Emerald Princess: My Guide to Life Onboard

When I’m looking at cruise ships, I want a little bit of everything. Great food, somewhere lovely to relax, entertainment worth getting dressed up for and, naturally, plenty of opportunities to enjoy a cocktail while watching the world go by. Discover my Emerald Princess onboard experience.

…And that’s why Emerald Princess caught my attention.

This Princess Cruises ship combines traditional cruise ship charm with a fantastic choice of restaurants, entertainment venues, pools and places to unwind. It’s not one of those ships where you need to spend every waking minute rushing between activities. There’s plenty to enjoy, whether you’re looking for a busy holiday or simply fancy taking things at a slightly slower pace.

I’ve been looking at what Emerald Princess has to offer, and there are a few things that would definitely make my cruise wish list. Here’s what I’d be looking forward to.

Getting to Know Emerald Princess

Emerald Princess is part of the Princess Cruises fleet and first entered service in 2007. With accommodation for around 3,080 guests, it’s a sizeable ship with plenty of space to explore.

What I particularly like is the mix of traditional cruise ship atmosphere and the range of facilities onboard.

There are several swimming pools, multiple dining venues, entertainment spaces and a good selection of lounges and bars. It feels like the sort of ship where you can enjoy a full day of activities or find a quiet corner and completely lose track of time.

One feature I’d be particularly interested in is The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat designed for guests looking for a little peace and quiet.

And with nearly 900 balcony staterooms, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your own private sea views.

If I were choosing a cabin, which is a big part of my Emerald Princess onboard experience, a balcony would certainly be tempting. There’s something rather appealing about enjoying your morning coffee while watching a new destination appear on the horizon.

You can find more details about the ship and available sailings on our Emerald Princess cruise ship page.

Dining on Emerald Princess: My Kind of Holiday Research

Let’s be honest, food is a pretty important part of any holiday for me.

I like having options, whether that’s a relaxed breakfast, a quick bite between activities or a proper sit-down meal in the evening. Emerald Princess certainly offers plenty of choice.

Crown Grill

This would be high on my dining wish list.

Crown Grill is Princess Cruises’ signature steakhouse, serving premium cuts of meat alongside seafood options in a more traditional restaurant setting.

If I fancied making an evening feel a little more special, this is where I’d be tempted to book.

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria

Italian food at sea? I’m struggling to find a downside.

Sabatini’s offers Italian-inspired dishes and a more leisurely dining experience, making it a good choice for an evening when you fancy something different from the main dining room.

I’d certainly be tempted by a few courses here. Holiday calories don’t count, do they?

International Café

This is one of those venues I can imagine visiting more than once a day.

Located in the Piazza, the International Café offers coffee, pastries, sandwiches, salads and sweet treats. It’s open around the clock, making it ideal for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up or something to satisfy those late-night cravings.

World Fresh Marketplace and Casual Dining

If I fancy something more relaxed, World Fresh Marketplace offers buffet dining with a variety of dishes.

There are also casual options including Slice Pizzeria, The Salty Dog Grill and Coffee & Cones for ice cream and coffee.

Personally, I think having an ice cream bar onboard is a very sensible decision. It’s practically a holiday essential.

Just remember that some speciality restaurants and dining experiences carry additional charges, so I’d always check what’s included in the cruise fare before booking.

Entertainment: What Would I Be Doing After Dinner?

I like a cruise that gives me options in the evening. Some nights I might fancy a theatre show, others a quiet drink, and occasionally something a little livelier.

Emerald Princess has several entertainment venues that would make my shortlist.

Princess Theatre

The Princess Theatre is the place to head for production shows and live performances.

I enjoy a good theatre experience, so having a dedicated venue onboard is something I’d look forward to. I’d definitely check the entertainment programme before sailing to see what’s on.

Movies Under the Stars

This is one of those cruise experiences I really like the sound of.

Imagine settling into a comfortable lounger, watching a film on a giant outdoor screen with the night sky above you and the ocean all around.

Movies Under the Stars also features concerts and other entertainment, making it a lovely way to spend an evening.

It’s certainly a step up from arguing over what to watch on television at home.

Skywalkers Nightclub

If I fancied something a little livelier, Skywalkers Nightclub would be worth investigating.

Positioned high towards the back of the ship, it’s a distinctive venue offering panoramic views alongside music and dancing.

I’m not promising I’ll be first on the dance floor, but a holiday is a holiday!

The Piazza

The Piazza is the social heart of the ship, inspired by traditional European squares.

With cafés, entertainment and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the atmosphere, it’s somewhere I’d happily spend time wandering around.

Sometimes you don’t need a big activity planned. A coffee, a good view and a little people-watching can be entertainment enough.

Pools, Relaxation and a Little Me Time

I’m all for exploring new destinations, but I also want some proper downtime when I’m on holiday.

Emerald Princess has four swimming pools and seven whirlpool spas, giving guests plenty of opportunities to relax between ports.

There are several pool areas to choose from, including Calypso Reef and Neptune’s Reef, while The Sanctuary provides an adults-only space for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere.

If I wanted to keep active, there’s also the Lotus Spa and fitness centre, a jogging track, sports facilities and even a nine-hole putting course.

Personally, I’d probably spend more time looking for a comfortable sun lounger than working on my golf swing.

But it’s nice to have options!

What Would I Choose for a Cabin?

Emerald Princess offers a range of accommodation to suit different budgets and holiday preferences.

Here’s how I’d look at the options:

• Inside cabins: A practical choice if I’d rather spend my budget exploring the ship and destinations.
• Oceanview cabins: Ideal if I wanted natural light and a view of the sea.
• Balcony cabins: My personal temptation. Having private outdoor space for a morning coffee or watching the coastline pass sounds fantastic.
• Mini-Suites: Worth considering if I wanted additional living space and a separate sitting area.
• Suites: The option I’d investigate if I were planning something special and wanted extra space and enhanced facilities.

My advice would be to compare the price difference rather than automatically choosing the most expensive cabin.

If you’re going to spend most of your time enjoying everything else the ship has to offer, a more affordable cabin could work perfectly well.

Is Emerald Princess Good for Families?

If I were planning a family cruise, I’d certainly want to know what there was for younger guests to enjoy.

Emerald Princess has dedicated children’s and teenage facilities, with age-specific clubs designed to keep younger passengers entertained.

These include:

• The Treehouse: Activities and games for younger children.
• The Lodge: A dedicated space for children aged 8–12.
• The Beach House: A social space for teenagers with activities and entertainment.

There are also family accommodation options, including connecting cabins and family suites.

I particularly like the idea of having separate spaces for different age groups. Younger children and teenagers generally want very different things from their holidays.

It also gives parents an opportunity to enjoy a little time to themselves while everyone else is happily occupied.

Everyone gets a holiday. Even the teenagers might crack a smile!

Where Would I Sail on Emerald Princess?

This is where I’d start getting particularly excited BUT its still very much a factor overall in my Emerald Princess onboard experience.

Emerald Princess has sailed a variety of itineraries, including Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and other destinations, depending on the season and published schedule.

Alaska: For the Scenery Alone

If I were looking for something completely different, Alaska would be high on my list.

Think dramatic mountain landscapes, glaciers, wildlife and beautiful coastal towns. It’s a destination that offers an incredible amount to see, particularly if you enjoy nature and photography.

I’d want to spend plenty of time on deck taking in the scenery. A balcony cabin would be particularly tempting on a sailing like this.

The Caribbean: Sunshine and Tropical Escapes

If warmer weather and beautiful beaches were more my thing, the Caribbean would certainly get my attention.

Turquoise waters, colourful islands and opportunities to explore different cultures make it a fantastic cruise destination.

I’d be looking for an itinerary that combines a few different islands with plenty of time to enjoy the ship.

The Mediterranean: History, Food and Sunshine

The Mediterranean is another destination I’d happily consider.

Historic cities, beautiful coastal towns, fantastic food and plenty of opportunities to explore make it a brilliant option for anyone who likes a little variety.

I’d compare the individual itineraries to see which ports and sailing dates suited me best.

Remember that routes and departure dates change, so always check the specific sailing before making your plans.

My Top Tips Before Booking Emerald Princess

If I were booking a holiday aboard Emerald Princess, there are a few things I’d look into first.

1. Compare the dining options. I’d check which restaurants are included and whether any speciality experiences require an additional payment.

2. Look carefully at the cabin categories. A balcony would be tempting, but I’d compare the upgrade cost against what else I could enjoy with the difference.

3. Check the entertainment programme. I’d make a note of the shows and experiences I particularly wanted to enjoy.

4. Investigate The Sanctuary. If a quieter adults-only space appeals to you, check availability and booking arrangements.

5. Look at the itinerary first. For me, the destinations are just as important as the ship. I’d make sure the ports, sailing length and time ashore suited the holiday I wanted.

6. Don’t plan every minute. Some of the best holiday moments happen when you haven’t scheduled a thing. Leave yourself time to relax and enjoy the ship.

Would I Put Emerald Princess on My Cruise Wish List?

Absolutely.

What appeals to me about Emerald Princess is its combination of traditional cruise ship charm, a good choice of restaurants, plenty of entertainment and lots of opportunities to relax.

I’d particularly look forward to trying Crown Grill, spending an evening watching Movies Under the Stars and finding my favourite spot around the Piazza.

Add in the choice of destinations, from Alaska to the Caribbean and Mediterranean, and there’s plenty to consider.

If you’re thinking about sailing on this ship, I’d start by exploring our Emerald Princess cruise ship page to find out more about the ship and available options.

You can also browse our wider Princess Cruises deals to compare other ships, itineraries and holidays.

I hope my Emerald Princess onboard experience was useful?

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to investigate those balcony cabins. Purely for research purposes, obviously.