selling cookbook, a handwritten copy of the special menu as well as a complimentary photo.

Ultimate balcony dining

This means a private dining room with a view. Guests will enjoy a multi-course meal, which includes succulent lobster tail and juicy steak, guests’ choice beverage, and hors d’oeuvres. These are all served right on the guests’ own balcony by the ship’s dedicated waitstaff. 

Onboard activities

Just like with the other vessels under the Princess fleet, Grand Princess also has a long list of offered activities for guests to enjoy. 

Grand Princess also has the princess’ signature European-style piazza where performers roam around. Guests are also in for a treat with a spiral staircase and glass-walled lifts that provide panoramic views. 

There’s also an exclusive open-air poolside amphitheater where guests can watch films, concerts, and other events. This gives guests a ‘movie under the stars’ vibe. 

The Princess Theater, the ship’s largest theater, showcases Broadway-style productions at sea. 

For couples who wish to have some rejuvenation and relaxation moments, they may indulge in an adults-only retreat called the Sanctuary. 

There are also The Treehouse, The Lodge, and The Beach House as recreational hubs for kids to enjoy and bond. 

Grand Princess deck plan

Grand Princess deck plan showcases a total of 1301 staterooms, 14 restaurants and bars, 7 lounges, 4 swimming pools, 8 outdoor jacuzzis, and 14 elevators. 

The Piazza, the International Cafe, Vines Bar, Alfredo’s, and the Michelangelo Dining Room are all located on deck 5 with the Interior (IC, IF) and Oceanview (OC, OF) accommodations. 

On the other hand, one deck up are the Shops of Princess where guests get to buy some signature items onboard, the Grand Casino, and two of the three main dining rooms: Da Vinci and Botticelli. 

The ship’s deck 7 houses some of the specialty dining restaurants like Sabatini’s and Crown Grill. It also has the Explorer’s Lounge and the Vista Lounge. 

Decks 8 through 12 are all staterooms with the Terrace Pool on Deck 12. On the other hand, Deck 14 is home to Horizon Court, Calypso’s Reef and Pool, and Neptune’s Reef and Pool. There is also a portion of the deck where some staterooms are located. 

For partygoers, fun seekers, and spa enthusiasts, there’s always deck 15 to cater to their needs. This deck houses the Lotus Spa, the amphitheater where “Movies Under the Sun” happens, the Conservatory, and the One5 lounge.