Princess Cruises is sending a familiar face south. Grand Princess, currently wrapping up an Alaskan season, is about to become the line's year-round ship in Australia, with sailings planned across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. The crew is already prepping for the move - executive chef Johan Antes has his galley team practising lamingtons, and there's a fridge full of Aussie desserts for them to master.
Launched in 1998, Grand Princess is one of the older ships in the fleet, and that's arguably her selling point. She carries around 2,600 guests, a fraction of the newest Princess vessels - the reviewer compares her to Star Princess, moored nearby in Juneau, which spans 21 decks, weighs about 175,000 gross tons and carries over 4,000 passengers. If mega-ships feel like floating theme parks, Grand Princess offers the opposite: gracious public rooms, wide promenade decks, several distinct lounges and service from a crew that already knows the ropes.
The heart of the ship is the Piazza, a multi-level atrium styled on a European town square, home to the International Café (a godsend for the 136 Aussies already aboard after decent coffee) and live music through the day. Elsewhere there's the Crooners piano and martini bar, the quieter Wheelhouse Bar, Vines wine bar, plus Explorers, Vista and The One5 for evening entertainment - meaning crowds spread out rather than pack into one enormous venue. Practical touches for variable weather include the Conservatory, a climate-controlled pool area with hot tubs, and Movies Under the Stars on the main pool deck, complete with blankets and free popcorn. Adults-only The Sanctuary costs extra and fills fast, so book early.
Dining covers both ends of the spectrum. The main dining rooms earn genuine praise for warm, experienced waiters, while the buffet Horizon Court, Slice Pizzeria and the Salty Dog Grill handle casual meals. Two speciality venues sit at the top: Crown Grill, a classic steakhouse the reviewer counts among his favourite restaurants at sea (filet mignon and key lime pie included), and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria with handmade pasta and a slower, multi-course pace.
Cabins run from compact interiors around 158 square feet to suites up to 932 square feet. Mini-suites, at roughly 323 square feet with a separate sitting area and bathtub, are the sweet spot for longer voyages. One caveat: deck plans matter, as some oceanview windows are partially or fully obstructed.
For Australian cruisers, the takeaway is simple. Grand Princess won't wow you with glass skywalks or headline attractions, but she's well maintained, sensibly laid back, and better suited to long sea days on Tasman crossings and Pacific itineraries than most modern giants. If you prefer a traditional ocean-liner feel, attentive crew and plenty of quiet corners, she may be exactly the right ship for a year-round local season. - Cruise Passenger
