INteresting info on Princess Cruises newest ship..

[Natasha]

Newest 'Love Boat' Will Arrive in Ft. Lauderdale on April 1 for Special Wedding/Christening

Princess' newest "Love Boat," Caribbean Princess, was delivered to the cruise line yesterday in Monfalcone, Italy by the ship's builder, Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani. The new 113,000-ton vessel will set sail today for Ft. Lauderdale where it is scheduled to arrive on April 1.

The 3,100-passenger ship, which has been designed specifically for Caribbean cruising, and is the first ship Princess Cruises will base in this destination year-round, will be christened on April 2 by "Love Boat" actress Jill Whelan (who, for nearly a decade, played Captain's Stubing's TV daughter). Whelan will not only become the vessel's godmother, but will be the first christener to also become a bride when she marries fiance Michael Chaykowsky onboard Caribbean Princess the same evening.


Caribbean Princess will set sail on her inaugural Caribbean cruise on April 3 for a roundtrip voyage to the Western Caribbean. The ship will cruise roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale with an itinerary featuring calls at Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios (or Montego Bay), Cozumel and Princess Cays, Princess' private beach call in the Bahamas. The vessel will then offer alternating Eastern Caribbean itineraries with stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Princess Cays.


The Caribbean Princess will provide a number of unique Caribbean touches, including the outdoor Movies Under the Stars LED screen, a special Cafe Caribe dining venue and a variety of island-flavored entertainment options. The ship also debuts Princess' own in-house Lotus Spa and includes many of the line's trademark touches, such as the alternative Trattoria Sabattini restaurant, three separate dining rooms and show lounges, an Internet cafe, a wedding chapel and four swimming pools.

 

[richhagelin]

Too bad that they are going to use Jamacia as a stop. The diving there sucks. While Costa Maya diving isn't as good as oter caribbean destinations, it beats Rio Ochos (IMNTBHO)

Rich

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Caribbean Princess ... will cruise roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale with an itinerary featuring calls at Grand Cayman, ...

Like we need another one.

It's debut in Grand Cayman on April 7 makes it one of six ships in port that day. Caribbean Princess reports a capacity of 1900. They will join an additional 17,887 of their friends and neighbors visiting our little island.

Anyone want to go to Stingray City that morning? :shakehead

 

[Aquatic Eagle]

Like we need another one.

It's debut in Grand Cayman on April 7 makes it one of six ships in port that day. Caribbean Princess reports a capacity of 1900. They will join an additional 17,887 of their friends and neighbors visiting our little island.

Anyone want to go to Stingray City that morning? :shakehead

It's cool to hear about more ships joining the cruise fleet but I have to agree with Drew. Has anyone seen Stingray City lately? It's terribly packed and honestly, the reef outside the sandbar is so much better to see than Stingray City itself. Outside the sandbar I saw a five foot eel, tons of brain coral that's actually in good condition, and a huge eagle ray. Stingray City is overrated bigtime. People are going to start falling off of the side of the sandbar soon it's getting so packed.

 

[Natasha]

Here's some info on NCL's new ship..

NCL's new Norwegian Spirit sails from Miami beginning November 19, 2004 with unique 5- and 9- day cruises to the Caribbean. Purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, Norwegian Spirit provides the ultimate in comfort and convenience.

NCL's new Norwegian Spirit sails from Miami beginning November 19, 2004 with unique 5- and 9- day cruises to the Caribbean. Purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, Norwegian Spirit provides the ultimate in comfort and convenience. And the unique 9-day itinerary offers the best of the Deep Southern Caribbean from Miami, with a Friday-Sunday rotation allowing clients to only take a week off work. All with the simplicity of a quick flight or drive to Miami.

Norwegian Spirit offers the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Cruising with some of the most outstanding accommodations and facilities at sea...

Accommodations

18 Suites. With balcony, bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Not to mention butler and concierge service as well.

Almost 600 Oceanview Staterooms. Over 65% with private balconies!

Almost 400 Inside Staterooms. Combining luxury and value for those on a budget.

Over 300 Connecting Staterooms. Ideal for family get-togethers, connecting staterooms are available in a wide variety of categories
Click here to preview Norwegian Spirit staterooms online

Eight Restaurants

Windows Restaurant. One of the ship's main restaurants, Windows offers five-course feasts and panoramic views through two-story windows.

The Garden Room Restaurant. A more intimate ambiance prevails in this main restaurant offering five-course dining as well as Cooking Light® dishes.

Maxim's. Perfectly grilled steaks are served with all the delicious trimmings in this elegant restaurant.

Le Bistro (Tai Pan). French specialties in this bistro-style restaurant.

Shogun Asian Restaurant. Three dining experiences in one, Shogun features a teppanyaki room, sushi bar and sit-down Asian Fusion restaurant.

La Trattoria. Pasta and Italian style appetizers and desserts

Raffles Buffet and Terraces. Casual buffet style dining indoors or outdoors.

Blue Lagoon. Open 24 hours a day, this is the perfect spot for a quick snack or between-meals treat.
Extraordinary children's and teen facilities. The largest dedicated area for children and teens in Alaska cruising offers such features as a computer gallery, kid's-only cinema and video arcade. A comprehensive babysitting facility is also available.

Buccaneer's Wet & Wild. Children's pool area is complete with slides, a paddling pool and a hot tub just for kids.

Roman Spa and Fitness Center. Offers an Aqua swim jet current exercise pool, full gym and complete jogging circuit.

Maharajah's Casino. All the favorite table games and slots in this exciting casino.

Moulin Rouge Showroom. Inspired by the famous French show lounge, this 900-seat, multi-level theater is the site of spectacular Broadway and Vegas-style shows.

Galaxy of the Stars. Elegant top-of-the-ship lounge for nightly live music, dancing and cocktails.

Celebrity Disco. Laser lights and music to match make this a high-energy dance favorite into the wee hours.

 

[Aquatic Eagle]

Yes, the Norwegian Spirit is currently the Superstar Leo...owned by Star Cruises, our mother company. She will be doing Alaska cruises before changing to the Caribbean. I have many friends onboard the Wind that will be flying to Hong Kong to board the ship soon. It will be a great experience for them and I am jealous definitely. Oh well, one day I'll have the seniority for things like this. Until then, I'm only a few months old.