Introducing
the Ocean Princess
Year Built: 1999
Last Refurbished: 2009
Gross Tonnage: 30,200 tons
Passenger Capacity: 670
Crew Size: 373
The Ocean Princess is the smallest ship in Princess' fleet, and the only type of ship that can call on islands in the South Pacific. Several Scuba Cruise Alums - my resident experts - have been on her sister ship, and are familiar with the benefits of cruising on such a small ship. But for those of us who have always cruised on much larger ships, it will be a new experience. Besides the smaller size and more intimate feel to the ship, the ship has only two seating times for dinner and one formal dining room. Dining options are somewhat limited. Based on my online research, you will notice that Burgundy carpets and dark woods dominate the decor throughout the ship, creating a completely different feel than the peachy tones on newer mega-ships like Crown and Caribbean Princess. Sitting areas on either side of the reception desk feature sedate blue couches around a coffee table on Oriental-style carpeting - this is where the dive group will meet every morning to disembark the ship.
Princess acquired the 30,277-ton, 680-passenger ship and sister-ship Pacific Princess in 2002 from now-defunct Renaissance Cruises where it was one of eight near-identical mid-size ships. Its one of two "R-class" ships in Princess' fleet. (Pacific Princess is largely identical.) The exterior received the bulk of the changes: The ship was outfitted with Princess' trademark blue-tinted windows and a fresh coat of white paint. However, the interior went untouched. The lobby resembles that of a boutique hotel, with a grand staircase reminiscent of the Titanic as a dramatic focal point with wrought iron railings. Even some of the signage remains from the ship's Renaissance days. The oval plaque outside Sterling Steakhouse, for example, reads simply the Grill; if you are looking for Sabatini's, Princess' Italian eatery, well that's labeled Italian Restaurant. Entertainment options and most ship amenities typical of Princess will still be there, but on a slightly smaller scale. The dining room menu will also be identical to what you have seen in the past on Princess ships.
Staterooms
There are 334 staterooms in total, and a whopping 92 percent are outsides (there are only 26 inside cabins at 158 square feet), 75 percent of which have verandahs. Moving up the scale, there are 76 standard outside cabins (again, these measure between 146 and 206 square feet), 170 outsides with private balconies (216 square feet with the balcony), 52 mini-suites (322 square feet with the balcony) and 10 top-of-the-line Owner's Suites (again, from 786 to 962 square feet with the balcony -- most are approximately 874 square feet). There are just five types of staterooms onboard Ocean Princess: Interior Double, Oceanview Double, Oceanview Double with Balcony, Mini-Suites and Owner's Suites. What's important, though, is that size may vary even within like groups. Oceanview Doubles, for example, clock in between 146 and 206 square feet -- that's a pretty big range (Categories CC on Deck 7 and G on Deck 6 are the roomiest); likewise for the Owner's Suites, which measure approximately 786 square feet to 962 square feet with the verandah (figure an average of 874).
Deck Plans
Before booking a cabin, it's recommended you check out the deck plans - click here to see your options.
