EMERALD PRINCESS
A Crown Class icon. Renowned for its tiered decks, intimate "Skywalker's" nightclub, and a 2019 refit that added Steamers and Planks.
- Guests
- 3,080
- Tonnage
- 113,561
- Launch
- 2007
- Crew
- 1,200
The Prodigy Verdict
Reliable Charm.
Emerald Princess represents the golden era of the "Grand Class" design (technically Crown Class). It feels familiar, warm, and easy to navigate. Unlike the newer mega-ships, the Emerald prioritizes connection to the sea with a wraparound promenade deck and tiered aft pools. While it lacks the "Sphere" of the newest ships, it compensates with unique venues like "Steamers Seafood" and "Planks BBQ"—two casual dining concepts that many loyalists prefer over the newer options. It is a workhorse of the fleet, deployed on the most interesting long-haul routes.
- Destinations First: It sails the Panama Canal and Hawaii, where the ports are the star.
- Value Seekers: Often priced significantly lower than Sun/Star Princess.
- Traditionalists: Fans of the classic promenade deck and aft pool.
- Skywalker's Access: The moving walkway to the nightclub has been removed/disabled on some ships in this class; verify onboard.
- Crowds: The Piazza can get very crowded during peak events as it is smaller than on newer ships.
- No Park 19: Families with active teens might miss the ropes courses found on newer vessels.
The Classics
This ship features the layout that made Princess famous, including the signature Skywalker's Nightclub.
The Piazza
The three-story atrium hub. While smaller than the Sphere Class, it remains the energetic core of the ship with street performers and the International Café.
Skywalker's
The iconic "shopping cart handle" structure suspended high aft. It is a quiet observation lounge by day and a nightclub by night.
The Sanctuary
The original adults-only retreat. On this class, it is located forward, just below the gym. It offers plush loungers and afternoon tea (extra cost).
MUTS
"Movies Under The Stars." The massive poolside LED screen. Princess pioneered this, and it remains a nightly favorite with popcorn and blankets.
Terrace Pool
The aft pool. A tiered, amphitheater-style deck that offers great wake views. It is generally quieter than the main Lido pools.
Vines
A dedicated wine bar in the Piazza. Famous for offering complimentary tapas and sushi with the purchase of wine (verify current policy onboard).
Explorers Lounge
A secondary show lounge featuring cabaret acts, art auctions, and game shows. It has an Egyptian-themed décor on this ship.
The Links
A 9-hole putting course located high on the sports deck. A fun diversion on sea days with surprising views.
Dining & Provisions
Emerald Princess features a great balance of included dining and unique casual options like Planks and Steamers.
Main Dining
3 Venues
Botticelli (Traditional), Michelangelo, and Da Vinci (Anytime). Reliable menus that rotate daily with "Princess Favorites" always available.
Steamers Seafood
Family Style
A pop-up style venue in the aft buffet area. Mussels, clams, and shrimp boils. *Cover charge applies, or included with Plus/Premier.
Planks BBQ
American BBQ
Opposite Steamers. Ribs, chili, and coleslaw served on wooden planks. *Cover charge applies, or included with Plus/Premier.
International Café
24-Hour Bistro
Located in the Piazza. The coffee costs extra (unless you have a package), but the donuts, sandwiches, and salads are free and excellent.
Crown Grill
Steakhouse
Dark wood, open kitchen, and premium chops. The "Salt" selection (choosing your own finishing salts) is a nice touch.
Sabatini's
Italian Trattoria
Located near Skywalker's on this ship (great views). Offers a multi-course Italian feast centered around handmade pastas.
Salty Dog Gastropub
Wheelhouse Bar
A pub-style takeover of the Wheelhouse Bar at night. Famous for the "Ernesto Burger" (rib eye and short rib patty).
Slice Pizzeria
Pool Deck
Complimentary pizza by the slice on the Lido deck. Princess is widely considered to have the best poolside pizza in the industry.
Where It Sails
Emerald Princess is an itinerary specialist, deployed on longer and more exotic routes than the Royal Class ships.
- 15-Day Panama Canal (Full Transit)
- 16-Day Hawaii (Roundtrip LA)
- British Isles & Northern Europe
This is one of the few ships small enough to fit through the "old" locks of the Panama Canal (Panamax size), offering a more historic experience.
Check Availability
See current pricing for Emerald Princess sailings.
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Cost Reality
Older hardware often means better pricing. Emerald Princess is frequently one of the best value ships for long itineraries.
- Main Dining Rooms
- International Café (Food)
- Slice Pizzeria (Poolside)
- Basic MedallionService
- Steamers & Planks*
- Salty Dog Gastropub
- The Sanctuary (Day Pass)
- Crown Grill / Sabatini's
*The "Princess Plus" package usually includes two casual dining covers (like Planks or Steamers) per voyage. The "Premier" package offers unlimited.
The Vibe Check
Is this ship for you? It is traditional, quiet, and destination-focused.
Relaxed. You won't find go-karts or laser tag here. The entertainment is focused on enrichment lectures, live music in the Piazza, and production shows.
Skews older (55+) on the longer Canal and Hawaii routes. However, during holidays and summer Europe sailings, families utilize the generous kids' clubs.
Ready to explore? Check pricing below.
Cabin Recon
The Emerald Princess cabin structure is famous for its large balconies, but be aware of the "tiered" design privacy implications.
Caribe Deck Balcony
The gold standard. These balconies are larger than standard and are 50% covered/50% uncovered, offering the best of both worlds.
Mini-Suite
Located on Dolphin Deck. These offer a sitting area and a bathtub. Warning: The balconies have no roof, so decks above can see you.
Owner's Suite
The ultimate aft-facing experience. Located on the corners of the stern, these suites offer massive wrap-around balconies with wake views.