Grand Princess

The upper pool deck has a pool big enough for laps, with shallow water around the edges for dipping your toes and hot tubs at each end. Pizza and the Salty Dog Grill keep lunch easy. Princess created Movies Under the Stars, and the big LED screen here shows first-run films and big games, with blankets, popcorn, and cookies and milk. A second bar one level up adds more sun and shade.

All the way forward on the top of the ship, the Sanctuary is an adults-only retreat you can reserve for a half day, a full day or the whole cruise. Expect extra-comfy loungers, upgraded food and drinks brought to you, and a few spots for spa treatments, with wide views for scenic cruising. Just below it, the complimentary Lotus Spa pool has two hot tubs, a small pool and padded loungers.

The Solarium is a signature of the early Grand Class ships. In Alaska or other cool destinations, the dome closes and the heat comes on, so the pool and several hot tubs work in any weather. The Calypso Bar anchors the middle, and the buffet's spillover seating means you can bring your plate here. One level up are more sun loungers and a couple of ping pong tables.

Grand Princess saves some of her best spaces for the back of the ship. Deck 16 aft has loungers, chess, shuffleboard, two large hot tubs and the Oasis Bar. Just aft of the buffet, the terrace pool has loungers facing the wake. On Deck 15, the space that replaced the old Skywalkers nightclub is now a bar and lounge with cabana-style booths and a dance floor for groups and late nights.

Princess dedicates a lot of space to kids, with programs built around its Discovery and Animal Planet partnerships. The Treehouse is for ages 3 to 7 (potty trained), with movie time, a playhouse and arts and crafts. The Lodge, for ages 8 to 12, has computers, skee-ball and foosball. The Beach House is for teens 13 to 17, with a dance floor, video games and activities around the ship, like the sport court.

All the way forward, the Princess Theater is the main stage, with Vegas-style production shows and guest entertainers like magicians and comedians, especially on longer cruises. Stadium-style seating gives everyone a good view. All the way aft, the Vista Lounge hosts game shows, music and dancing, movies and hypnotists, with views on three sides. Nearby, Leaves combines the library, a game room and a quiet spot for tea.

The Piazza is the heart of the ship, a gathering spot inspired by an Italian town square. Around it you'll find the International Café for sandwiches, pastries and espresso drinks, Good Spirits for mixology classes created with Rob Floyd, and Vines, a wine bar with a large tasting table. Alfredo's Pizzeria makes pies to order (a cover charge applies unless your package includes it), and Crooners is the classic sing-along piano bar.

Crown Grill is the ship's classic steakhouse, with an open kitchen, booths along the windows and a menu of steaks, lobster and Love Boat-style desserts. Sabatini's serves handmade pastas from an open kitchen with large pizza ovens, and it's one of the better Italian restaurants at sea. Both cost extra, though the Princess Premier package includes specialty dining, so you can return more than once.