As the June 2013 launch of Princess Cruises’ latest ship – the new Royal Princess – approaches, additional details about her exciting features emerge. Now we know the specifics of The Sanctuary and the adults-only Retreat Pool beyond the previously announced top-deck attractions – seen above and also outlined below. The size of these newly announced areas have been increased from Princess Cruises’ existing fleet and will include three varieties of new private cabanas for rent.
Royal Princess’ New Cabanas (Copyright © Princess Cruises)
“The private spa-inspired setting of The Sanctuary and the calm atmosphere of our adults-only pools have made them among the more popular areas on our ships,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “So aboard Royal Princess we’re taking both of these areas and giving them a new twist.” Explore these new spaces in the video and details below:
(Copyright © Princess Cruises)
The Sanctuary – This oasis of tranquility will feature all the special touches that have made The Sanctuary so popular since it was first introduced on Crown Princess in 2006, plus a number of new features. With a 20 percent larger space than on the line’s other ships, The Sanctuary adds four private Sanctuary Cabanas for more luxurious experience, plus two Lotus Spa Cabanas offering an elegant private space for a range of spa treatments. Featuring the air of a romantic hideaway under its distinctive white canopy cover, The Sanctuary design includes strategically placed rock gardens and special topiary planting with atmospheric lighting. These new elements create an inviting path leading to a new central pavilion. Passengers can relax on luxurious plush lounge chairs or circular daybeds, while Serenity Stewards provide healthy refreshments and music players with peaceful music. Space in The Sanctuary can be reserved for $15 for a half day/$25 for a full day, per person.
Sanctuary Cabanas – Within The Sanctuary, four new Sanctuary Cabanas offer an even more exclusive and special experience with amenities such as a personal television with noise-reducing wireless headphones, cushy sofas, luxurious robe and slippers, a welcome cocktail, and healthy snacks including nuts, and dried and fresh fruit. The cabana also features a fully stocked mini-bar with refreshing waters and sodas, as well as a choice of alcoholic options, including beer or wine. Sanctuary Cabanas will be available beginning at $80 for a half day.
Lotus Spa Cabanas – The two new, luxurious Lotus Spa Cabanas offer a truly special alfresco massage experience. These larger, enclosed areas will offer added privacy, a comfortable resting area with a television and plush chairs, a treatment area with two massage tables for a refreshing couples massage and beautiful ocean views looking out over the front of the ship. A variety of packages will be available for the Lotus Spa Cabanas.
Retreat Pool – Adjacent to The Sanctuary, the Retreat Pool will offer an exclusive area for adults to relax and rejuvenate. The Retreat Pool on Royal Princess will offer more space and seating than the adult pools on other Princess vessels, plus add new Retreat Cabanas that can be reserved for an enhanced experience. These cabanas are the perfect way to enjoy private space poolside, or even add the indulgence of one of the ship’s special picnic baskets. The Retreat Pool is open to all adults, and Retreat Pool Cabana rental will be available beginning at $50 for a half day.
Cabana Picnic – Passengers reserving a cabana in The Sanctuary or the Retreat Pool can not only enjoy the privacy and relaxed atmosphere, but can also pamper themselves with a gourmet picnic featuring a premium bottle of wine paired with a gourmet feast of antipasti, artisan sandwiches, pizza and even fresh-baked desserts. Picnic items passengers may find in their basket include Young Spinach Salad with Stilton Crumble, Pancetta Chips, Toasted Pecans and Black Pepper Vinaigrette; Ahi Tuna Poke with Hass Avocado, Red Onions, Sesame Seeds and Crisp Wonton Skins; and Alfredo’s Surf & Turf Pizza with Lobster Medallions & Beef Tenderloin. Baskets serving two people will begin at $40.
Other Top-Deck Features
(Copyright © Princess Cruises)
Sea Walk — Extending 28 feet beyond the starboard side of the ship, the SeaWalk will be one of the ship’s most striking features. At 60 feet long and hovering 128 feet above the ocean, this dramatic glass-bottomed walkway offers unparalleled views available on no other ship. Just as the captain on the bridge can look through glass panels in the floor of the bridge to get a look at the sea conditions below, passengers will now have that same sense of stepping out from the side of the ship for a breathtaking experience. Across the ship the SeaView Bar also extends over the waves for cocktails with unbeatable vistas.
Fresh Water Pools — Directly adjacent to the SeaWalk on the ship’s expansive top deck area passengers will find a host of lounging options, beautiful palm trees, and two fresh water pools flanking an island area between them. During the day passengers can relax and rejuvenate poolside in a variety of seating options, including circular loungers, garden-style furniture, bar-height tables and stools, and chaise lounges. In the pool areas, entertainment options will include games and live music inspired by the ship’s ports of call.
Water and Light Show — At night, the top deck of Royal Princess will transform with architectural lighting effects to set the mood. The island area between the two pools will become a stage showcasing an interactive sound and light show featuring dancing fountains. With a sophisticated lighting and sound system, and a computerized fountain featuring 85 water jets, passengers will marvel as streams of water shoot 33 feet into the night sky.
Movies Under the Stars — Princess’ signature poolside theater will feature a 30 percent larger screen for true widescreen viewing, coupled with a high-tech visual and audio system for an unforgettable open-air movie-going experience. Passengers can enjoy movies, sporting events, and concerts while relaxing on a comfortable chaise lounge, complete with pillow, blanket, and free popcorn. For those who’d like to watch from the water, the ship’s large whirlpool spas above the pools offer great sightlines for enjoying Movies Under the Stars while soaking.
Evening Entertainment — On select evenings, the island will be transformed into an outdoor dance floor and will play host to the popular Ultimate Deck Party. Perched two decks up on a special balcony, a DJ will get the crowd moving with an energetic music mix.
For more information on the new Royal Princess, head on over to Princess Cruises’ website here.
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OUTLINE COPY AND HEADER IMAGE SOURCE: PRINCESS CRUISES