Princess’s Crown achievement

Cabins

The focus on the Crown Princess is on balcony staterooms, which account for about 60 percent of the cabins. Standard balcony cabins range from 233 to 285 square feet; more spacious digs can be had the ship’s suites, which range up to 1,279 square feet. Mini-suites (a good size at 324 square feet) have a private sitting area, two TVs, a tub in the bathroom, luxury mattresses and a choice of pillows (feather or nonallergenic). The 28 full-size suites (including two family suites) offer such extras as a walk-in closet, whirlpool tub in the bathroom, DVD player, one-time free bar setup, fresh flowers and plush bathrobes and slippers. All balconies are outfitted with reclining loungers and a small metal bistro set.

The smaller, ocean-view and inside cabins range from 158 to 182 square feet, and 25 cabins (in several categories) are handicap-accessible. All cabins are outfitted with twin beds that convert to a queen, a telephone, hair dryer, safe, mini-fridge, closet, bathroom with shower, and television. The décor is in tasteful colors of gold, peach, blue and green.

I truly enjoyed the comfy confines of my mini-suite on Deck 9, but there was no privacy on my balcony. All balconies on this deck are uncovered, which means that everyone above can look down on you. Princess designed the balconies this way because customers wanted more sun. Since I like my skin cancer-free, I ventured out only during sunless hours, which, unfortunately, were few. Tip: Want the best of both worlds? The standard balcony cabins on Deck 10 offer bigger balconies than do the mini-suites, and they are half covered, allowing for both sun and shade.

Entertainment

The “Escape Completely” theme really finds its mark in the ship’s entertainment offerings, which are many and varied. Lavish, high-tech production shows play throughout the cruise in the Princess Theater. Smaller productions are mounted in the various lounge venues. The Piazza hosts all kinds of acts all day, including a pianist, an opera singer, a string quartet, 50s-style quartet singers, jugglers, clowns, people who pretend to be statues and one very odd mime who, as my daughter found out, likes to stick participants’ fingers up his nose for a good laugh. (Tip: There’s a bathroom close by where you can wash off the mime snot.) The casino was always jam-packed, despite the smoke-filled rooms.

Taking its cue from TV reality shows, Princess has developed a new series of passenger competitions, and these were a huge hit on my cruise. In “Princess Pop Star,” you can croon your way to the top; in “Ballroom Blitz,” you can shake your booty to the top; in “The Bee@Sea,” you can S-P-E-L-L your way to the top. For those who can’t sing, dance or spell, there are “edu-tainment” options such as guest lectures and Princess’s “ScholarShip@Sea” program, which offers learning courses from culinary to computer arts. Internet access on board is a bit slow and, unfortunately for those with laptops, Wi-Fi is available only in the Piazza area. An excellent photography department offers both formal and informal portrait opportunities — great for those hard-to-get family pictures.

Another highlight: “Movies Under the Stars.” The giant 300-square-foot screen lights up with a variety of programs throughout the day and night, including first-run movies. I have to confess the most fun was the midnight showing of “Titanic”; there is nothing quite like watching a sinking cruise ship on a cruise ship.

In keeping with Princess’s romantic history as “The Love Boat,” the big screen is also used for live video proposals. I was lucky to witness one of these live “Engagement Under the Stars,” when Jonathan from Canada made his proposal to Esther, who, thank goodness, said “Yes!” The couple has already set a date and they plan to take their honeymoon on — you guessed it — the Crown Princess.

Sportier pursuits include mini-golf, basketball, tennis, jogging and golf practice (with a swing simulator or with the onboard golf pro; there is a fee). There is also a huge gym with weights and every cardiovascular machine you can think of. Aerobics classes are free, while yoga, meditation, Spinning and Pilates classes cost $10 each.

The Asian-inspired Lotus Spa, operated by Steiner Leisure, offers a tranquil environment and many exotic therapies. I had several excellent massages along with a facial and tooth whitening. To my surprise, I ended the whitening treatment seven shades whiter. The spa also has a small pool with an adjustable current for a workout that can equal many laps in a traditional pool.

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