The decks…

Plaza Deck (5): The Plaza deck is the first thing you see when entering the ship. The atrium is 3 decks high and topped with a beautiful stained glass. A piano player is entertaining guest at cocktail time and you can find lots cozy chairs. It also has a lobby bar. You'll also find one of two Purser's desk. Just on the right of the purser's desk, you can find a nicely (although small) furbished library. I recommend you go as early as possible if you don't have a clue of what to see on your trip because the travel books are leaving fast. Just beside, you have Players, the card room that features also games like Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit), for those afternoon at sea, in case you really wouldn't`t know what to do. There is also a writing room. On the back of the ship, you'll also find the Michelangelo, one of the main dining room.

The Fiesta deck (6): is the host of the Botticelli (which is only accessible by a rear stairs, which is weird) and Leonardo main dining rooms, princess boutiques, the casino ( not too tacky and features some cool holographic sea life pictures) and the fabulous Princess Theatre which is 2 decks high.

The Promenade deck (7): Features well… the wraparound promenade which will become one of Justin and I’s favorite place, the Painted Desert, the Tex-Mex alternative dining option, the Heart and Minds chapel where the captain can tie the lovers’ knot should you decide to get married. The Explorer Lounge has a an Egyptian-Indian feel and is a venue for art auctions during the day, shows and becomes a dance-hall and karaoke performance stage (passengers can also become performers on the last night of the cruise with the passenger’s talent contest).
The Wheelhouse bar has a gentlemen club feel, here, the nautical theme is dominant and it’s very cozy. You will also find La Trattoria, the Italian dining option and last but not least: the Vista Showlounge, one of the busiest place on the ship. During the day, you can watch movies, play bingo, attend lectures and at night, you can… also watch movies and see performances like stand-up comedians. A piece of advice, be early on performance night or you will be stuck behind a pillar that blocks your view. And going from the boutiques to the Vista Lounge, you have a big alley were the photo-service is installed. You will find your ship pictures on display and for you to purchase.

The Lido deck (13) is the second busiest deck on ship with two pools: the Poseidon Pool where all the action is and the Calypso Pool with its retractable roof (great for bad weather or cool sea breeze). By the way, you will find the Poseidon Grill by the pool which serves you the usual fast-food things (burgers’n fries) and the Pizzeria (go have a try, they’re delicious and there is a special pizza everyday). There is also Scoops, the ice-cream parlor, but you have to pay, it’s a haagen-dasz concession. Words of advice: if you come to the Horizon Court between 3:30 and 5:30, vanilla and Chocolate ice-cream is available (with the indispensable fudges and cream). Further back, the Horizon Court which has a 24 hours buffet and is Justin's favourite place. The aft Terrace is a very nice place to have your breakfast if you don't wake up too late (the heat sets it quickly) with the adult-only terrace pool down on the Aloha deck.

The main attraction of the Sun Deck (14) is the Plantation Spa. If you don’t feel like it (or can’t afford, it doesn’t come cheap) to have a massage, you can use the Lap Pool, the sauna and the gym. if you are thinking about having a spa treatment, it is better you go right away there and make your appointment as it gets all booked up very quickly. It’s also the area where kids are kings which the Fun Zone for the young ones and Off-Limits, a teenagers’ only nook. For the kids and kids at heart, there is also Voyage of Discovery, an arcade heaven but it’s not cheap! The Conservatory is a relaxing place, overlooking the calypso pool. Ideal for your afternoon tea.

The Sport deck (15) has a tennis court-volley-ball-basket ball court and a jogging track that runs all along the ship. There is a golf simulator as well, PrincessLinks.

And finally, the Sky Deck (17) which has perhaps the neatest feature of the ship : the Skywalker Lounge, a nightclub hanging above the rest of the ship and which gives the Grand class ships that distinctive look. To access the lounge, there is a glass walkway (that is all lit up with neon at night). The Lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows with a superb view during the day. If you go during the day, you won’t find anyone there and you can spend a quiet time.

But the time to sail away was near and quick, we ran to the lido deck to see our departure. Justin and I thought we’d have the Loveboat theme. Alas! I guess since they’ve been bought by P&O… But, with a LoveBoat cocktail on my hand (with the colours of Princess: blue, green and white), sun in my eyes, music in my ears… Anchors off! We saluted Fort Lauderdale as we left and waved at people at the parking lot that was watching us … thinking that only 6 months ago, we were the ones standing in the parking lot!

The ship slowly backed up in channel and we were gone, everybody gathered at the back of the ship to see Fort Lauderdale disappearing with the setting sun.

The Conservatory