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Why Go?
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 Fourth in Princess Cruises' Grand class
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Introduced poolside movie screen concept
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Excellent Princess' Kids Club facility
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Two alternative eateries: Sabatini's and Sterling Steakhouse
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Editor's Picks: Best Suites at Sea
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Itineraries and Ports of Call: Caribbean - Southern
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Caribbean Princess Review
It seems that every cruise line has embarked on a renovation program to add the popular features of its newest ships to its aging ones, and Princess is no different. While five-year-old Caribbean Princess is certainly not an old ship, it recently underwent a major refurbishment to add features that have become passenger favorites on her younger siblings: Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess.
Of the changes, the most notable -- and most appreciated -- is the transformation of the ship's former atrium into the new three-deck-high, street-cafe-style Piazza, which is home to the International Cafe (a bakery-cum-deli), Vines Wine & Seafood Bar, the Internet Cafe & Library, and an entertainment area.
We spent hours sitting in the comfortable, patio-style seating areas, sipping coffee, reading, playing board games and watching occasional performers, ranging from a Cirque-type cube-spinner to a BMX biker who performed balancing tricks.
A martini-making show drew one of the cruise's largest crowds, as a trio of bartenders educated and entertained passengers (martini shake dance, anyone?), showing them the art of making a martini. Audience members eagerly volunteered to sample the goods, and you could hear a collective gasp as five types of martinis were stacked in their shakers and then poured -- all at once -- in to a pyramid of glasses. And, all this took place around noon, a time when you'd expect most passengers to be spending a sunny sea day by the pool.
Also new in the Piazza is Vines Wine Bar, the place to try more than 30 wines by the glass while snacking on artisan cheeses.
Higher up on the ship, the new, adults-only Sanctuary is a shaded Zen-like retreat, complete with extra-cushy lounge chairs and waiters who deliver Bose headphones with pre-programmed tunes and spa menu items.
Ultimately, the most impressive thing about Caribbean Princess was that the more-than-3,000-passenger ship managed to never feel overcrowded.
Downsides? Despite the spruced-up public areas, the ship is beginning to show its age in places. For example, the lifeboats could use fresh coats of paint, and pool bar signage and standard balcony furnishings look worn. But, these are minor quibbles.
Read Complete Caribbean Princess Review
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Princess Ships: Caribbean Princess • Coral Princess • Crown Princess • Dawn Princess • Diamond Princess • Emerald Princess • Golden Princess • Grand Princess • Island Princess • Pacific Princess • Royal Princess • Ruby Princess • Sapphire Princess • Sea Princess • Star Princess • Sun Princess • Tahitian Princess
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