Life aboard Diamond Princess
Being a large resort ship, built in 2004, on-board entertainment and facilities are state-of-the-art for cruise ships. The ship itself is a cruise destination. She has two decks of public spaces and plenty of lifts and staircases that make for ease of movement. There is an ‘adults only’ two-deck Sanctuary area with padded sunloungers and pool for your solitude, and a fleet-wide ‘Movies Under the Stars’ screen. The Alaskan cruises tend to attract more families and multigenerational groups. Now joining and adapting to the Australian summer scene, Diamond Princess offers experienced cruising with a UK background, and is certain to attract a lot of attention in the Pacific region. Boarding logistics are very smooth. Tips and gratuities are not required when cruising Australian waters.

Accommodation
There are six types of cabin and 35 price categories: insides, outsides (some obstructed), balcony cabins, outside mini-suites (with and without balconies) and balcony suites. Cabins are roomy and nicely appointed, with satellite TV access to major channels. Standard cabins are practical and attractive, many have additional upper berths for children, and some have inter-connecting doors. The larger the stateroom, the more additional facilities. All guests receive turndown service, chocolates on pillow at night, bathrobes and amenity kits, and complimentary room service on most items 24 hours a day. There are no single cabins, 28 wheelchair-accessible cabins, and some cabins accommodate families of three and four.

Four types of suites are available, including two family suites, each of which can sleep up to 10 people if four are children – otherwise eight adults. Mid-priced suites compare more than favourably with motel accommodation, amenities and service. Most balconies give privacy, and some can be joined with other balconies when travelling in a group. Suites have a bathtub and second TV. The 26 suites and 186 mini-suites cover a large range of sizes and additional free-bees such as complimentary laundry and shoe shine, a selection of pillows, daily in-room canapés and high tea, free Internet access, and much more. The one Grand Suite has effectively two entertainment areas and a double balcony area, all great for entertaining. There are no butlers for any staterooms.

Food and Dining
Traditional dining in the International Dining Room offers you a pre-selection of one of two seating times throughout the cruise. Anytime Dining (sitting when and with whom you choose) is offered in the four other themed dining rooms. All serve five course meals changed daily, with chefs inducted into the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gastronomic society. Sabatini’s serves Italian cuisine and Sterling Steakhouse serves steak and seafood (for an extra cover charge). Dress code is smart casual, and on cruises longer than three days dress for a formal night for every week of sailing. Breakfast and lunch are provided in an open seating arrangement. (Of course a continental breakfast can be delivered to your stateroom, and there is a stateroom menu.) Passengers booked in cabins with balconies can order several special, romantic meals to be served restaurant-style on the verandah - Ultimate Balcony Dining. Order special dietary requests before sailing.

Casual dining is available at Horizon Court buffet all day and informal sit-down waiter service at night. The pizzeria gives an excellent choice, and will also provide room delivery for a small charge. There is a burger and hotdog grill, and take-away food is available at the pool side. For lighter snacks try the ice-cream sundae bar, or the patisserie for coffees and pastries. Afternoon tea is served daily. There are 12 bars and lounges. Coffee, iced tea and milk are available 24 hours a day. For an exclusive (extra charge) dining experience for ten guests make a reservation for The Chef’s Table.

Entertainment
As for entertainment, there is more than can be squeezed into a week. The Princess Theatre is two decks high, featuring glamorous production shows every second or third evening. The Vista Show Lounge with its three stages presents cabaret, and doubles for lectures, bingo and horse-racing during the day. Explorer’s Lounge hosts cabaret acts and dance bands. Movies first-run feature films pool-side at Under the Stars on Sun Deck. There are 12 bars and lounges with live music and dancing. A new feature is the new three-deck-high street-cafe-style Piazza, for sipping coffee and watching the occasional passing performer. Stroll around and shop duty-free, or check your email at the Internet Café.

Princess on-shore programs are outstanding, and information about shore options is comprehensive. On board, enrichment programs include the ScholarShip@Sea program, which presents six self-improvement programs each day, with a charge for advanced classes. The core subjects are: Culinary Arts, Visual/Creative Arts, Photography, and Computer Technology. There is a pottery studio complete with electric kiln, karaoke, virtual golf, art auctions, and casino gambling. Five pools spread the crowd. Fun activities surround the pool areas and include a nine-hole putting course, virtual golf, and ball games. One can retire to the library and writing room, the adults-only lounge, work out in the gyms, or relax in a spa or hot tub. While passengers are generally older, each young age group has five-star special facilities and programs.

Explore the decks

17 - Sky 16 - Sports 15 - Sun 14 - Lido 12 - Aloha 11 - Baja 10 - Caribe 9 - Dolphin 8 - Emerald 7 - Promenade 6 - Fiesta 5 - Plaza 4 - Gala