The Diamond Princess cruise ship began operation in 2004 as the biggest and best ship in Princess Cruise Lines’ impressive fleet.
The ship is large, at 951 feet (290 meters) in length, and it can accommodate between 2,670 (double occupancy) and 3,100 passengers (full occupancy), with a crew of 1,240.
Yet despite its impressive size, the ship was designed in a way such that you rarely feel crowded or overwhelmed.
In fact, the many smaller themed restaurants, lounges, and spacious decks often give you the feel of being on a smaller ship.
You get all the mega-ship amenities without sacrificing the service and intimate stylings of a much smaller ship.
Dining
Passengers are given the selection of either Traditional Dining or Personal Choice Dining.
Those choosing Traditional Dining take their meals in the elegant International Dining Room at the same time and the same table each night.
People instead choosing Personal Choice Dining are free to eat anytime they want at one of the ships smaller, themed restaurants, Santa Fe, Pacific Moon, Vivaldi, and the Savoy.
The themed restaurants now serve the same core menu, complimented by several additional entrées selected according to each restaurant’s theme.
These restaurants do fill up during peak hours, so reservations are recommended.
In addition, the Sterling Steak House offers fine dining for a $15 per person service charge.
Sabatini’s is an upscale Italian restaurant offering generous portions. There is a $20 service charge per person for this dining option.
Finally, there is the Horizon Court Buffet, which is open 24 hours and offers a bistro-style menu with sandwiches and light entrees. The breakfast buffet is particularly excellent.
Entertainment
Entertainment options on the Diamond Princess are excellent and varied. They include:
Two Broadway-style musical shows, running nightly
Several comedians performing nightly in two lounges
Live Jazz and singing nightly
Recent movies play regularly in the ship’s theater
The Princess Idol talent competition runs nightly
Scholarship at Sea classes in everything from cooking to photography
Fitness classes
A golf simulator and 9 hole putting green
Basketball
A full gym and track
A full onboard spa
Paddle tennis courts
The options really are too many to list here, and new options are offered all the time.
The Diamond Princess cruise ship is one of the best in the Princess fleet or in any fleet, for that matter, and it makes an excellent choice for your Alaskan cruise.
