A sunny day in San Francisco revealed the hull of the Sea Princess sitting alongside pier 35. We were swiftly and efficiently brought aboard and set free to view the ship at our leisure. I have to say that knowing the ship is going into dry dock in only one month’s time I thought the ship was in rather good shape.

The Sea Princess along with sister ships Sun Princess and Dawn Princess, carries far fewer guests (1,950 guests) than vessels of comparable size, giving the ship a more spacious feeling.

STATEROOMS–In September the ship will receive all new flat-panel TV’s and some other small cosmetic upgrades in the staterooms.
Mini Suites with Balcony – If you can, treat yourself to a Mini Suites with Balcony, they are gorgeous and have a very open feeling and include a luxurious bath with a separate shower and tub; generous storage space; separate living area and a spacious balcony. Category AB Mini Suites can be found at the very back of the ship and have an extra large balcony.
Inside, Oceanview and Balcony Staterooms – The ship boasts more than 400 balcony staterooms to choose from. These staterooms in general are basically all the same layout and feature the same décor. The higher Balcony staterooms did seem to offer a bit more space, however the space in most staterooms seemed to be a little tight. For those of you wanting to save money – category GG Oceanview Staterooms are a great value and offer a window with a slight obstruction – still letting in plenty of light and with a possible slight view. An interesting cabin category is category D Oceanview Staterooms featuring an outward sloping window – these interesting Oceanviews felt roomier and lighter.
Family cabins – Good for families of 3 or 4 with small children these staterooms feature drop down bunk beds that suspend over the beds below.

PUBLIC SPACES
The Atrium – The large atrium is the center of activity and is open and airy with three decks viewable from the center. Around this atrium you’ll find all the sit down dining restaurants, the front desk, coffee bar, Pizzeria and more. After September this area will feature an updated Piazza with an even more inviting street café atmosphere featuring roving entertainers and new dining options.
Show Lounge – The show lounge is one level with a good view for all those in attendance.
Dining – The ship features two main dining rooms, plus six different dining areas including the casual buffet dining experience featured all the way forward on The Lido deck and providing ample seating with a great view, open 24-hours a day.
The Lido pool Area – features a huge flat screen TV (soon to be upgraded), hot tubs plus a private pool with hot tubs just for adults. The pools are all fresh-water.
The Spa and Fitness Center – is located all the way aft and features a fitness room, several treatment rooms, a large beauty parlor and another adults-only dipping pool and hot tub area.
The sports deck includes an area to play basketball, tennis and more.
Other features – Library, Internet Café, large Casino, six self-serve Laundromats, additional smaller show lounge, seven bars and lounges including a trendy night-club.
In September, the ship will rearrange slightly to accommodate the adults-only Sanctuary featuring plush padded lounge chairs, the service of a dedicated Serenity Stewards, refreshing beverages and light snacks and private cabanas. Plus, some additional amenities yet to be announced specifically to this ship.

The new additions and upgrades will take this ship to the top and delight guests wishing to sail her. In 2010, this ship can be found sailing in the Caribbean from Jan.-May; Sept.-Dec. 2010 and roundtrip San Francisco to Alaska May-Sept. 2010 and to Mexico Sept. 2010. Plus some Panama Canal cruises May and Oct. 2010.