We've just returned from our 10 day Caribbean cruise on the Emerald Princess. She's 19 decks of beauty. The Sanctuary located on the 18th or 19th deck forward (can't remember which one) offers breath-taking views, massages, beautiful lounge chairs, peace and quite, even food service. I lost count of the number of clubs and pools. The pizzeria/ice cream parlor is mid-ship Lido. They not only have the Horizon Buffet but also the Cafe Caribe Buffet (deck 15-funny how I can remember that . We tried both Sabatini's and the Crown Grill, better than any 5 star restaurant I've eaten in. The Black and Blue onion soup in the Crown Grill was simply amazing! There was an International Cafe on deck 5 that had specialty coffees, gellato, and pastries. The Internet Cafe was very spacious, we didn't use the computers, but they looked very new. Flat panel tvs and the cabin layout was very efficient. Large closet, full-length, 2 night stands, a dresser, and a cabinet with shelves. It seemed to me that the bathroom was smaller than on the Sun class ships, but my hubby said I was nuts. The casino was large, but did smell of smoke (and I'm a smoker that noticed it). They had 2 non-smoking nights for the casino, both of the formal nights. I thought the service was amazing. I heard a lot of people complaining because they had to wait 5 minutes to get a drink. Maybe it's just me, but with over 3000 people on board, 5 minutes didn't seem unreasonable to me. They've changed the menus slightly in the dining rooms. I personally think for the better, but again I heard people complaining about the food. Not sure what their problem was, everything I ordered was wonderful. We did personal choice and the service was excellent. Our last night, the waiter was a little befuddled, but the food was delivered hot and yummy. We've booked the Royal for next December. It'll be interesting going from the behemoth ship to the small one. The Skywalker lounge offered a magnificent view as well as beautiful decor and good music. The ship never seemed crowded, even waiting to get off to go ashore didn't take long.

My favorite ship in the fleet is still the Sea Princess. It is my personal preference and has nothing to do with the Emerald being less appealing. I just prefer the Sun Class ships, the layout is not as chopped up, to me. The atrim area was beautifully decorated for Christmas. I hope to be able to upload some pictures soon, probably next weekend. I took 4 rolls of 35mm pictures, I don't know how many digital pictures, and even did some camcorder shots of the ship. She was truly spectacular!

I need to edit my signature, which I'll go do now. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I sure did, we were snorkeling in Grenada It was truly a day of thanks!

If anyone would like to ask specific questions about the Emerald, I'll do my best to answer. Best wishes and counting down to the Mediterranea!

Penny, I can't tell you how happy I am for you. I know how much this trip meant to you and how long you've been looking forward to it.

The Emerald sounds magical; even more choices than the other large Princess ships. I don't know how they do it--putting that many people onboard without it ever feeling crowded. I'm with you on the Sun class ships; but you've made me want to do Emerald too.

I'm also thrilled to hear you've booked Royal Princess; that's another class I must try--soon!

Again, glad to hear the good report, and I'm anxious to see your photos.

Rick

Penny, welcome back and great review. I get nothing but praise on the Emerald by clients.

Cheers, Neil

Finally read your review, I'm sold! Those ports and the price is so reasonable. Now if I could just get that time off!

Since Penny mentioned that she loves the Sun Class ships, I will mention why my other half does not like the Sun Class. Its the balconys. They feel like somebody cut a whole out of the hull and visibility is limited by the superstructure. We prefer the wide open balconies on the Grand Class..particularly the Caribe Deck balconies where you get half covered and half open (best of both worlds). Its a small thing, but it is a factor. Other than the balconies, we think the Sun Class ships are fine.

Hank