TRAVELCruise ship tours: Princess Cruises' Golden PrincessNow based out of Australia, the Golden Princess is the second of Princess Cruises ground-breaking Grand Class of cruise ships. Introduced in 2001, it followed the nearly identical Grand Princess of 1998 and was joined by the Star Princess of 2002.Peter KnegoThe 950-by-133-foot ship measures 108,865 gt and can carry 2,600 guests based upon double occupancy. Fully air conditioned and stabilized, the Golden Princess is powered by diesel engines that drive twin screws at a service speed of 22.5 knots.Peter KnegoHull number 6050, the Golden Princess and its sisters were built by Fincantieri’s Monfalcone (near Trieste), Italy-based shipyard.Peter KnegoThe original Grand Class trio of ships were so successful that they led to the construction of six very similar vessels for the Princess fleet and two more for sister company, UK-based P&O Cruises.Peter KnegoDistinguished by its unusual architectural features, the secret to the Golden Princess’ success is sensible design, excellent passenger flow, a large proportion of balconied cabins and multiple entertainment venues.Peter KnegoGolden Princess has thirteen passenger decks, starting at the top with Sky Deck (17), which has a midships sunning and observation platform.Peter KnegoFrom the observation platform, there is a great view aft over the Golden Princess’ Trident Pool area which transforms into an outdoor cinema called Movies Under The Stars with screenings on its 300-square-foot LED screen.Peter KnegoThis view facing forward from Sky Deck shows the outdoor teen area (left) which has its own dedicated Jacuzzi and the children’s play area (right) with its wading pool.Peter KnegoA netted-in sports court that can be used for tennis and basketball is located on Sky Deck aft of the ship’s funnel.Peter KnegoGuests can purchase half day and full day access to the adults-only, 70-capacity Sanctuary, a sheltered haven with cushioned loungers, signature beverages and soothing music that overlooks the bow on forward Sports Deck Deck (16).Peter KnegoPrivate massage cabanas are available to guests in the Sanctuary, offering a menu of treatments.Peter KnegoThe Sanctuary overlooks the swim-against-the-current, adults-only lap pool adjacent to the Lotus Spa on Sun Deck (15).Peter KnegoThis is another view of the Lotus Spa pool area from Sports Deck.Peter KnegoThe lawn court is a turf-covered games and putting area on Sports Deck behind the Movies Under The Stars screen.Peter KnegoThe al fresco Oasis Bar overlooks the stern from aft Sports Deck.Peter KnegoThis is a view of the aft-situated Terrace Pool from the Oasis Bar.Peter KnegoA deck chess court is on the starboard side of aft Sports Deck.Peter KnegoThe Tradewinds Bar is on Sun Deck (15) overlooking the Neptune’s Reef Pool.Peter KnegoThe Conservatory is a balcony overlooking the Calypso Reef Pool, which can be covered with a sliding glass and steel dome in inclement weather.Peter KnegoA shuffleboard court can be found on the port side of aft Sun Deck.Peter KnegoPrego's Pizzeria (left) and the Mermaid’s Tail Bar (right) are on Lido Deck (14), forward of the Neptune’s Reef Pool.Peter KnegoThe Neptune’s Reef Pool is an open-air family pool on Lido Deck.Peter KnegoSundaes Ice Cream Bar is on the starboard side of Lido Deck between the Neptune’s Reef and Calypso Reef pools.Peter KnegoThe al fresco Outrigger Bar is at the aft end of Lido Deck adjacent to the Horizon Terrace dining area.Peter KnegoShaded by the cantilevered Skywalker’s lounge overhead, the aptly named Terrace Pool is a favorite spot for those seeking a quiet retreat on the aft end of Aloha Deck (12).Peter KnegoThe Golden Princess’ full wrap-around promenade begins on forward Emerald Deck (8) where it encircles the rim of the ship’s prow.Peter KnegoThe promenade steps down from Emerald Deck to Promenade Deck (7) where it encircles a full deck of public spaces. 2.5 times around equals a mile.Peter KnegoAccess to Skywalker’s on aft Sky Deck is via a futuristic steel and glass tubular walkway with a moving ramp in its center.Peter KnegoThe 189-seat Skywalker’s doubles as a quiet observation lounge by day and a pulsating disco at night.Peter KnegoViews from Skywalker’s, which hovers over the sea from a 150-foot vantage, are among the most dramatic aboard any ship.Peter KnegoAn aerobics studio fronts the port side portion of the Lotus Spa on forward Sun Deck.Peter KnegoThe Golden Princess’ Fitness Center has a line-up of cardio equipment, weight machines and free weights.Peter KnegoThe Beauty Salon is located near the entrance to the Lotus Spa on Sun Deck.Peter KnegoThere is a relaxation room for guests to enjoy before and after their Lotus Spa treatments.Peter KnegoThere are separate men’s (shown) and women’s steam areas in the Lotus Spa.Peter KnegoThe Lotus Spa also has men’s (shown) and women’s saunas.Peter KnegoThe Golden Princess has a dedicated teen center called Off Limits, offering age-specific activities on Sun Deck near the forward stairtower.Peter KnegoThe Fun Zone youth center adjoins Off Limits. There is a dedicated space with activities for those aged 3-to-7.Peter Knego8-to-12-year-olds have their own area and activities in the Youth Center on Sun Deck.Peter KnegoLocated on aft Sun Deck, the Hearts and Minds Wedding Chapel can also be configured as a conference room.Peter KnegoThe Horizon Court is the 602-seat buffet style casual eatery on Lido Deck.Peter KnegoRemodeled in 2014, the buffet stations in the Horizon Court include everything from a salad bar to a deli, a carvery, hot entrées, international specialties and desserts.Peter KnegoThe newly remodeled Horizon Terrace is at the aft end of the Horizon Court.Peter KnegoThe largest public space on the Golden Princess, the Princess Theater spans three levels and seats 800 guests. With excellent sightlines, it is used for the ship’s production shows, guest musicians, magicians, comedians and enrichment lectures.Peter KnegoThe 13,500-square-foot Grand Casino is directly aft of the upper level of the Princess Theater on Promenade Deck.Peter KnegoSituated on the top level of the three deck tall Piazza, the 51-seat Promenade Bar is the Golden Princess’ sing-along piano bar.Peter KnegoThe recently renovated Piazza is not just an atrium but a venue offering multiple bars, casual eateries and live entertainment throughout the day and eve.Peter KnegoAft of the Piazza on Promenade Deck, a wide starboard side passageway connects several lounges and bars, beginning with the Explorers Lounge.Peter KnegoWith a Rudyard Kipling-inspired decorative theme, the 274-seat Explorers Lounge is a popular cabaret style showroom and lounge.Peter KnegoA photo gallery continues aft along the Promenade Deck passage, linking the Wheelhouse Bar, Sabatini’s and the Vista Lounge.Peter KnegoThe Wheelhouse Bar features dark wood tones and has a nautically inspired decorative theme with its displays of ship models and navigation equipment.Peter KnegoSabatini’s is the 92-seat, extra-tariff ($25 per guest) Italian specialty dining venue on Promenade Deck.Peter KnegoSabatini’s table settings include custom chargers, Riedel stemware and starched linens.Peter KnegoThe Vista Showlounge is located at the aft end of Promenade Deck and functions as a cabaret style entertainment venue with seating for 457 guests.Peter KnegoThe 43-seat Players Club cigar and sports bar is located near the Fiesta Deck (6) level of the Princess Theater.Peter KnegoThe New York-themed Crown Grill is the extra-tariff ($25) steak house on port Fiesta Deck.Peter KnegoThe Shore Excursions office is near the entrance to the Crown Grill on Fiesta Deck.Peter KnegoThe Passenger Services Desk is located on the mid-level of the Piazza on Fiesta Deck.Peter KnegoCalypso Cove is one of several shops adjacent to the Piazza.Peter KnegoOne of three similarly appointed and sized restaurants, the 486-seat Donatello Dining Room is located on Fiesta Deck near the Piazza. Donatello offers open seating Anytime Dining.Peter KnegoThe Canaletto Dining Room is located aft Fiesta Deck. With seats for 504 guests, it offers Traditional Dining (with the same table and wait staff every evening) in two seatings.Peter KnegoPrincess Fine Arts Gallery has artworks for sale via Park West Auctions, is located on Plaza Deck (5) just forward of the Piazza.Peter KnegoThe Plaza Deck level of the Piazza is home to several bars and eateries.Peter KnegoThe International Cafe is an a la carte specialty coffee venue with complimentary snacks that change throughout the day.Peter KnegoThe Wine Bar is a wine and seafood bar located on the starboard side of the Piazza.Peter KnegoWines and gourmet bites are available for purchase at the Wine Shop, which is next to the Wine Bar on Plaza Deck.Peter KnegoThe Lobby Bar has seating for 52 guests and is a favorite place to watch the sea roll by from a near-waterline vantage.Peter KnegoA combination Library and Internet Center is adjacent to the Piazza on Plaza Deck.Peter KnegoThe Bernini Dining Room seats 486 guests and offers open seating Anytime Dining.Peter KnegoGolden Princess has five self-service laundromats which are especially convenient on the ship’s longer voyages.Peter KnegoGolden Princess has six overall categories of guest accommodation, ranging from 160-square-foot Interiors to a 1314-square-foot Grand Suite. This is a Category BA Balcony Stateroom L303, which measures 232-square-feet.Peter KnegoBalcony Staterooms have a small walk-in closet with a safe.Peter KnegoBalcony Staterooms have a veranda with room for two chairs and a small table.Peter KnegoBalcony Staterooms have modular bathrooms with shower, sink and toilet.Peter KnegoPrincess supplies shower gel and shampoo in convenient shower dispensers as well as soap and moisturizer.Peter KnegoThe Golden Princess has 26 staterooms that are wheelchair accessible. This twin Balcony Stateroom has a wider door than non-wheelchair accessible cabins and a modified bathroom with a roll-in shower.Peter Knego