Movies Under the Stars

In The Mood 
For A Movie? 

Last night Tinsel Town was all aglow as the world's finest in the motion picture industry gathered for the 84th Annual Academy Awards Ceremony.  The ladies and gents arrived early to parade down the red carpet displaying their gowns, jewelry, and finest dinner attire.

Families across the world gathered to watch as the show unfolded.  Who would be best dressed?   Who would win the coveted Oscar Statues for leading roles or best movie?   As always, there were several well-known actors and actresses in the running as well as some new-comers.

Did you watch the Oscars?   Were you comfortable in your living room - or perhaps you were poolside somewhere in one of the oceans of the world on a cruise ship.


Are you now in the mood for a good movie?  Perhaps you want to watch one of the nominated films that you haven't seen.

Movies Under the Stars®

A cruise ship innovation when it debuted aboard Caribbean Princess in 2004, Princess' "Movies Under the Stars" outdoor theaters have become one of the line's now-signature features, adding an innovative way for passengers to enjoy the latest films, family fare, sporting events, and other special programming while relaxing at the pool.

The million-dollar screens have been added to ships across the fleet. Each state-of-the-art Times Square-style LED (Light Emitting Diode) screen is more than 300 square feet in size with a 69,000-watt sound system and has sufficient lighting power to be seen clearly at mid-day and heard clearly even while the ship is moving at full speed -- offering passengers a movie experience comparable to the best shoreside movie theater.

As with any cruise ship innovation that is well received, many other cruise lines have adopted these big-screens.   If the Oscars got you in the mood for a movie, why don't you double your fun by viewing it on a cruise ship?

Introducing Princess Cruises Newest Ship

Artist Rendering Royal Princess - Courtesy Princess Cruises

Click for Video: Introducing the new Royal Princess

Artist renderings of the ship are available on Princess' Flickr page.

First Steel Plate is Cut in Shipyard

In May, 2010, we announced that Italian shipbuilder, Fincantieri, who has long been associated with Carnival Corporation, had been awarded a deal to build two unnamed vessels for Princess Cruises.  The two new 141,000 ton, 3,600-passenger vessels would be the largest cruise ships ever built by Fincantieri and the flagships of Princess Cruises fleet.  The first ship would debut in Spring 2013 and the second the following spring.   Read the full article:  Carnival Corp. Places Orders With Fincantieri Shipbuilders

Today, Princess Cruises previewed the Royal Princess as the first steel plate was cut in the  Monfalcone, Italy shipyard marking the official start of construction of the new vessel.   The name Royal Princess may sound familiar to long-time cruise industry watchers.  This is actually the third time Princess Cruises has used that name for a ship.

Introducing SeaWalk^SM

SeaWalk^SM - Photo Courtesy Princess Cruises

Royal Princess will feature many of the classic design elements while adding some new features and expanded signature spaces.  As with the newest ships from other lines, at least one feature stands out as an innovation.   For Royal Princess, that will be an over-water SeaWalk^SM, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship's starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel. From here passengers can enjoy dramatic views, including to the sea 128 feet below. On the ship's port side, passengers will find a similarly-unique cantilevered SeaView bar, featuring cocktails with unbeatable vistas.

Also on her top decks, Royal Princess will feature a new adults-only pool surrounded by seven plush private cabanas that appear to be floating on the water. Two additional pools will flank a tropical island that will offer pool seating by day, and by night will become an outdoor dance club, complete with a dazzling water and light show.

Old Favorites Return

Princess' signature adults-only haven, The Sanctuary, will be expanded both in size and amenities. The popular poolside theater, Movies Under the Stars, will play a starring role mid-ship with an expanded size and high-definition viewing.   Here you can watch your favorite movies and enjoy some of Princess Cruises signature popcorn.

The Piazza atrium, will be significantly expanded to become the social hub of the vessel, complete with always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services.

Princess President and CEO Alan Buckelew remarked "Princess passengers will easily recognize our next ship as a natural progression in our fleet.  We're taking the best features of our newest vessels that have been such customer pleasers, and taking them to the next level. Just as the original Royal Princess ushered in a new era for our company with its innovative design, we expect our new Royal Princess to do the same."

We will bring you additional updates during the construction of the Royal Princess.

Football Action Super Sized at Sea

Princess Cruises Movies Under the Stars

Where will you watch the Big Game?

As the snow cleanup continues in Dallas, TX, before the Big Game tomorrow, Super Bowl fans across the country are preparing for the big day.   Most have stocked up on their favorite munchies and beverages and invited friends over to watch the game on their big screen TV.   Others, will be heading to their favorite watering hole to watch the game on one or more big screen TVs.   While yet others have a very different location for watching the Big Game....  onboard their favorite cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean and ESPN Teamed Up

All the gridiron action of Super Bowl XLV sets sail on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas® for the second annual Super Bowl at Sea on February 3, 2011.   Lucky fans that booked this cruise will have the following special events:

Super Bowl at Sea Viewing Party
Catch the Cowboys Stadium showdown live on the jumbo screen in the Studio B. Besides the main venue, the game will be broadcast at bars and lounges throughout the ship.

"Football vs. Futbol" Events Lineup
Put on your game face for "Football vs. Futbol," when American football and soccer go head-to-head in action-packed events, taking place all cruise long. Winners score prizes, and more importantly, all the glory.

Hang with ESPN hosts, NFL players, and Soccer players
ESPN commentators Robbie Earle, Shaka Hislop, and Tommy Smyth will be onboard to host "Football vs. Futbol" matchups and partake in all the Super Bowl Sunday action.  In addition to ESPN hosts, spend time with NFL players Verron Haynes and Rod Coleman and Soccer players onboard.

HINT:  If this sounds good to you, contact me to learn about next year's third annual event.

Super Bowl XLV to Star on Princess Cruises 
"Ultimate Big Screen" 

Football fans aboard all Princess Cruises ships around the world will have the opportunity to enjoy a super tailgate party at sea this Sunday February 6, with prime viewing of the match-up between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. The "Big Game" will be broadcast fleetwide to passengers, including viewing on the ships' 300-square-foot super-size "Movies Under the Stars" screens.

Passengers will be able to follow the action between the AFC and NFC Champions, plus see the halftime show with a performance by the Black Eyed Peas. Fans can enjoy the game with an array of tailgate treats including specially prepared chicken wings, pizza, pigs-in-a-blanket and other game day "munchies," plus beer specials.

The Super Bowl is one of several special events shown on the Movies Under the Stars screens, which will also broadcast the Academy Awards on February 27. The giant LED screens are more than 300 square feet in size with a 69,000-watt sound system and have sufficient lighting power to be seen clearly at mid-day and heard even while the ship is moving at full speed -- offering cruise passengers a movie experience comparable to the best shoreside movie theater.

Two-story Screen on Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Cruise Line will broadcast the Super Bowl

The game will be broadcast on most of its ships on Sunday, Feb. 6. The game will not be shown on the Norwegian Jade in Europe. The game will be shown on the two-story screens on Norwegian Pearl, Gem and Epic. Guests can also enter for a chance to win a jersey provided by MillerCoors Brewing Company when purchasing any Coors Light, Miller Light or Miller Genuine Draft beer during the Super Bowl sailing.

These are just a few of the Big Screens that will be Broadcasting the Big Game at Sea tomorrow.   I suspect that if you are reading this, you are probably not onboard one of those ships.  But, fear not, the Super Bowl is an annual event, so start planning today for next year - call or write me to learn about your options.

Princess Cruises Upgrades Fleet

Photos: Credit Princess Cruises

Princess Updates Fleet

Princess® plans to upgrade its fleet with innovative offerings and services, even as other cruise lines are pulling back. This fall, Island Princess® and Diamond Princess® will enter dry-dock and emerge with their
latest exclusive features.

Island Princess will be getting her makeover in Victoria, B.C. in September, and Diamond Princess will be sprucing up in exotic Singapore in October.

Diamond Princess will sparkle with the addition of The Sanctuary, where, you will enjoy more personal space, attentive Serenity Stewards, a variety of refreshing beverages and light snacks, and an opportunity for a soothing massage in a tranquil outdoor environment.

Movies Under the Stars®

And it will be “Lights, Camera, Action!” when Princess trademark feature, Movies Under the Stars®, is installed on both ships. If you haven’t watched a blockbuster movie or sporting event on their dramatic 300-square-foot movie screen, then you’re in for a treat.

Popcorn anyone?

Comfortably seated on poolside loungers, you’ll enjoy this enhanced viewing experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and cozy warm blankets.

Princess Cruises has plans to build 2 new ships, but in the meantime, why not improve the existing fleet with features which will enhance the cruise experience.  Plan on a cruise next year on Diamond or Island Princess to see these changes yourself.