MBT Cruise ship MS Grand Princess (1998) – Carnival plc; Princess Cruises – Construction plan, scale 1:100 (10.10.156)

The MS Grand Princess is an iconic cruise ship from Princess Cruises, which was delivered in 1998. At the time, it was the largest and most expensive passenger ship in the world, built by Fincantieri in Italy for approximately $450 million.

Technical Specifications

Length: 290 metres (949 feet)

Width: 48 metres (158 feet, including bridge wing)

Height: 62 metres (188 feet)

Draught: 8 metres (26 feet)

Gross tonnage: 107,517 GT

Number of decks: 17

Passenger capacity: 2,600 (lower berths)

Crew: 1,150

Registration: Bermuda

Builder: Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani, Monfalcone, Italy

Commissioned: 26 May 1998

Naming ceremony: Actress Olivia de Havilland

Cabins and Accommodation

The ship has 1,303 cabins, of which 937 are outside cabins and 366 are inside cabins. There are 37 suites, 180 mini-suites, 502 balcony cabins, 218 outside cabins and 366 inside cabins. In addition, there are 26 wheelchair-accessible cabins available.

Restaurants and Bars

The MS Grand Princess offers a variety of dining and drinking options, including:

Main restaurants: Botticelli, Da Vinci and Michelangelo

Speciality restaurants: Sabatini’s (Italian), Crown Grill (steakhouse), Alfredo’s Pizzeria

Buffet: Horizon Court

Bars and lounges: Vines (wine bar), Leaves (tea lounge and library), The One5 (nightclub), Wheelhouse Bar, Crooners (martini bar), Snooker’s Cigar Bar

Snacks: Trident Grill (burgers and hotdogs), Prego Pizzeria (poolside pizza), Sundaes (ice cream bar), 24-hour room service.

Entertainment and Facilities

The ship offers a variety of entertainment and leisure options:

Showrooms and lounges: Princess Theatre, Vista Show Lounge, Explorer’s Lounge, The One5 nightclub

Wellness: Lotus Spa and Fitness Centre

Swimming pools: 4 swimming pools and 1 splash pool

Hot tubs: 8

Casino: Grand Casino

Sports: Golf putting course, sports court

Families: Children’s and teenagers’ centres

Other: Internet café, art gallery, photo and video gallery, shops, wedding chapel, Piazza-style atrium

Refurbishments and Present Day

In 2011, the Grand Princess underwent a major refurbishment, which included the removal of the Skywalkers nightclub at the stern to improve fuel efficiency and optimise the ship’s balance. In 2022, the ship was refurbished again to offer modern facilities and enhanced guest experiences.

Itineraries and History

The MS Grand Princess has sailed various routes worldwide, particularly in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and South America. The ship has played a significant role in the history of Princess Cruises and remains a favourite among cruise passengers.

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