An Emerald Princess cruise is for the passenger who enjoys plenty of onboard activities, nightlife options and alternative dining. The Emerald princess ship was launched in 2007, accommodates 3,080 passengers and has an international crew. The ship is roomy and has numerous balcony staterooms. Due to excellent planning, Emerald Princess has ample facilities for passengers, so no one area of the ship seems overcrowded.
1. Onboard Activities
Four large outdoor deck areas comprise 1.7 acres, giving passengers ample space. Emerald has 4 swimming pools, 9 hot tubs and a variety of fitness and spa choices. The Sanctuary is new on Emerald and Crown Princess. This is a tranquil adults-only spa area, with private cabanas for massage treatments. Loungers to recline on while listening to peaceful music add to the relaxing atmosphere. Next to the Sanctuary is the Thermal Suite, which offers aromatherapy saunas. Guests may order energy drinks and lemonade or healthy, light meals such as fruit skewers or spring rolls wrapped in lettuce.
One of the new additions to Emerald is the international cafe, the Piazza. The Piazza features a stage where impromptu performances by jugglers, magicians and costumed performers take place. Specialty coffees, sandwiches and tapas are on the menu. The wine bar, Vines, features a variety of excellent wines served by the glass.
Movies Under the Stars offers up to 4 movies that are first-run or near first-run on an enormous 300-foot screen over the pool. Cool off in the pool and watch a great feature film at the same time.
2. Sample Delicious Cuisine
Unlike many cruise ships, Emerald has 3 smaller dining rooms, a plus for passengers who want a quieter dining experience. Two dining rooms offer Personal Choice Dining, and the third has traditional, fixed seating.
Sabatini's Trattoria is an alternative venue. Guests sample all the courses on the menu, the only choice being the entree. Foccacia bread with olive oil is served, followed by antipasti, salads, homemade pasta and soup. Emerald Princess reviews say Sabatini's is excellent. The Crown Grill features steaks and seafood, cooked to order. Gourmet cuisine is custom cooked in an open kitchen. Lobster, veal, beef chops and seafood are popular menu items.
The Horizon Court serves buffet-style food round the clock. Selections from the dining room menu may be ordered in the evening. For a special occasion, you can book an Ultimate Balcony Dinner served in your stateroom.
3. Evening Entertainment
There are a number of nightlife options on Emerald, so you're sure to find something you'll enjoy. The production shows feature lavish costumes and high-tech special effects. The cabaret performers are polished and talented. The ship's casino has a wide variety of slots and table games and is open until the early morning for those who want to try their luck.
The Wheelhouse Bar has a nautical theme, a dance floor and a piano and is cozy and comfortable. The Explorer's Club has the usual art auctions and trivia games during the day and dancing in the evening. The showroom is the Princess Theater, featuring Vegas-type shows, magicians and comedians. The Fusion Show Lounge has dance bands of different genres and karaoke. Once you've spent a night or two on the ship, you're sure to find the perfect nightspot.